Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02828469 2015-06-02
1
TITLE: SURFACE CLEANING APPARATUS
[0001] Blank
FIELD
[0002] The disclosure relates to surface cleaning apparatuses, such as
vacuum cleaners.
INTRODUCTION
[0003] Various constructions for surface cleaning apparatuses, such as
vacuum cleaners, are known. Currently, many surface cleaning apparatuses are
constructed using at least one cyclonic cleaning stage. Air is drawn into the
vacuum cleaners through a dirty air inlet and conveyed to a cyclone inlet. The
rotation of the air in the cyclone results in some of the particulate matter
in the
airflow stream being disentrained from the airflow stream. This material is
then
collected in a dirt bin collection chamber, which may be at the bottom of the
cyclone or in a direct collection chamber exterior to the cyclone chamber (see
for
example W02009/026709 and US 5,078,761). One or more additional cyclonic
cleaning stages and/or filters may be positioned downstream from the cyclone.
SUMMARY
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
2
[0004] The following summary is provided to introduce the reader to the
more
detailed discussion to follow. The summary is not intended to limit or define
the
claims.
[0005] According to one broad aspect of the teachings described herein, a
dirt
collection chamber for one or more cyclone chambers extends from a dirt inlet
towards
a dirt collection area. For example, the dirt inlet may be in an upper portion
of the dirt
collection chamber and the dirt collection area may be the floor of the dirt
collection
chamber. The dirt collection chamber comprises a sidewall (preferably an outer
sidewall) that extends longitudinally between opposing first and second ends
of the dirt
collection chamber. Air circulating within the dirt collection chamber may
flow along
the sidewall. For example, air may exit the dirt outlet of the cyclone chamber
and
rotate around the dirt collection chamber and travel towards the dirt
collection area.
The air will at some point travel in the reverse direction towards the dirt
inlet and re-
enter the cyclone chamber. The dirt collection chamber may be configured such
that
the cross sectional area of the dirt collection chamber in a plane transverse
to its
length changes at least once along the length of the dirt collection chamber.
In some
embodiments, the cross-sectional area at the first end of the dirt collection
chamber is
different than the cross-sectional area at the second end of the dirt
collection chamber.
[0006] An advantage of this configuration may be that changes in the cross-
sectional area may be used to enhance the separation efficiency of the cyclone
chamber and associated dirt collection chamber. By varying the transverse
cross
sectional area of the dirt collection chamber, the flow dynamics of the air in
the dirt
collection chamber may be varied and the amount of dirt that is disentrained
from the
air may be decreased, or the amount of dirt that is re-entrained may be
reduced. For
example, if the cross sectional area of the portion of the dirt collection
chamber distal
to the dirt inlet (e.g., the lower portion) is less than the opposed portion
(e.g. upper
portion) adjacent the dirt inlet, then the air will slow down as it enters the
upper portion.
As the velocity decreases, the amount of dirt that may be re-entrained in the
return
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
3
airflow may decrease. If the cross sectional area of the portion of the dirt
collection
chamber distal to the dirt inlet (e.g., the lower portion) is greater than the
opposed
portion (e.g. upper portion) adjacent the dirt inlet, then the air will slow
down as it
enters the lower portion allowing more dirt to be disentrained.
[0007] The cyclone chamber and dirt collection chamber assembly may be
used
in any surface cleaning apparatus. The surface cleaning apparatus comprises an
air
flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. A suction
motor is
provided in the air flow passage, and a cyclone bin assembly is provided in
the air flow
passage, preferably upstream from the suction motor. The cyclone bin assembly
may
comprise the cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber. Dirty air from the
dirty
air inlet may circulate within the cyclone chamber and may exit the cyclone
chamber to
circulate within the dirt collection chamber.
[0008] The cyclone bin assembly may also comprise a fine particle
separator, to
help separate relatively fine dirt particles from the dirty air. The fine
particle separator
comprises a flow chamber through which the dirty air may circulate. Dirty air,
carrying
entrained fine dirt particles may flow from the cyclone chamber into the fine
particle
separator. Air exiting the fine particle separator may re-enter the cyclone
chamber,
and travel to the suction motor via a cyclone air outlet.
[0009] The fine particle separator is configured so that air circulating
in the flow
chamber may travel at a relatively high velocity, and may travel faster than
the air
circulating within the cyclone chamber. To help increase the air flow velocity
the
cross-sectional area of the flow chamber, in the flow direction, may be
varied, and
preferably is reduced. Accelerating the dirty air to a relatively higher
velocity may help
disentrain fine dirt particles.
[0010] The air outlet of the fine particle separator flow chamber may be
configured to disrupt the flow of air exiting the flow chamber. Disrupting the
flow of air,
for example by introducing eddy currents and/or turbulence and/or directing
the air
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
4
away from the cyclone dirt outlet, may help separate fine dirt particles from
the air
stream. Separated dirt particles may fall into the dirt collection chamber.
[0011] An advantage of this configuration may be a more efficient
separation of
fine dirt particles from the dirty air stream. Separating fine dirt particles
from the dirty
air stream in the fine particle separator may help prevent the fine dirt
particles from
continuing downstream from the cyclone bin assembly, and, for example, fouling
the
suction motor and/or a pre-motor filter.
[0012] In accordance with this aspect a surface cleaning apparatus
comprises
an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet.
The air flow
passage includes a suction motor. The surface cleaning apparatus may also
comprise
a cyclone chamber provided in the air flow passage. The cyclone chamber may
comprise a cyclone air inlet, a cyclone air outlet and a dirt outlet. The
surface cleaning
apparatus may comprise a dirt collection chamber having a dirt inlet, a dirt
collection
chamber first end, an opposed dirt collection chamber second end and a
longitudinally
extending sidewall. The sidewall may comprise a portion that has a
longitudinal length
and extends away from the dirt inlet towards the opposed dirt collection
chamber
second end. A transverse cross sectional area of the dirt collection chamber
may vary
at least once along the length of the portion of the sidewall.
[0013] The dirt inlet may be positioned adjacent the dirt collection
chamber first
end.
[0014] A dirt collection area may be provided at the opposed dirt
collection
chamber second end.
[0015] The dirt collection chamber first end may be an upper end. The
dirt inlet
may be provided at the upper end, and a dirt collection area may be provided
in a
lower portion of the dirt collection chamber.
[0016] The dirt collection chamber may be exterior to the cyclone
chamber.
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
[0017] The dirt collection chamber may surround at least a portion of the
cyclone chamber.
[0018] The dirt collection chamber may surround the cyclone chamber.
[0019] The cyclone chamber and the dirt collection chamber may be provided
in
a cyclone bin assembly. The cyclone bin assembly may be removably mounted to
the
surface cleaning apparatus.
[0020] The portion of the sidewall may include at least one discontinuity.
[0021] The portion of the sidewall may extend inwardly at a position along
its
length whereby the transverse cross sectional area may be reduced.
[0022] The portion of the sidewall may extend inwardly at a position along
its
length whereby the transverse cross sectional area may be increased.
[0023] The dirt collection chamber may surround at least a portion of the
cyclone chamber. The dirt collection chamber may have an inner side adjacent
the
cyclone chamber and an outer side spaced from the cyclone chamber. The portion
of
the sidewall may be provided at the outer side.
[0024] The portion of the sidewall may include at least one discontinuity.
[0025] The portion of the sidewall may extend inwardly at a position along
its
length whereby the transverse cross sectional area may be reduced.
[0026] The portion of the sidewall may extend inwardly at a position along
its
length whereby the transverse cross sectional area may be increased.
[0027] The cyclone air inlet may be at a first end of the cyclone chamber.
The
dirt outlet may be provided at a second opposed end of the cyclone chamber.
[0028] The dirt inlet may be at an upper end of the cyclone chamber.
[0029] The surface cleaning apparatus may comprise a rib extending between
the inner side and the outer side. The rib may be provided along the portion
of the
sidewall.
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
6
[0030] The rib may extend only part way along the portion of the sidewall.
[0031] According to another broad aspect of the teachings described
herein, a
surface cleaning apparatus comprises a cyclone chamber and a fine particle
separator
in flow communication with the cyclone chamber via the cyclone chamber dirt
outlet.
The fine particle separator helps to separate relatively fine dirt particles
from the dirty
air. The fine particle separator comprises a flow chamber through which the
dirty air
may circulate. Dirty air, carrying entrained fine dirt particles may flow from
the cyclone
chamber into the fine particle separator. Air exiting the fine particle
separator may re-
enter the cyclone chamber, and travel to the suction motor via a cyclone air
outlet.
[0032] The fine particle separator is configured so that air circulating
in the flow
chamber may travel at a relatively high velocity, and may travel faster than
the air
circulating within the cyclone chamber to thereby separate finer dirt
particles than
those separated in the cyclone chamber. To help increase the air flow
velocity, the
cross-sectional area of the flow chamber, in the flow direction, may be
varied, and
preferably is reduced. Accelerating the dirty air to a relatively higher
velocity may help
disentrain fine dirt particles.
[0033] The air outlet of the fine particle separator flow chamber may be
configured to disrupt the flow of air exiting the flow chamber. Disrupting the
flow of air,
for example by introducing eddy currents and/or turbulence and/or directing
the air
away from the cyclone dirt outlet, may help separate fine dirt particles from
the air
stream. Separated dirt particles may fall into the dirt collection chamber.
[0034] An advantage of this configuration may be a more efficient
separation of
fine dirt particles from the dirty air stream. Separating fine dirt particles
from the dirty
air stream in the fine particle separator may help prevent the fine dirt
particles from
continuing downstream from the cyclone bin assembly, and, for example, fouling
the
suction motor and/or a pre-motor filter.
[0035] The cyclone air outlet may be in communication with an exit duct
conduit
(which may be a down duct depending upon the orientation of the duct conduit)
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220
PCT/CA2012/000182
7
extending away from the cyclone air outlet and preferably through (e.g.,
linearly
through) a dirt collection chamber having a wall (e.g., a floor) facing the
end of the
cyclone chamber with the air outlet. For example, the down duct may extend
from the
floor of the cyclone chamber to the floor of the dirt collection chamber.
Reinforcing
ribs may extend between the down duct and the floor of the cyclone chamber.
The
ribs may help reduce vibrations in the down duct and/or the floor of the dirt
collection
chamber, including, for example, vibrations induced by air flowing through the
down
duct. Optionally, the down duct and/or the support ribs may be removable.
[0036] An advantage of this configuration may be that vibration of the
down duct
and/or the floor of the dirt collection chamber may be reduced. Reducing the
vibration
of the down duct and/or the floor of the dirt collection chamber may help
reduce the
overall amount of noise generated by the surface cleaning apparatus and/or
improve
the separation efficiency of the cyclone chamber and the dirt collection
chamber.
[0037] The dirt collection chamber may extend from a dirt inlet towards a
dirt
collection area. For example, the dirt inlet may be in an upper portion of the
dirt
collection chamber and the dirt collection area may be the floor of the dirt
collection
chamber. The dirt collection chamber comprises a sidewall (preferably an outer
sidewall) that extends longitudinally between opposing first and second ends
of the dirt
collection chamber. Air circulating within the dirt collection chamber may
flow along
the sidewall. For example, air may exit the dirt outlet of the cyclone chamber
and
rotate around the dirt collection chamber and travel towards the dirt
collection area.
The air will at some point travel in the reverse direction towards the dirt
inlet and re-
enter the cyclone chamber. The dirt collection chamber may be configured such
that
the cross sectional area of the dirt collection chamber in a plane transverse
to its
length changes at least once along the length of the dirt collection chamber.
In some
embodiments, the cross-sectional area at the first end of the dirt collection
chamber is
different than the cross-sectional area at the second end of the dirt
collection chamber.
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220
PCT/CA2012/000182
8
[0038] An advantage of this configuration may be that changes in the cross-
sectional area may be used to enhance the separation efficiency of the cyclone
chamber and associated dirt collection chamber. By varying the transverse
cross
sectional area of the dirt collection chamber, the flow dynamics of the air in
the dirt
collection chamber may be varied and the amount of dirt that is disentrained
from the
air may be decreased, or the amount of dirt that is re-entrained may be
reduced. For
example, if the cross sectional area of the portion of the dirt collection
chamber distal
to the dirt inlet (e.g., the lower portion) is less than the opposed portion
(e.g. upper
portion) adjacent the dirt inlet, then the air will slow down as it enters the
upper portion.
As the velocity decreases, the amount of dirt that may be re-entrained in the
return
airflow may decrease. If the cross sectional area of the portion of the dirt
collection
chamber distal to the dirt inlet (e.g., the lower portion) is greater than the
opposed
portion (e.g. upper portion) adjacent the dirt inlet, then the air will slow
down as it
enters the lower portion allowing more dirt to be disentrained.
[0039] The cyclone chamber and dirt collection chamber assembly may be
used
in any surface cleaning apparatus. The surface cleaning apparatus comprises an
air
flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. A suction
motor is
provided in the air flow passage, and a cyclone bin assembly is provided in
the air flow
passage, preferably upstream from the suction motor. The cyclone bin assembly
may
comprise a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber. Dirty air from the
dirty air
inlet may circulate within the cyclone chamber and may exit the cyclone
chamber to
circulate within the dirt collection chamber.
[0040] In accordance with this aspect, a surface cleaning apparatus
comprises
an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet.
The air flow
passage includes a suction motor. The surface cleaning apparatus may also
comprise
a cyclone chamber provided in the air flow passage. The cyclone chamber may
comprise a cyclone air inlet, a cyclone air outlet, a dirt outlet and a
cyclone chamber
wall. The surface cleaning apparatus may also comprise a fine particle
separator.
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
9
The fine particle separator may comprise an annular flow channel, a fine
particle
separator inlet in communication with the cyclone chamber via the cyclone dirt
outlet, a
fine particle separator dirt outlet and a fine particle separator sidewall.
The surface
cleaning apparatus may also comprise a dirt collection chamber in
communication with
the fine particle separator dirt outlet. The dirt collection chamber may
comprise a dirt
collection chamber sidewall.
[0041] The fine particle separator may surround at least a portion of the
cyclone
chamber.
[0042] The fine particle separator inlet may comprise an inlet for air and
fine
particles to enter the fine particle separator and an outlet for air to re-
enter the cyclone
chamber.
[0043] The fine particle separator inlet may be the sole communication
between
the cyclone chamber and the fine particle separator.
[0044] The cyclone dirt outlet may comprise a slot that extends part way
around
the cyclone chamber wall.
[0045] The slot may be provided adjacent a first end of the cyclone
chamber.
The cyclone air inlet may be provided at a second opposed end of the cyclone
chamber.
[0046] The cyclone chamber air outlet may be provided at the second
opposed
end of the cyclone chamber.
[0047] The first end of the cyclone chamber may be an upper end of the
cyclone
chamber.
[0048] The fine particle separator may be positioned above the dirt
collection
chamber.
[0049] The annular flow channel may have an axis of rotation and a cross
sectional area in a plane parallel to the axis of rotation.
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
[0050] The cross sectional area may vary at at least one location in the
annular
flow channel.
[0051] The cross sectional area may decrease in a downstream direction.
[0052] The cross sectional area may decrease in a downstream portion of
the
annular flow channel towards the fine particle separator inlet.
[0053] A width and/or a height of the annular flow channel may be varied
to vary
the cross sectional area.
[0054] A downstream portion of the annular flow channel adjacent the fine
particle separator inlet may be configured to be spaced further radially
outwardly from
the fine particle separator inlet than a portion of the annular flow channel
upstream
thereof.
[0055] The fine particle separator may have an inner wall. The inner wall
may
comprise a ramp section adjacent the fine particle separator inlet which
extends
radially outwardly and in a direction of rotation.
[0056] The fine particle separator may extend between the fine particle
separator sidewall and the cyclone chamber wall.
[0057] The fine particle separator may comprise an annular flow channel
having
a closed end and an opposed open end that may comprise the fine particle
separator
dirt outlet. The dirt collection chamber may extend away from the fine
particle
separator dirt outlet.
[0058] The fine particle separator may comprise an annular flow channel
having
an upper end and an open lower end that may comprise the fine particle
separator dirt
outlet and the dirt collection chamber extends away from the fine particle
separator dirt
outlet and surrounds at least a portion of the cyclone chamber.
[0059] The dirt collection chamber may comprise an annular region
extending
around the cyclone chamber.
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
11
[0060] The surface cleaning apparatus may comprise a rib provided in the
dirt
collection chamber. The rib may extend between the dirt collection chamber
sidewall
and a radially inner wall of the dirt collection chamber.
[0061] The rib may extend only part way along the radially inner wall.
[0062] The dirt collection chamber sidewall may comprise an extension of
the
fine particle separator sidewall and the radially inner wall may comprise a
portion of
the cyclone chamber wall.
[0063] The dirt collection chamber sidewall may comprise an extension of
the
fine particle separator sidewall.
[0064] The dirt collection chamber sidewall may comprise a discontinuity
along
its length.
[0065] According to another broad aspect of the teachings described
herein, a
dirt collection chamber for one or more cyclone chambers extends from a dirt
inlet
towards a dirt collection area. For example, the dirt inlet may be in an upper
portion of
the dirt collection chamber and the dirt collection area may be the floor of
the dirt
collection chamber. The dirt collection chamber comprises an annular flow
region with
a transverse rib or baffle extending part way and, preferably, the entire
width of the dirt
collection chamber between the inner and outer sidewalls of the annular flow
region
(e.g., the rib may extend between an outer surface of the cyclone chamber and
an
opposing inner surface of the surrounding dirt collection chamber). A portion
of the
dirty air circulating within the cyclone chamber may exit the cyclone chamber
via the
dirt outlet and circulate within the surrounding dirt collection chamber. .
Preferably,
the rib is adjacent the dirt outlet of the cyclone chamber. More preferably,
the rib is
positioned between the dirt outlet and a discontinuity in the dirt collection
chamber
sidewall. The rib may extend part way along the length of the annular dirt
collection
region.
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
12
[0066] An
advantage of this configuration may be that dirty air circulating within
the dirt collection chamber may be disrupted by the rib, which may help
disentrain dirt
particles from the dirty air stream. Another advantage of this design is that
rotational
flow of air in the dirt collection chamber may be reduced or stopped thereby
reducing
the re-entrainment of separated particulate material.
[0067] The
dirt collection chamber may comprise a sidewall (preferably an
outer sidewall) that extends longitudinally between opposing first and second
ends of
the dirt collection chamber. Air that may be circulating within the dirt
collection
chamber may flow along the sidewall. For example, air may exit the dirt outlet
of the
cyclone chamber and rotate around the dirt collection chamber and travel
towards the
dirt collection area. The air will at some point travel in the reverse
direction towards the
dirt inlet and re-enter the cyclone chamber. The dirt collection chamber may
be
configured such that the cross sectional area of the dirt collection chamber
in a plane
transverse to its length changes at least once along the length of the dirt
collection
chamber. In some embodiments, the cross-sectional area at the first end of the
dirt
collection chamber is different than the cross-sectional area at the second
end of the
dirt collection chamber.
[0068] An
advantage of this configuration may be that changes in the cross-
sectional area may be used to enhance the separation efficiency of the cyclone
chamber and associated dirt collection chamber. By varying the transverse
cross
sectional area of the dirt collection chamber, the flow dynamics of the air in
the dirt
collection chamber may be varied and the amount of dirt that is disentrained
from the
air may be decreased, or the amount of dirt that is re-entrained may be
reduced. For
example, if the cross sectional area of the portion of the dirt collection
chamber distal
to the dirt inlet (e.g., the lower portion) is less than the opposed portion
(e.g. upper
portion) adjacent the dirt inlet, then the air will slow down as it enters the
upper portion.
As the velocity decreases, the amount of dirt that may be re-entrained in the
return
airflow may decrease. If the cross sectional area of the portion of the dirt
collection
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
13
chamber distal to the dirt inlet (e.g., the lower portion) is greater than the
opposed
portion (e.g. upper portion) adjacent the dirt inlet, then the air will slow
down as it
enters the lower portion allowing more dirt to be disentrained.
[0069] The cyclone chamber and dirt collection chamber assembly may be
used
in any surface cleaning apparatus. The surface cleaning apparatus comprises an
air
flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. A suction
motor is
provided in the air flow passage, and a cyclone bin assembly is provided in
the air flow
passage, preferably upstream from the suction motor. The cyclone bin assembly
may
comprise the cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber. Dirty air from the
dirty
air inlet may circulate within the cyclone chamber and may exit the cyclone
chamber to
circulate within the dirt collection chamber.
[0070] The cyclone bin assembly may also comprise a fine particle
separator, to
help separate relatively fine dirt particles from the dirty air. The fine
particle separator
may comprise a flow chamber through which the dirty air may circulate. Dirty
air,
carrying entrained fine dirt particles may flow from the cyclone chamber into
the fine
particle separator. Air exiting the fine particle separator may re-enter the
cyclone
chamber, and travel to the suction motor via a cyclone air outlet.
[0071] The fine particle separator may be configured so that air
circulating in the
flow chamber may travel at a relatively high velocity, and may travel faster
than the air
circulating within the cyclone chamber. To help increase the air flow
velocity, the
cross-sectional area of the flow chamber, in the flow direction, may be
varied, and
preferably is reduced. Accelerating the dirty air to a relatively higher
velocity may help
disentrain fine dirt particles.
[0072] The air outlet of the fine particle separator flow chamber may be
configured to disrupt the flow of air exiting the flow chamber. Disrupting the
flow of air,
for example by introducing eddy currents and/or turbulence and/or directing
the air
away from the cyclone dirt outlet, may help separate fine dirt particles from
the air
stream. Separated dirt particles may fall into the dirt collection chamber.
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
14
[0073] An advantage of this configuration may be a more efficient
separation of
fine dirt particles from the dirty air stream. Separating fine dirt particles
from the dirty
air stream in the fine particle separator may help prevent the fine dirt
particles from
continuing downstream from the cyclone bin assembly, and, for example, fouling
the
suction motor and/or a pre-motor filter.
[0074] In accordance with this aspect, a surface cleaning apparatus may
comprise an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air
outlet. The
air flow passage includes a suction motor. The surface cleaning apparatus may
also
comprise a cyclone chamber in the air flow passage. The cyclone chamber may
comprise a cyclone air inlet, a cyclone air outlet, a cyclone dirt outlet and
a cyclone
chamber wall. The surface cleaning apparatus may also comprise a dirt
collection
chamber having a dirt inlet in communication with the cyclone dirt outlet. At
least a
portion of the cyclone chamber may be in the dirt collection chamber. The dirt
collection chamber may comprise an inner side adjacent the cyclone chamber and
an
outer side spaced from the cyclone chamber and defined by a dirt collection
chamber
sidewall. A rib may extend between the inner side and the outer side.
[0075] The rib extends only part way along the inner side.
[0076] The dirt collection chamber may have a first end and a second
opposed
end. The dirt inlet may be provided at the first end and the rib may be spaced
from the
dirt inlet towards the second opposed end.
[0077] The dirt inlet may be positioned adjacent a first end of the dirt
collection
chamber.
[0078] The dirt collection chamber may comprise a dirt collection area
that is
provided at a second end opposed to the first end.
[0079] The dirt inlet may be at an upper end of the dirt collection
chamber and
the dirt collection area may be in a lower portion of the dirt collection
chamber.
[0080] The dirt collection chamber may surround the cyclone chamber.
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
[0081] The dirt collection chamber may extend part way around the cyclone
chamber to define a sector. The rib may be provided at a location spaced from
each
end of the sector.
[0082] The cyclone chamber and the dirt collection chamber may be provided
in
a cyclone bin assembly. The cyclone bin assembly may be removably mounted to
the
surface cleaning apparatus.
[0083] The dirt collection chamber sidewall may include at least one
discontinuity.
[0084] The dirt collection chamber may have a first end and a second
opposed
end. The dirt inlet may be provided at the first end and the rib may be spaced
from the
dirt inlet towards the second opposed end.
[0085] The rib may be provided between the cyclone dirt outlet and the
discontinuity.
[0086] A portion of the dirt collection chamber sidewall may extend
inwardly at a
position along its length.
[0087] A portion of the dirt collection chamber sidewall may extend
outwardly at
a position along its length
[0088] The cyclone dirt outlet may comprise a slot that extends part way
around
the cyclone chamber wall.
[0089] The slot may be provided adjacent a first end of the cyclone
chamber
and the cyclone air inlet may be provided at a second opposed end of the
cyclone
chamber.
[0090] The cyclone chamber air outlet may be provided at the second
opposed
end of the cyclone chamber.
[0091] The first end of the cyclone chamber may be an upper end of the
cyclone
chamber.
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
16
[0092] The surface cleaning apparatus may comprise an annular flow chamber
exterior to the cyclone chamber. The annular flow chamber may have a first end
and
a second end spaced from the first end and in communication with the dirt
collection
chamber.
[0093] The annular flow chamber may comprise a volume contiguous with the
dirt collection chamber and located between the first end of the annular flow
chamber
and the rib.
[0094] The rib may have an end facing the first end. The end may be spaced
from the first end of the annular flow chamber.
[0095] The cyclone dirt outlet may be the dirt collection chamber dirt
inlet.
[0096] According to yet another broad aspect of the teachings described
herein,
a cyclone bin assembly comprises a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection
chamber.
The cyclone air outlet is in communication with an exit duct conduit (which
may be a
down duct depending upon the orientation of the duct conduit) extending away
from
the cyclone air outlet and preferably through (e.g., linearly through) a dirt
collection
chamber having a wall (e.g., a floor) facing the end of the cyclone chamber
with the air
outlet. The down duct may extend from the floor of the cyclone chamber to the
floor of
the dirt collection chamber. Reinforcing ribs may be provided and may extend
between the down duct and the floor of the cyclone chamber. The ribs may help
reduce vibrations in the down duct and/or the floor of the dirt collection
chamber,
including, for example, vibrations induced by air flowing through the down
duct.
Optionally, the down duct and/or the support ribs may be removable.
[0097] An advantage of this configuration may be that vibration of the
down duct
and/or the floor of the dirt collection chamber may be reduced. Reducing the
vibration
of the down duct and/or the floor of the dirt collection chamber may help
reduce the
overall amount of noise generated by the surface cleaning apparatus and/or
improve
the separation efficiency of the cyclone chamber and the dirt collection
chamber.
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
17
[0098] The dirt collection chamber may extend from a dirt inlet towards a
dirt
collection area. For example, the dirt inlet may be in an upper portion of the
dirt
collection chamber and the dirt collection area may be the floor of the dirt
collection
chamber. The dirt collection chamber comprises a sidewall (preferably an outer
sidewall) that extends longitudinally between opposing first and second ends
of the dirt
collection chamber. Air circulating within the dirt collection chamber may
flow along
the sidewall. For example, air may exit the dirt outlet of the cyclone chamber
and
rotate around the dirt collection chamber and travel towards the dirt
collection area.
The air will at some point travel in the reverse direction towards the dirt
inlet and re-
enter the cyclone chamber. The dirt collection chamber may be configured such
that
the cross sectional area of the dirt collection chamber in a plane transverse
to its
length changes at least once along the length of the dirt collection chamber.
In some
embodiments, the cross-sectional area at the first end of the dirt collection
chamber is
different than the cross-sectional area at the second end of the dirt
collection chamber.
[0099] An advantage of this configuration may be that changes in the cross-
sectional area may be used to enhance the separation efficiency of the cyclone
chamber and associated dirt collection chamber. By varying the transverse
cross
sectional area of the dirt collection chamber, the flow dynamics of the air in
the dirt
collection chamber may be varied and the amount of dirt that is disentrained
from the
air may be decreased, or the amount of dirt that is re-entrained may be
reduced. For
example, if the cross sectional area of the portion of the dirt collection
chamber distal
to the dirt inlet (e.g., the lower portion) is less than the opposed portion
(e.g. upper
portion) adjacent the dirt inlet, then the air will slow down as it enters the
upper portion.
As the velocity decreases, the amount of dirt that may be re-entrained in the
return
airflow may decrease. If the cross sectional area of the portion of the dirt
collection
chamber distal to the dirt inlet (e.g., the lower portion) is greater than the
opposed
portion (e.g. upper portion) adjacent the dirt inlet, then the air will slow
down as it
enters the lower portion allowing more dirt to be disentrained.
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
18
[00100] The cyclone chamber and dirt collection chamber assembly may be
used
in any surface cleaning apparatus. The surface cleaning apparatus comprises an
air
flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. A suction
motor is
provided in the air flow passage, and a cyclone bin assembly is provided in
the air flow
passage, preferably upstream from the suction motor. The cyclone bin assembly
may
comprise the cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber. Dirty air from the
dirty
air inlet may circulate within the cyclone chamber and may exit the cyclone
chamber to
circulate within the dirt collection chamber.
[00101] The cyclone bin assembly may also comprise a fine particle
separator, to
help separate relatively fine dirt particles from the dirty air. The fine
particle separator
may comprise a flow chamber through which the dirty air may circulate. Dirty
air,
carrying entrained fine dirt particles may flow from the cyclone chamber into
the fine
particle separator. Air exiting the fine particle separator may re-enter the
cyclone
chamber, and travel to the suction motor via a cyclone air outlet.
[00102] The fine particle separator is configured so that air circulating
in the flow
chamber may travel at a relatively high velocity, and may travel faster than
the air
circulating within the cyclone chamber. To help increase the air flow velocity
the
cross-sectional area of the flow chamber, in the flow direction, may be
varied, and
preferably is reduced. Accelerating the dirty air to a relatively higher
velocity may help
disentrain fine dirt particles.
[00103] The air outlet of the fine particle separator flow chamber may be
configured to disrupt the flow of air exiting the flow chamber. Disrupting the
flow of air,
for example by introducing eddy currents and/or turbulence and/or directing
the air
away from the cyclone dirt outlet, may help separate fine dirt particles from
the air
stream. Separated dirt particles may fall into the dirt collection chamber.
[00104] An advantage of this configuration may be a more efficient
separation of
fine dirt particles from the dirty air stream. Separating fine dirt particles
from the dirty
air stream in the fine particle separator may help prevent the fine dirt
particles from
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
19
continuing downstream from the cyclone bin assembly, and, for example, fouling
the
suction motor and/or a pre-motor filter.
[00105] In accordance with this aspect, a surface cleaning apparatus may
comprise an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air
outlet and a
suction motor. The surface cleaning apparatus may comprise a cyclone chamber
provided in the air flow passage. The cyclone chamber may comprise a cyclone
chamber first end and a cyclone chamber second opposed end, a cyclone air
inlet, a
cyclone air outlet provided at the cyclone chamber second opposed end and a
cyclone
chamber wall. An air exit conduit may be exterior to the cyclone chamber and
may
extend from the cyclone air outlet. At least one reinforcing rib may be
positioned in
abutting relationship with the air exit conduit and the cyclone chamber second
opposed end.
[00106] The reinforcing rib may be connected to the air exit conduit.
[00107] The reinforcing rib may be connected to the cyclone chamber second
opposed end.
[00108] The air exit conduit may extend through a dirt collection chamber
that
may be positioned exterior to the cyclone chamber.
[00109] The air exit conduit may be removably mounted to the cyclone
chamber.
[00110] The cyclone chamber may comprise a vortex finder and the vortex
finder
remains in position when the air exit conduit is removed.
[00111] The cyclone air inlet may be located adjacent the cyclone chamber
second opposed end.
[00112] The cyclone chamber may comprise a cyclone dirt outlet located
adjacent the cyclone chamber first end. The surface cleaning apparatus may
comprise a dirt collection chamber in communication with the cyclone dirt
outlet.
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
[00113] The dirt collection chamber may extend at least part way around the
cyclone chamber. The dirt collection chamber may have a dirt collection
chamber first
end and a dirt collection chamber second opposed end that may be spaced from
and
may face the cyclone chamber second opposed end. The air exit conduit may
extend
between the cyclone chamber second opposed end and the dirt collection chamber
second opposed end.
[00114] The surface cleaning apparatus may comprise a cyclone bin assembly
that is removably mounted to the surface cleaning apparatus, the cyclone bin
assembly comprising the cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber.
[00115] The air exit conduit may extend through the dirt collection
chamber.
[00116] The cyclone air outlet may be provided in the cyclone chamber
second
opposed end. The dirt collection chamber may have a dirt collection chamber
end that
is spaced from and faces the cyclone chamber second opposed end. The air exit
conduit may extend between the cyclone chamber second opposed end and the dirt
collection chamber end.
[00117] The dirt collection chamber end may be openable.
[00118] The dirt collection chamber end may have an air exit port in
communication with the air exit conduit and the air exit conduit remains in
position
when the dirt collection chamber end is opened.
[00119] The air exit conduit may be removably mounted to the cyclone
chamber.
[00120] The cyclone chamber may comprise a vortex finder and the vortex
finder
may remain in position when the air exit conduit is removed.
[00121] The cyclone air inlet may be located adjacent the cyclone chamber
second opposed end.
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
21
[00122] The cyclone chamber may comprise a cyclone dirt outlet located
adjacent the cyclone chamber first end. The surface cleaning apparatus may
comprise a dirt collection chamber in communication with the cyclone dirt
outlet.
[00123] According to yet another broad aspect of the teachings described
herein,
a dirt collection chamber is provided with one or more recessed areas on the
outer
sidewall of the dirt collection chamber. The dirt collection chamber is
separate from
(e.g., exterior to) the cyclone chamber. Preferably, the recess is a
longitudinally
extending recess. The recess may extend from the floor of the dirt collection
chamber
to the floor of the cyclone chamber, and may extend past the floor of the
cyclone
chamber. The recess provides a discontinuity on the inner surface of the dirt
collection
chamber sidewall. The discontinuity may disrupt the flow of the dirty air
flowing along
the inner surface of the sidewall, which may help disentrain dirt particles
from the dirty
airflow. The ejected dirt particles may collect within the recess, and may
fall to the
floor of the dirt collection chamber if the recess extends to the floor. The
recess may
also help inhibit re-entrainment of the ejected dirt particles.
[00124] The leading or upstream side of the recess preferably forms a
relatively
sharp corner with the inner surface of the sidewall. The relatively sharp
corner may
increase the disruptions in the air flow.
[00125] An advantage of this configuration may be a more efficient
separation of
dirt particles from the dirty air stream. Separating dirt particles from the
dirty air
stream in the dirt collection chamber may help prevent the fine dirt particles
from
continuing downstream from the cyclone bin assembly, and, for example, fouling
the
suction motor and/or a pre-motor filter.
[00126] A cyclone bin assembly may comprise a cyclone chamber and the dirt
collection chamber. The cyclone air outlet may be in communication with an
exit duct
conduit (which may be a down duct depending upon the orientation of the duct
conduit) extending away from the cyclone air outlet and preferably through
(e.g.,
linearly through) a dirt collection chamber facing the end of the cyclone
chamber with
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
22
the air outlet. The down duct may extend from the floor of the cyclone chamber
to the
floor of the dirt collection chamber. Reinforcing ribs may extend between the
down
duct and the floor of the cyclone chamber. The ribs may help reduce vibrations
in the
down duct and/or the floor of the dirt collection chamber, including, for
example,
vibrations induced by air flowing through the down duct. Optionally, the down
duct
and/or the support ribs may be removable.
[00127] An advantage of this configuration may be that vibration of the
down duct
and/or the floor of the dirt collection chamber may be reduced. Reducing the
vibration
of the down duct and/or the floor of the dirt collection chamber may help
reduce the
overall amount of noise generated by the surface cleaning apparatus and/or
improve
the separation efficiency of the cyclone chamber and the dirt collection
chamber.
[00128] The dirt collection chamber may extend from a dirt inlet towards a
dirt
collection area. For example, the dirt inlet may be in an upper portion of the
dirt
collection chamber and the dirt collection area may be the floor of the dirt
collection
chamber. The dirt collection chamber comprises a sidewall (preferably an outer
sidewall) that extends longitudinally between opposing first and second ends
of the dirt
collection chamber. Air circulating within the dirt collection chamber may
flow along
the sidewall. For example, air may exit the dirt outlet of the cyclone chamber
and
rotate around the dirt collection chamber and travel towards the dirt
collection area.
The air will at some point travel in the reverse direction towards the dirt
inlet and re-
enter the cyclone chamber. The dirt collection chamber may be configured such
that
the cross sectional area of the dirt collection chamber in a plane transverse
to its
length changes at least once along the length of the dirt collection chamber.
In some
embodiments, the cross-sectional area at the first end of the dirt collection
chamber is
different than the cross-sectional area at the second end of the dirt
collection chamber.
[00129] An advantage of this configuration may be that changes in the cross-
sectional area may be used to enhance the separation efficiency of the cyclone
chamber and associated dirt collection chamber. By varying the transverse
cross
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
23
sectional area of the dirt collection chamber, the flow dynamics of the air in
the dirt
collection chamber may be varied and the amount of dirt that is disentrained
from the
air may be decreased, or the amount of dirt that is re-entrained may be
reduced. For
example, if the cross sectional area of the portion of the dirt collection
chamber distal
to the dirt inlet (e.g., the lower portion) is less than the opposed portion
(e.g. upper
portion) adjacent the dirt inlet, then the air will slow down as it enters the
upper portion.
As the velocity decreases, the amount of dirt that may be re-entrained in the
return
airflow may decrease. If the cross sectional area of the portion of the dirt
collection
chamber distal to the dirt inlet (e.g., the lower portion) is greater than the
opposed
portion (e.g. upper portion) adjacent the dirt inlet, then the air will slow
down as it
enters the lower portion allowing more dirt to be disentrained.
[00130] The cyclone chamber and dirt collection chamber assembly may be
used
in any surface cleaning apparatus. The surface cleaning apparatus comprises an
air
flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. A suction
motor is
provided in the air flow passage, and a cyclone bin assembly is provided in
the air flow
passage, preferably upstream from the suction motor. The cyclone bin assembly
may
comprise the cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber. Dirty air from the
dirty
air inlet may circulate within the cyclone chamber and may exit the cyclone
chamber to
circulate within the dirt collection chamber.
[00131] The cyclone bin assembly may also comprise a fine particle
separator, to
help separate relatively fine dirt particles from the dirty air. The fine
particle separator
may comprise a flow chamber through which the dirty air may circulate. Dirty
air,
carrying entrained fine dirt particles may flow from the cyclone chamber into
the fine
particle separator. Air exiting the fine particle separator may re-enter the
cyclone
chamber, and travel to the suction motor via a cyclone air outlet.
[00132] The fine particle separator is configured so that air circulating
in the flow
chamber may travel at a relatively high velocity, and may travel faster than
the air
circulating within the cyclone chamber. To help increase the air flow velocity
the
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
24
cross-sectional area of the flow chamber, in the flow direction, may be
varied, and
preferably is reduced. Accelerating the dirty air to a relatively higher
velocity may help
disentrain fine dirt particles.
[00133] The air outlet of the fine particle separator flow chamber may be
configured to disrupt the flow of air exiting the flow chamber. Disrupting the
flow of air,
for example by introducing eddy currents and/or turbulence and/or directing
the air
away from the cyclone dirt outlet, may help separate fine dirt particles from
the air
stream. Separated dirt particles may fall into the dirt collection chamber.
[00134] An advantage of this configuration may be a more efficient
separation of
fine dirt particles from the dirty air stream. Separating fine dirt particles
from the dirty
air stream in the fine particle separator may help prevent the fine dirt
particles from
continuing downstream from the cyclone bin assembly, and, for example, fouling
the
suction motor and/or a pre-motor filter.
[00135] In accordance with this aspect, a surface cleaning apparatus
comprises
an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet.
The air flow
passage includes a suction motor. The surface cleaning apparatus may comprise
a
cyclone chamber in the air flow passage. The cyclone chamber may comprise a
cyclone chamber first end and a cyclone chamber second opposed end, a cyclone
air
inlet, a cyclone air outlet and a cyclone chamber wall. The surface cleaning
apparatus
may comprise a dirt collection chamber having a dirt collection chamber first
end, a dirt
collection chamber second opposed end and an outer longitudinally extending
sidewall. The outer longitudinally extending sidewall may have at least one
recess
provided therein.
[00136] The recess may extend longitudinally.
[00137] The recess may extend essentially from the dirt collection chamber
first
end to the dirt collection chamber second opposed end.
[00138] The recess may comprise an outwardly extending concave surface.
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
[00139] The dirt collection chamber may comprise at least two angularly
spaced
apart recesses.
[00140] The recess may have an upstream side and a downstream side. The
upstream side may extend sharply away from the outer longitudinally extending
sidewall.
[00141] The recess may have an upstream side and a downstream side. The
upstream side may meet the outer longitudinally extending sidewall at a sharp
corner.
[00142] The recess may have an upstream side and a downstream side. The
upstream side may extend away from the outer longitudinally extending sidewall
at an
angle.
[00143] The angle may be between about 30 and about 75 , or more.
[00144] The recess may have a depth between about 6 mm and about 15mm, or
more.
[00145] According to yet another broad aspect of the teachings described
herein,
a surface cleaning apparatus comprises a cyclone chamber at least partially
located
within a dirt collection chamber such that at least a portion of the sidewall
of the
cyclone chamber is spaced from the sidewall of the dirt collection chamber to
define a
space therebetween in communication with the dirt outlet of the cyclone
chamber.
Preferably, the space is an annular region such that the sidewall of the dirt
collection
chamber extends all the way around the sidewall of the cyclone chamber. A
support
surface extends between the sidewall of the dirt collection chamber and the
sidewall of
the cyclone chamber. The support surface is configured to direct dirt towards
the dirt
collection area of the dirt collection chamber.
[00146] The cyclone chamber may have a generally circular sidewall, and a
generally annular gap may be formed between the cyclone chamber sidewall and a
surrounding dirt collection chamber sidewall. The supporting surface may
comprise at
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
26
least one declined surface or ramp surface extending away from the cyclone
chamber
dirt outlet, to help prevent dirt particles from being retained on the support
surface.
[00147] An advantage of this configuration is that dirt particles may be
more likely
to fall into a lower portion of the dirt collection chamber, and may be less
likely to be
retained on the support surface. This may help facilitate emptying of the dirt
collection
chamber when a floor of the dirt collection chamber is opened.
[00148] Preferably, the dirt collection chamber has a dirt collection
surface that is
opposed to and faces the end of the cyclone chamber opposed to the end of the
cyclone chamber having the dirt outlet (e.g., the dirt collection surface may
be below
the cyclone chamber). Accordingly, the annular region of the dirt collection
chamber
may function as a passage from the cyclone dirt outlet to the dirt collection
surface. If
dirt particles collect on the support surface, then those particles may be re-
entrained in
air flowing in the annular region.
[00149] A further advantage of this configuration is that the amount of
dirt
particles that collect on the support surface may be reduced and the amount of
dirt
particles re-entrained in the air stream returning to the cyclone chamber may
be
reduced, thereby increasing the separation efficiency of the cyclone chamber
and dirt
collection chamber.
[00150] In accordance with this broad aspect, a surface cleaning apparatus
comprises an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air
outlet. A
suction motor may be provided in the air flow passage. A cyclone chamber may
be
provided in the air flow passage. The cyclone chamber may comprise a cyclone
air
inlet, a cyclone air outlet, a cyclone dirt outlet and a cyclone chamber wall.
A dirt
collection chamber may comprise a first end, a spaced apart opposed second
end, a
dirt inlet in communication with the cyclone dirt outlet, an annular portion
that
surrounds at least a portion of the cyclone chamber, an inner side adjacent
the
cyclone chamber, and an outer side spaced from the cyclone chamber and defined
by
a dirt collection chamber sidewall. A support surface may extend between the
inner
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
27
side and the outer side and may be configured to direct dirt towards a dirt
collection
area of the dirt collection chamber.
[00151] The support surface may extending part way around the annular
portion
and may extend away from the dirt inlet.
[00152] The support surface may have first and second ends that are
angularly
spaced apart around the cyclone chamber. The support surface may extend
continuously away from the dirt inlet from the first end to the second end.
[00153] The support surface may have first and second ends that are
angularly
spaced apart around the cyclone chamber and a mid-section. The support surface
may extend continuously away from the dirt inlet from the mid-section to the
first end
and to the second end.
[00154] The support surface may be curved and may have first and second
ends
that are angularly spaced apart around the cyclone chamber. The support
surface
may extend towards the dirt inlet from the first and second ends at an angle
of up to
50 from a plane transverse to a longitudinal axis of the cyclone chamber.
[00155] The support surface may extend towards the dirt inlet from the
first and
second ends at an angle from to 15 to 35 from a plane transverse to a
longitudinal
axis of the cyclone chamber.
[00156] The dirt inlet may be provided at the first end and the support
surface
may be spaced from the dirt inlet towards the opposed second end.
[00157] The cyclone dirt outlet may be the dirt collection chamber dirt
inlet.
[00158] The dirt collection chamber may comprise a dirt collection area
that is
provided at the opposed second end.
[00159] The dirt inlet may be at an upper end of the dirt collection
chamber and
the dirt collection area may be in a lower portion of the dirt collection
chamber.
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
28
[00160] The cyclone chamber and the dirt collection chamber may be
provided in
a cyclone bin assembly that is removably mounted to the surface cleaning
apparatus.
[00161] The cyclone chamber may have a cyclone chamber first end and an
opposed cyclone chamber second end and the cyclone dirt outlet is provided
adjacent
the cyclone chamber first end and the cyclone air inlet is provided at the
opposed
cyclone chamber second end.
[00162] The cyclone chamber air outlet may be provided at the opposed
cyclone
chamber second end.
[00163] The cyclone chamber first end may be an upper end of the cyclone
chamber.
[00164] The cyclone chamber first end may be provided proximate the first
end of
the dirt collection chamber.
[00165] The cyclone chamber may have a cyclone chamber first end and an
opposed cyclone chamber second end. The cyclone chamber may be provided
proximate the first end of the dirt collection chamber. The opposed second end
of the
dirt collection chamber may be spaced from and may face the opposed cyclone
chamber second end.
[00166] Air may travel in the annular portion in a direction of rotation
and the
support surface may extend away from the dirt inlet in the direction of
rotation.
[00167] The support surface may have first and second ends that are
angularly
spaced apart around the cyclone chamber. The support surface may extend
continuously away from the dirt inlet from the first end to the second end.
DRAWINGS
[00168] Reference is made in the detailed description to the accompanying
drawings, in which:
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
29
[00169] Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a surface
cleaning
apparatus;
[00170] Figure 2 is perspective cross sectional view of the cyclone bin
assembly
of the surface cleaning apparatus of Figure 1, taken along line 2-2 in Figure
1;
[00171] Figure 3 is a side view of the cyclone bin assembly as shown in
Figure 2;
[00172] Figure 4 is a perspective cross sectional view of the cyclone bin
assembly as shown in Figure 2, with its lid and dirt chamber floor open;
[00173] Figure 5 is a perspective view of the cyclone bin assembly of from
the
surface cleaning apparatus of Figure1, with its lid and dirt chamber floor
open;
[00174] Figure 6 is a partial cut away view of the cyclone bin assembly of
Figure
5, with the lid and floor removed;
[00175] Figure 7a ¨ 7e are alternate schematic representations of a fine
particle
separator;
[00176] Figure 8 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of a cyclone bin
assembly that is usable with a surface cleaning apparatus;
[00177] Figure 9 is cross-sectional side view of the cyclone bin assembly
of
Figure 8;
[00178] Figure 10 is a top perspective view of the cyclone bin assembly of
Figure
8, with the lid removed;
[00179] Figure 11 is a bottom perspective view of the cyclone bin assembly
of
Figure 8, with the dirt chamber floor removed;
[00180] Figure 12a is a schematic side view of the cyclone bin assembly of
Figure 2;
[00181] Figure 12b is a schematic side view of the cyclone bin assembly of
Figure 8;
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
[00182] Figure 12c is a schematic side view of an alternate embodiment of a
cyclone bin assembly usable with a surface cleaning apparatus;
[00183] Figure 12d is a schematic side view of an alternate embodiment of a
cyclone bin assembly usable with a surface cleaning apparatus;
[00184] Figure 13 is a perspective view of another example of a surface
cleaning
apparatus;
[00185] Figure 14 is a perspective view of another cyclone bin assembly
with the
lid and floor removed;
[00186] Figure 15 is a perspective sectional view taken along line 15-15 in
Figure
14; and,
[00187] Figure 16 is a partial cut away view of the cyclone bin assembly of
Figure
14.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00188] Referring to Figure 1, an embodiment of a surface cleaning
apparatus
100 is shown. In the embodiment illustrated, the surface cleaning apparatus
100 is an
upright surface cleaning apparatus. In alternate embodiments, the surface
cleaning
apparatus may be another suitable type of surface cleaning apparatus,
including, for
example, a hand vacuum, a canister vacuum cleaner, a stick vac, a wet-dry
vacuum
cleaner and a carpet extractor.
General Overview
[00189] As exemplified in Figure 1, a surface cleaning apparatus 100
includes a
surface cleaning head 102 and an upper section 104.
[00190] The surface cleaning head 102 may be any suitable type of cleaning
apparatus, including, for example a powered cleaning head having a rotating
brush
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
31
and a brushless cleaning head. The surface cleaning head 102 may be of any
suitable configuration and may include at least one wheel or other rolling
support to
contact the surface being cleaned.
[00191] In the illustrated example the surface cleaning head 102 includes a
pair
of rear wheels 106 and a pair of front wheels (optionally caster-type wheels,
not
shown) for rolling across a surface and a dirty air inlet 108 provided at the
front end.
[00192] If the surface cleaning apparatus is an upright surface cleaning
apparatus, then the upper section 104 may be moveably connected to the surface
cleaning head 102 by any means known in the art. The upper section 104 is
moveable (e.g., pivotally mounted to the surface cleaning head 102) between a
storage position and an in use position. An air flow passage extends from the
dirty air
inlet 108 to a clean air outlet 110, which is preferably provided on the upper
section
104. The air flow passage may include any suitable combination of rigid
conduits,
flexible conduits, chambers and other features that may cooperate to direct a
flow of
air through the surface cleaning apparatus. The upper section 104 may be of
various
configurations.
[00193] A handle 116 is preferably provided on the upper section 104 for
manipulating the surface cleaning apparatus. The handle may be of any suitable
configuration that may be grasped by a user. While illustrated as being
positioned
toward the top of the upper section 104, the handle 116 may be provided at any
other
suitable location on the surface cleaning apparatus 100.
[00194] Referring to Figures 1 and 2, in the example illustrated, the upper
section
104 comprises an air treatment housing 112 and a suction motor housing 114,
which
is preferably positioned below air treatment housing 112. The air treatment
housing
112 houses an air treatment member, which is positioned in the air flow
passage
downstream from the dirty air inlet 108 to remove dirt particles and other
debris from
the air flowing through the air flow passage. The air treatment member 112 may
be
any suitable type of treatment member that includes any one or more of the
features
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
32
disclosed herein and may include, for example, a filter. In the illustrated
example, the
air treatment member comprises a cyclone bin assembly 118 comprising a cyclone
chamber 120 and a dirt collection chamber 122. The suction motor housing 114
is
configured to house a suction motor (not shown). Preferably, as exemplified,
the
suction motor is in air flow communication with the air flow passage,
downstream from
the cyclone bin assembly 118. The suction motor may be any suitable motor and
may
be selected based on a plurality of factors including, for example, suction
strength,
operating noise, power consumption and physical size. The housing 114 may be
formed to accommodate the selected suction motor as well as mating with and
optionally supporting the cyclone bin assembly 118.
[00195] It will be appreciated that, depending upon the aspects that are
incorporated into a surface cleaning apparatus, some of the exemplified
features may
not be used or may be varied so as to be of any design known in the art.
Cyclone Bin Assembly
[00196] Various different features for a cyclone bin assembly are
disclosed
herein. It will be appreciated that a cyclone bin assembly may use one or more
of
these features. Accordingly, a cyclone bin assembly may use one or more a dirt
collection chamber having a variable cross sectional area in a direction
transverse to
the longitudinal axis of the dirt collection chamber, a fine particle
separator, a rib
provided in the dirt collection chamber, a reinforced floor construction for a
dirt
collection chamber, recessed columns in the dirt collection chamber and a
ramped or
inclined surface in the dirt collection chamber. Aside from containing one or
more of
these features, a cyclone bin assembly may be of any design.
[00197] For example, the cyclone bin assembly may be of any suitable
configuration, size and shape. The cyclone chamber may be configured in a
plurality
of different configurations, including, for example, an upright cyclone, an
inverted
cyclone and a horizontal or transverse cyclone. The dirt collection chamber
may be
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
33
configured to cooperate with a given cyclone chamber, as well as connecting
with the
rest of the surface cleaning apparatus. The cyclone chamber may be integrally
formed
with the dirt collection chamber, or optionally may be separable from the dirt
collection
chamber.
[00198]
Preferably, at least a portion of the cyclone bin assembly is removable
from the upper section of the surface cleaning apparatus to help facilitate
emptying of
the dirt collection chamber. To help facilitate emptying and/or inspection at
least one
of, or both of the top and bottom of the cyclone bin assembly may be openable
to
provide access to the interiors of the cyclone chamber and/or the dirt
collection
chamber.
[00199]
Optionally, some or all of the cyclone bin assembly 118 may be formed
from a transparent or semi-transparent material, such as plastic, so that a
user may
visually inspect the contents of the cyclone bin assembly 118, for example the
contents of the dirt collection chamber 122, without having to open or
disassemble the
cyclone bin assembly 118. This may also allow a user to inspect the interior
of the
cyclone bin assembly 118 while the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is in use.
[00200] As
exemplified in Figures 2-6, the cyclone chamber 120 may be an
inverted cyclone and may be oriented with the dirt inlet at an upper end
thereof. In
other configurations, it will be appreciated that cyclone chamber 120 may be
in a
different orientation and may be of a different configuration.
[00201] In
the illustrated example the cyclone chamber 120 is bounded by a
sidewall 124, a first end wall 126 and a second end wall, or floor 128 that
are
configured to provide an inverted cyclone configuration. A lid 130 covers the
top of the
cyclone chamber 120, and an inner surface of the lid 130 comprises the first
end wall
126 of the cyclone chamber 120.
Preferably, the lid 130 is openable and/or
detachable from the cyclone bin assembly 118 by any means known in the art.
[00202]
Opening the lid 130 may allow a user to access the interior of the
cyclone chamber 120, for example for cleaning. In the illustrated example, the
lid 130
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
34
is pivotally connected to the cyclone bin assembly 118 by a hinge 132, and is
movable
between a closed configuration (Figure 2) and an open configuration (Figures 4
and
5). The lid 130 may be held in the closed position by any means known in the
art,
such as a releasable latch 134. A handle 136 may be provided on the lid 130.
The
handle 136 may be used to manipulate the cyclone bin assembly 118 when it is
detached from the upper section 104.
[00203]
Preferably, a tangential air inlet 138 is provided in the sidewall 124 of the
cyclone chamber 120 and is in fluid communication with the dirty air inlet
108. The
tangential air inlet 138 may be of any suitable design and/or cross sectional
area and
may be provided at any suitable location along the sidewall 124 of the cyclone
chamber 120. Air flowing into the cyclone chamber 120 via the air inlet 138
may
circulate around the interior of the cyclone chamber 120 and dirt particles
and other
debris may become disentrained from the circulating air.
[00204] A
dirt collection chamber may be provided to receive and retain dirt and
debris that is separated from the dirty air flow via the cyclone chamber 120.
The dirt
collection chamber may be any suitable configuration that may accommodate a
given
cyclone chamber, and may be formed from any suitable material, including, for
example plastic and metal. At least a portion of the air circulating within
the cyclone
chamber may flow into and circulate within the dirt collection chamber when
the
cyclone bin assembly is in use.
After having circulated within the dirt collection
chamber, the air may flow back into the cyclone chamber and exit via the air
outlet of
the cyclone chamber.
[00205]
Optionally, the dirt collection chamber may be a unitary, integrally formed
chamber.
[00206] The
dirt collection chamber may be of any suitable cross-sectional
shape, and may have a varying cross-sectional shape along its height (as
illustrated in
Figure 1 and discussed subsequently)
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
[00207] In the illustrated example, dirt collection chamber 122 is in
communication with cyclone chamber 120. Air with entrained dirt exits the
cyclone
chamber 120 via a cyclone dirt outlet 140 and enters the dirt collection
chamber via a
dirt collection chamber inlet. After circulating in the dirt collection
chamber 122, air may
re-enter the cyclone chamber 118 via the dirt collection chamber inlet and the
cyclone
dirt outlet 140. Preferably, the dirt collection chamber inlet and the cyclone
dirt outlet
140 are the same element. For example, as exemplified, the cyclone dirt outlet
140
may be a slot formed between the sidewall 124 and the first end wall 126. The
slot 140
may also function as a dirt inlet for the dirt collection chamber 122.
[00208] Debris separated from the air flow in the cyclone chamber 120 may
travel from the cyclone chamber 120, through the dirt outlet 140 to the dirt
collection
chamber 122. Preferably, the slot comprises a gap formed between the end of
the
sidewall 124 and end wall 126 that extends part way around the cyclone chamber
118
(e.g., up to 150 , preferably 30-150 , more preferably 60-120').
Alternatively, the dirt
outlet 140 may be of any suitable configuration and may be provided at any
suitable
position on the cyclone chamber 120.
[00209] As exemplified, the cyclone chamber 118 may be positioned within
the
dirt collection chamber 122 and the dirt collection chamber 122 may comprise
an
annular portion surrounding part or the entire cyclone chamber 118.
Alternately, or in
addition, the cyclone chamber 118 may be positioned such that a portion of the
dirt
collection chamber 122 is positioned opposed to and facing (e.g., below) the
air exit
end of the cyclone chamber 118. The annular portion may merge into, and be
contiguous with, the lower portion of the dirt collection chamber 122.
[00210] The cyclone chamber 120 extends along a longitudinal cyclone axis
156
(Figure 3). In the example illustrated, the longitudinal cyclone axis 156 is
aligned with
the orientation of the vortex finder 144. The cyclone chamber 120 has a
generally
round cross-sectional shape and defines a cyclone chamber diameter 158.
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
36
Alternatively, the cyclone chamber 120 may have any suitable cross-sectional
shape
and configuration.
[00211] Optionally, at least a portion of the cyclone chamber, for example
a
portion of a sidewall or an end wall, may be integral with portion of the dirt
collection
chamber sidewall, lid, cover or other feature (for example a fine particle
separator as
explained below). This may help reduce the overall side of the cyclone bin
assembly
118 and/or may help facilitate manufacturing of the cyclone bin assembly.
[00212] In the illustrated example, a rear a portion of the dirt collection
chamber
sidewall 152 is integral with a rear portion of the cyclone chamber sidewall
124, and at
least a portion of the second cyclone end wall 128 is integral with a portion
of a first
dirt collection chamber end wall 196.
Air Exit Duct - Reinforced Floor Construction for a Dirt Collection Chamber
[00213] In accordance with one aspect of this disclosure, which may be used
by
itself or with one or more other aspects set out herein, an end of a dirt
collection
chamber, preferably the floor, has an air flow conduit extend therethrough and
the floor
is reinforced by one or more support or stiffening members.
[00214] For example, air exiting the cyclone chamber may flow through an
air
outlet through a portion of the dirt collection chamber. The air outlet may
include any
suitable type of conduit or air passage that is in air flow communication with
the
suction motor, including, for example, a down flow duct or other conduit.
[00215] Air travelling through the air exit conduit may be travelling at a
relatively
high speed and may be swirling or otherwise turbulent. Such an air flow may
tend to
induce vibrations in the air exit conduit. Vibrations in the air exit conduit
may tend to
increase the noise generated by the cyclone bin assembly and/or may tend to
damage
components of the surface cleaning apparatus and/or may tend to disturb dirt
that has
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
37
settled out in the dirt collection chamber thereby facilitating the re-
entrainment of such
dirt.
[00216] In accordance with this aspect, the air exit conduit and/or the
dirt
collection chamber may be configured to help reduce such air-induced
vibrations. For
example, the air exit conduit may be buttressed by one or more support or
stiffening
members.
[00217] In the illustrated example, air may exit the cyclone chamber 120
via an
air outlet 142. As exemplified, the dirt collection chamber 122 is preferably
positioned
below the lower end wall 128 of the cyclone chamber in which air outlet 142
(e.g.,
vortex finder 144) is provided. In this orientation, the lower end wall 128
functions as a
dirt collection surface. Preferably, the cyclone air outlet includes a vortex
finder 144
extending into the cyclone chamber 120 and a passage that extends through a
portion
of the dirt collection chamber 122, and preferably linearly through the dirt
collection
chamber, e.g. down duct 146. Optionally, a screen 148 may be positioned over
the
vortex finder 144. In some embodiments, the screen 148 and vortex finder 144
may
be removable. The down duct 146 may comprise a generally cylindrical duct
member
extending through the interior of the dirt collection chamber 122. Screen 148
may be
any screen, shroud or the like known in the art.
[00218] In use, the down duct 146 and/or end wall 128 of the cyclone
chamber
118 may vibrate. The vibrations may produce an undesirable noise. Further, the
vibrations may interfere with the dirt separation efficiency of the cyclone
bin assembly.
Vibrations induced by air flowing through down duct 146 may be transmitted to
lower
end wall 128 and may disturb dirt that has settled thereon. Once spaced from
lower
end wall 128, the disturbed dirt may then be re-entrained in air travelling in
the dirt
collection chamber. Accordingly as exemplified, one or more stiffening ribs
150 may
extend between the down duct 146 and the second end wall 128. Providing
stiffening
ribs 150 may help reduce the vibration of the down duct 146 and/or second end
wall
128 when the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is in use. Alternatively, or in
addition to
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
38
connecting to the second end wall 128, stiffening ribs 150 may be configured
to
connect to the sidewall 152 and/or floor 154 of the dirt collection chamber
122.
[00219] The stiffening ribs 150 may be of any suitable shape and size,
including,
for example, triangular and rectangular. The ribs 150 may be formed from any
suitable material, including, for example metal and plastic. Optionally, the
stiffening
ribs 150 may be integrally formed with the down duct 146 and/or portions of
the
cyclone chamber and/or dirt collection chamber. Alternatively, the ribs 150
may be
separate members coupled to the down duct 146. The ribs 150 may optionally be
detachable or removable.
[00220] The stiffening ribs 150 may be sized to help stabilize the down
duct 146
while still allowing for a desired air flow circulation within the dirt
collection chamber.
[00221] Optionally, some of the stiffening ribs 150 may extend from the
down
duct 146 to the sidewall 152 of the dirt collection chamber. Others of the
stiffening ribs
150 may extend from a fixed end adjacent the down duct 146 to a free end
spaced
apart from the down duct 146.
[00222] Optionally, the down duct 146 may be detachable from the second end
wall 128 of the cyclone chamber 120. If the down duct 146 is detachable from
the
second end wall 128, the stiffening ribs 150 may also be detachable from the
down
duct 146, or the second end wall 128 to help facilitate removal of the down
duct 146.
Alternatively, the ribs 150 may remain attached to the cyclone bin assembly
118 (for
example extending from the floor of the cyclone chamber) when the down duct is
removed from the cyclone bin assembly 118.
[00223] Preferably, at least one portion of the dirt collection chamber 122
is
openable and/or removable to help facilitate emptying of the dirt collection
chamber.
In the illustrated example the floor 154 of the dirt collection chamber 122 is
openable.
Opening the dirt collection chamber floor 154 may help facilitate emptying
dirt and
other debris from the dirt collection chamber 122. In the example illustrated,
the dirt
collection chamber floor 154 is pivotally connected to the dirt collection
chamber
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
39
sidewall 152 by hinge 198, and is pivotable between and open position (Figures
3-5)
and a closed position (Figure 2). The dirt collection floor 154 also comprises
an air
outlet aperture 200 that allows air from the down duct 146 to pass through the
floor
154, and into the suction motor housing 114. Alternatively, any suitable type
of
releasable fastener may be used to secure the floor 154 to the sidewall 152,
including,
for example, latches, pins, interference fit and clips. Optionally, sealing
gaskets 202,
or other sealing members, may be provided around the perimeter of the floor
154 and
around the air outlet aperture 200, to help seal the dirt collection chamber
122 when
the floor 154 is closed.
Fine Particle Separator
[00224] In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be
used
by itself or with one or more other aspects set out herein, a fine particle
separator is
provided exterior to the cyclone chamber and in communication with the cyclone
chamber via the cyclone chamber dirt outlet.
[00225] Circulating air at a first speed within the cyclone chamber 120
may
facilitate separation of a first portion of the dirt and debris from within
the air flow. To
help facilitate separation of a second, finer portion of the dirt and debris
from the air
flow it may be desirable to circulate the air at a second speed. Preferably
the second
speed is faster than the first speed, which may help disentrain finer dirt
particles from
the air flow.
[00226] Optionally, the cyclone bin assembly may include a fine particle
separator. The fine particle separator may be positioned outside the cyclone
chamber
and optionally, may surround at least a portion of the cyclone chamber.
Portions of
the cyclone chamber sidewalls may be integral with portions of the fine
particle
separator.
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
[00227] To help increase the velocity of the air flow, the fine particle
separator
may have a smaller cross-sectional area than the cyclone chamber (in the
direction of
air flow). The cross-sectional area of the fine particle separator may be
constant along
its flow path, or may vary along the flow direction. Preferably, the cross-
sectional area
of the fine particle separator (in the flow direction) may decrease in the
direction of the
air flow, so that the area at an inlet of the fine particle separator is
greater than an area
at an outlet of the fine particle separator. This may help increase the
velocity of the air
flow as it travels through the fine particle separator.
[00228] As exemplified, the cyclone bin assembly 118 includes a fine
particle
separator to help disentrain relatively fine dirt particles from the dirty air
stream. In the
example illustrated, the fine particle separator comprises an air
recirculation chamber
160 surrounding the cyclone chamber 120 wherein air may rotate or swirl prior
to re-
entering the cyclone chamber 118. Preferably, as exemplified, the air
recirculation
chamber 160 comprises a generally annular flow chamber 162, part or all of
which
may be between the cyclone chamber sidewall 124 and an outer bin sidewall 164
(see
for example Figure 6). It will be appreciated that the annular flow chamber
may be
positioned above the cyclone chamber 118 and that some or all of the annular
flow
chamber 162 may face the dirt outlet 140.
[00229] Optionally, the inner surface of the lid 130 may comprise an upper
end
wall 166 of the flow chamber 162. In this configuration, a user may access the
flow
chamber 162 as well as the cyclone chamber 118 when the lid is opened, for
example,
for cleaning or inspection. Alternatively, the flow chamber 162 may have an
upper end
wall that is separate from the lid 130. Air circulating within the air
recirculation chamber
flows in a rotational direction, generally about rotation axis 161.
[00230] Referring to Figure 3, in the illustrated example, the flow chamber
162
surrounds the cyclone chamber 120. Optionally, the height 170 of the flow
chamber
162 may be selected so that it is approximately the same height 172 as the
dirt outlet
140 of the cyclone chamber 120. In this configuration, substantially all of
the air
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
41
exiting the cyclone chamber 120 may flow into the air recirculation chamber
160.
Alternatively, the flow chamber height 170 may be greater than or less than
the dirt
outlet height 172, and optionally may extend the entire height 174 of the
cyclone
chamber 120. This may adjust the amount of air exiting the cyclone chamber 120
that
is drawn into the air recirculation chamber 160. While illustrated in
combination with a
vertically oriented cyclone chamber 120, the air recirculation chamber 160 may
also be
used with a cyclone chamber 120 oriented in another direction, including, for
example,
a horizontal cyclone chamber.
[00231] The fine particle separator is preferably also in communication
with the
dirt collection chamber 122. Accordingly, dirt collection chamber 122 may
collect
particulate matter separated by both the cyclone chamber and the fine particle
separator. Preferably, the end of the fine particle separator closest to the
dirt collection
chamber 122 (e.g., the lower end) is continuous with the dirt collection
chamber 122.
Alternatively, a separate dirt collection chamber may be provided to receive
dirt
separated by the fine particle separator.
[00232] Referring to Figure 6, when the surface cleaning apparatus is in
use, at
least a portion of the dirty air circulating within the cyclone chamber 120
may exit the
cyclone chamber 118 via the dirt outlet 140 and travel into the flow chamber
162, as
illustrated using arrows 176. The air entering the flow chamber 162 may carry
entrained dirt particles. The air circulates in the annular flow chamber 162
before re-
entering the cyclone chamber 118. Concurrently, particulate matter separated
in the
cyclone chamber 118 may be ejected through dirt outlet 140 and pass into the
dirt
collection chamber 122.
[00233] Optionally, the cross sectional area of the annular flow chamber
162 in a
plane transverse to the direction of rotation may be constant. Alternatively
and
preferably, as exemplified, the cross-sectional area of the flow chamber
varies, and
preferably decreases, in the downstream direction. For example, the flow area
of a
first upstream portion 178 of the flow chamber 162 is greater than the flow
area of a
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
42
second downstream portion 180 of the flow chamber 162. In this configuration,
when
air flows from the first portion 178 into second portion 180, the velocity of
the air may
increase. Preferably, the area may be selected so that air traveling through
the
second portion 180 of the flow chamber 162 is traveling at a higher velocity
than the
air circulating within the cyclone chamber 120. Circulating the air at an
increased
velocity in the flow chamber 162 may help disentrain finer dirt particles then
those that
are disentrained in the cyclone chamber 118. Air exiting the second portion
180 of the
flow chamber passes through a second portion outlet 182.
Fine dirt particles
disentrained in the air circulation chamber 160 may fall into the dirt
collection chamber
122.
[00234] As
exemplified in Figures 5 and 6, the flow area of the second portion
180 remains generally constant between the second portion inlet 184 and the
second
portion outlet 182. Alternatively, the second portion 180 may be configured so
that the
flow area of the second portion varies between the inlet and outlet 184, 182.
For
example, the second portion 180 may be configured so that the area at the
outlet 182
is smaller than the area at the inlet 184. This configuration may further
increase the
velocity of the air traveling from the inlet to the outlet 184, 182.
Alternatively, the
second portion 180 may be configured so that the area at the inlet 184 is less
than the
area at the outlet 182.
[00235] The
cross-sectional area of the second portion 180 may be varied using
any suitable technique, including, for example, varying the spacing between
the
sidewalls of the second portion 180, varying the thickness of one or more of
the
sidewalls and/or placing one or more inserts or other members within the flow
area of
the second portion 180. To vary the cross-sectional area in the second portion
180 in
the illustrated example, the thickness 186 of a portion of the cyclone chamber
sidewall
124 may be varied, or the thickness 188 of the outer bin sidewall 164 may be
varied,
or both. Alternatively, instead of modifying the wall thicknesses 186, 188, a
separate
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
43
ramp insert may be positioned within the second portion 180 of the flow
chamber.
Alternately, or in addition, the height 170 of the annular flow region 162 may
be varied.
[00236] Referring to Figure 7a, in a schematic representation of the second
portion 180 of the flow chamber 162, the thickness 186 of the cyclone chamber
sidewall 124 at the inlet 184 is equal to the thickness 186 of the cyclone
chamber
sidewall 124 at the outlet 182. Similarly, the thickness 188 of the sidewall
164 at the
inlet 184 is equal to the thickness 188 of the sidewall 164 at the outlet 182.
While not
shown, the height may remain constant such that the cross sectional area
remains
constant.
[00237] In other embodiments, the wall thickness 186 at the outlet 182 may
be
different than the wall thickness 186 at the inlet 184, as illustrated using
schematic
representations in Figures 7b-7e. Similarly, the wall thickness 188 may be
varied.
Figures 7e and 10 illustrate embodiments in which a separate ramp member 189
is
placed within the second portion 180 of the flow chamber 162, instead of
varying the
wall thickness 186 of the cyclone chamber sidewall 124.
[00238] Disrupting the air flow as it exits the second portion, for example
using
an air contacting member, may help disentrain dirt particles. It may also be
beneficial
to temporarily divert the air flow exiting the second portion 180 away from
the dirt inlet
140 to help disentrain further dirt particles which may help reduce the
likelihood that
dirt particles will be carried within the air flow when it re-enters the
cyclone chamber
120. Referring to Figures 5, 6 and 10, in the illustrated example, a portion
of the
cyclone chamber sidewall 124 adjacent the second portion outlet 182 may be
configured to disrupt the flow of air exiting the second portion outlet 182
and\or direct
the air flow away for the dirt inlet 140. For example, the side wall or a ramp
insert 189
may be provided at the outlet 182 to that the distance between the air flow
region of
portion 180 at outlet 182 and outlet 140 is increased. This may cause the air
to make a
sharper turn to return to the cyclone chamber, which may assist in separating
finer dirt
particles from the air flow.
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
44
[00239] Alternately, or in addition, the cyclone chamber sidewall 124 may
comprise a relatively sharp corner 190, other any other suitable feature,
which may
also help disrupt the air flow 176. Disrupting the air flowing past the corner
190 may
help disentrain dirt particles from the air flow 176, and may help urge the
air flow 176a
to re-enter the cyclone chamber 120 via the dirt outlet 140.
[00240] Optionally, the dirt outlet slot 140 may be configured to have a
varying
slot height 172 along its length. Varying the height of the dirt outlet slot
140 may alter
the behaviour of the air flowing through the slot 140, between the cyclone
chamber
120 and the air recirculation chamber 160, for example air flows 176 and 176a.
Alternatively, the dirt outlet need not be a single continuous slot, but can
be any other
suitable shape having one or more openings in the cyclone chamber sidewall.
Rib in the Dirt Collection Chamber
[00241] In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be
used
by itself or with one or more other aspects set out herein, one or more ribs
within the
dirt collection chamber, and optionally extending between the dirt collection
chamber
sidewall and the cyclone chamber sidewall may be provided to help disentrain
dirt from
air circulating within the dirt collection chamber.
[00242] The ribs are air contacting members and may be of any suitable
construction so as to disrupt an air stream that may be travelling in the dirt
collection
chamber. Accordingly, the ribs may be substantially solid and/or may contain
one or
more apertures or other openings through which air may flow. The dirt
collection
chamber preferably comprises at least an annular section and at least one rib,
and
preferably one rib, is positioned in the annular portion. The rib may extend
along a
portion of the length of the annular portion and preferably along all or
essential al of
the entire length.
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
[00243] The ribs may be formed from any suitable material and may be
integrally
formed with the cyclone bin assembly or provided as separate members. The ribs
may be any suitable shape, and may be positioned as substantially vertical
planar
members, or positioned in any suitable orientation relative to the direction
of air flow.
[00244] As exemplified in Figures 2-4, the dirt collection chamber
comprises an
annular portion and optionally, one or more ribs 194 may extend between the
cyclone
chamber sidewall 124 and the dirt collection chamber sidewall 152. The rib may
be
used with or without the fine particle separator described previously.
[00245] Optionally, the ribs may extend only partway across the annular
spaced
between the sidewalls (having a free end spaced apart from one of the
sidewalls 124,
152), but preferably extend completely across the annular space between the
dirt
collection chamber and cyclone sidewalls 152, 124. Preferably, the rib 194 is
positioned generally adjacent or proximate the dirt outlet 140 and more
preferably, is
positioned on the side of the dirt outlet 140 towards end wall 154 of the dirt
collection
chamber 122.
[00246] In this configuration, the rib is provided in the upper annular
portion of
the dirt collection chamber 122 and may be disposed below the optional fine
particle
separator if one is used. The rib 194 may accordingly impede the flow of the
air flow
circulating within an upper portion of the dirt collection chamber 122, which
may help
separate dirt particles from the air stream and may reduce re-entrainment of
separated
particulate matter. Dirt particles contacting the rib 194 may be disentrained
from the
air flow and fall in the lower portion of the dirt collection chamber 122.
Variable Dirt Collection Cross Sectional Area
[00247] In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be
used
by itself or with one or more other aspects set out herein, the cross-
sectional area of
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
46
the dirt collection chamber may be varied along its height to help alter the
characteristics of the air circulating within the dirt collection chamber.
[00248] It
will be appreciated that the dirt collection chamber is positioned
exterior to the cyclone chamber and may be of various designs. As exemplified
in
Figure 3, the dirt collection chamber 122 comprises an upper portion 204 and a
lower
portion 206. The upper portion 204 is positioned adjacent the cyclone chamber
120
and comprises an upper portion sidewall 208 that at least partially surrounds
the
cyclone chamber 120. The upper portion 204 may also comprise some or all of
the air
recirculation chamber 160. In this configuration the upper portion 204 of the
dirt
collection chamber 122 has a generally round cross-sectional shape, and has an
upper dirt chamber diameter 210.
[00249] As
exemplified, the lower portion 206 of the dirt collection chamber is
positioned generally below the cyclone chamber 120. The lower portion 206 has
a
lower portion sidewall 212 with a generally round cross-sectional shape, and
has a
lower dirt chamber diameter 214. In
the illustrated configuration, the lower dirt
chamber diameter 214 is greater than the upper dirt chamber diameter 210. In
this
configuration, the dirt collection chamber 122 may be described as having a
stepped
out configuration. A transition surface 216 may connect the upper and lower
portion
sidewalls 208, 212. In the illustrated example, the transition surface 216
comprises an
angled wall. In other examples, the transition surface may have another
configuration,
including, for example a horizontal or curved wall.
[00250] When
air flows across the transition surface 216 from one portion to
another (e.g. from the upper portion 204 to the lower portion 206 or from the
lower
portion 206 to the upper portion 204) the disruption in the air flow induced
by the
flowing from one portion to another may help disentrain dirt particles from
the air flow.
The features of the transition surface 216 and its intersection with sidewalls
208 and
212 may be selected to help improve dirt separation.
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
47
[00251] The
cross sectional area or diameter of the dirt collection chamber may
be varied using a plurality of other sidewall configurations. For example,
referring to
Figures 8-11, another embodiment of a cyclone bin assembly 518 that may be
used
with a surface cleaning apparatus includes a cyclone chamber 520 and a dirt
collection
chamber 522. Features of the cyclone bin assembly 518 that are analogous to
features of cyclone bin assembly 118 are represented by like reference
characters,
indexed by 400. Dirt collection chamber 522 includes an upper portion 604 and
a lower
portion 606. In this embodiment, the upper dirt collection diameter 610 is
greater than
the lower dirt collection diameter 614. In this configuration, the dirt
collection chamber
522 may be described as having a stepped in configuration.
[00252] By
way of further example, referring to Figure 12a, a schematic
representation of the stepped out cyclone bin assembly 118 illustrates a dirt
collection
chamber 122 with a lower portion diameter 214 that is greater than the upper
portion
diameter 210. Figure 12b, is a schematic representation of the stepped in
cyclone bin
assembly 518, in which the upper portion diameter 610 is greater than the
lower
portion diameter 614.
Other variable cross-section dirt collection chamber
configurations may also be used. For
example, Figure 12c is a schematic
representation of another embodiment of a cyclone bin assembly 718. The dirt
collection chamber 722 in cyclone bin assembly 718 comprises an upper portion
804
having an upper portion diameter 810, a lower portion 806 having a lower
portion
diameter 812 and an intermediate portion 840 having an intermediate portion
diameter
842. The upper and lower portion diameters 810, 814 are generally equal, and
are
both greater than the intermediate portion diameter 842. In this configuration
the dirt
collection chamber 822 comprises two transition surfaces 816. Figure 12d, is a
schematic representation of another embodiment of a cyclone bin assembly 918.
The
dirt collection chamber 922 in cyclone bin assembly 918 comprises an upper
portion
1004 having an upper portion diameter 1010, a lower portion 1006 having a
lower
portion diameter 1014 and an intermediate portion 1040 having an intermediate
portion diameter 1042. In this example, the upper and lower portion diameters
1010,
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
48
1014 are generally equal, and are both less than the intermediate portion
diameter
1042. Like dirt collection chamber 718, dirt collection chamber comprises two
transition surfaces 1016.
[00253] Changes in the cross-sectional area may be used to enhance the
separation efficiency of the cyclone chamber and associated dirt collection
chamber.
By varying the transverse cross sectional area of the dirt collection chamber,
the flow
dynamics of the air in the dirt collection chamber may be varied and the
amount of dirt
that is disentrained from the air may be altered, or the amount of dirt that
is re-
entrained may be reduced. For example, if the cross sectional area of the
portion of
the dirt collection chamber distal to the dirt inlet (e.g., the lower portion
206) is less
than the opposed portion (e.g. the upper portion with rib 194) adjacent the
dirt inlet,
then the air will slow down as it enters the upper portion. As the velocity
decreases,
the amount of dirt that may be re-entrained in the return airflow may
decrease. If the
cross sectional area of the portion of the dirt collection chamber distal to
the dirt inlet
(e.g., the lower portion) is greater than the opposed portion (e.g. upper
portion)
adjacent the dirt inlet, then the air will slow down as it enters the lower
portion allowing
more dirt to be disentrained.
[00254] It will be appreciated that this aspect is preferably used with a
cyclone
having an upper dirt outlet and/or a fine particle separator and/or a dirt
collection
chamber having an annular portion.
Dirt Collection Chamber Wall Recesses
[00255] In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be
used
by itself or with one or more other aspects set out herein, the sidewall of
the dirt
collection chamber may be configured to include one or more recesses. These
recesses, (which may be referred to as bump-outs) are configured to help cause
eddy
currents to disrupt the air that may be circulating in the dirt collection
chamber and
thereby assist in disentraining dirt projections and other structure features.
These
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
49
recesses may extend substantially the entire length of the dirt collection
chamber, or
alternatively may be limited to select portions of the dirt collection
chamber. The
features may be integrally formed with the cyclone bin assembly, or provided
as
separate members.
[00256] Referring to Figures 5 and 6, in the illustrated example, the dirt
collection
chamber sidewall 152 may comprise two recessed columns 220, on opposing sides
of
the dirt collection chamber 122. The recessed columns 220 may provide a
discontinuity on the inner surface of the outer dirt collection chamber
sidewall 152,
which may create eddy currents or other disruptions in the dirty air flow
circulating
within the dirt collection chamber 122, represented by arrows 176b.
Preferably, the
angle 222 formed at the intersection between the dirt collection chamber
sidewall 152
and the upstream or leading edge 223 of the recessed column 220 walls is
sufficient to
create a relatively sharp corner, which may help disrupt the air flow.
Preferably, the
angle 222 is between about 30 and about 90 , and more preferably is between 45
and
90 . Disrupting the circulation of the dirty air passing over the recessed
columns 220
may help disentrain dirt particles. In other embodiments, the dirt collection
chamber
122 may comprise a different number of recessed columns 220 and the columns
220
may be formed in any suitable shape, including, for example square or
rectangular
cross-sectional shapes.
[00257] The depth 224 of the recessed columns 220 may be selected to
provide
a sufficient depth such that an area with reduced or no air flow is created
such that dirt
particles may settle out and travel to the dirt collection floor. Collecting
dirt particles
within the recessed columns 220 may also help prevent re-entrainment of the
dirt
particles in the circulating air flow. Preferably, the depth 224, represented
using a
dashed line to approximate the circumference of the uninterrupted sidewall
152, is
between about 6 and about 18 millimeters, or optionally may be greater than 18
millimeters or less than 6 millimeters.
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
Connecting Wall
[00258]
Referring to Figures 9 and 11, as an alternative to in addition to the
stiffening ribs 550, the down duct 546 may include a generally vertically
oriented
connecting wall 630 extending between the down duct 546 and the dirt
collection
chamber sidewall 552. The connecting wall may be used by itself or with any
one or
more other aspects of this disclosure. The connecting wall 630 may be of any
suitable
size and configuration, and may be positioned in any suitable orientation.
The
connecting wall 630 may extend along substantially the entire height of the
down duct
546, or may be shorter than the down duct 546. The connecting wall 630 may be
positioned in any suitable location along the height of the down duct 546 and
optionally
may be configured to contact one or both of the cyclone chamber floor and the
dirt
collection chamber floor, or may be spaced apart from both floors.
[00259]
Preferably, as illustrated, the connecting wall 630 extends downward
from the upper end wall 596, and has a height 632 that is between about 5% and
about 80% of the height 634 of the lower portion 606 of the dirt collection
chamber
522. More preferably, the connecting wall height 632 is between about 15% and
50%
of the lower portion height 634. The connecting wall 630 may impede the
circulation of
the dirty air flowing within the lower portion 606. Impeding the circulation
of the dirty
air flow may help disentrain dirt particles from the dirty air flow. The
disentrained
particles may then be retained within the lower portion 606 when the
circulating air re-
enters the cyclone chamber 520. The connecting wall 630 may also provide
additional
stiffness and vibration damping to the down duct 546, as described above.
Ramped or Inclined Surface in the Dirt Collection Chamber
[00260] In
accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used
by itself or with one or more other aspects set out herein, a dirt collection
chamber
may include a ramped or inclined surface in the dirt collection chamber.
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
51
Dirt particles and other debris circulating within the dirt collection chamber
may tend to
settle or be deposited on any horizontal surfaces within the dirt collection
chamber.
Dirt that is resting on horizontal surfaces of the dirt collection chamber may
become
trapped or hung-up within the dirt collection chamber and may be difficult to
empty
from the chamber (for example by opening the floor of the chamber and allowing
the
dirt to fall our under the force of gravity). Accordingly, configuring such
surfaces as
inclined or ramped surfaces may help to reduce or minimize the surface area of
any
surfaces or other features that may trap or retain dirt particles.
[00261] This aspect will be discussed with reference to Figure 13-16 which
disclose another example of a surface cleaning apparatus 2100. Surface
cleaning
apparatus 2100 includes a surface cleaning head 2102 and an upper section
2104.
The surface cleaning apparatus 2100 is generally similar to surface cleaning
apparatus 100, and like features are identified using like reference numerals
indexed
by 2000. It will be appreciated that the surface cleaning apparatus of Figures
13-16 is
an exemplary embodiment and it may have any of the features discussed with
respect
to the exemplary embodiment of Figures 1-12 and thee surface cleaning
apparatus of
Figures 1-12 may have any of the features discussed with respect to the
exemplary
embodiment of Figures 13-16.
[00262] The surface cleaning head 2102 includes a pair of rear wheels 2106
and
a pair of front wheels (not shown) for rolling across a surface and a dirty
air inlet 2108.
The upper section 2104 is moveably connected to the surface cleaning head
2102.
The upper section 2104 is moveable (e.g., pivotally mounted) between a storage
position and an in use position. An air flow passage extends from the dirty
air inlet
2108 to a clean air outlet 2110 on the upper section 104. A handle 2116 is
provided on
the upper section 2104 for manipulating the surface cleaning apparatus 2100.
[00263] As exemplified in Figures 13 and 14, the upper section 2104
comprises
an air treatment housing 2112 and a suction motor housing 2114. The air
treatment
housing 2112 houses an air treatment member comprising at least one cyclone
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
52
chamber and at least one dirt collection chamber, which is positioned in the
air flow
passage downstream from the dirty air inlet 2108 to remove dirt particles and
other
debris from the air flowing through the air flow passage. In the illustrated
example, the
air treatment member comprises a cyclone bin assembly 2118 comprising a
cyclone
chamber 2120 and a dirt collection chamber 2122. The suction motor housing
2114 is
configured to house a suction motor (not shown). The suction motor is in air
flow
communication with the air flow passage, preferably downstream from the
cyclone bin
assembly 2118.
[00264] In the illustrated example, the cyclone bin assembly 2118 is
oriented
vertically and the cyclone dirt outlet 2140 is provided at the upper end of
the cyclone
chamber 2120. It will be appreciated that the cyclone bin assembly may be in
other
orientations when mounted to a surface cleaning apparatus and when in use.
[00265] The cyclone chamber 2120 is bounded by a sidewall 2126, a first
(e.g.,
upper) end wall 2126 and a second end wall 2128, (e.g., a floor). Preferably,
as
exemplified in Figures 14-16, the cyclone chamber 2120 is an inverted cyclone
chamber. Accordingly, the dirt outlet 2140 is provided above the cyclone air
inlet
[00266] Preferably, as exemplified, the dirt outlet end of the cyclone
chamber
2120 is openable. Accordingly, a lid 2130 may cover the top of the cyclone
chamber
2120, and an inner surface of the lid 2130 may comprise the first end wall
2126 of the
cyclone chamber 2120. Preferably, the lid 2130 is openable. Opening the lid
2130
may allow a user to access the interior of the cyclone chamber 2120, for
example for
cleaning. In the illustrated example, the lid 2130 is pivotally connected to
the cyclone
bin assembly 2118 by a hinge 2132, and is movable between a closed
configuration
and an open configuration. The lid 2130 may be held in the closed position by
any
suitable mechanism, including, for example a releasable latch 2134. A handle
2136 is
provided on the lid 2128. The handle 2136 may be used to manipulate the
cyclone bin
assembly 2118 when it is detached from the upper section 2104. Other methods
of
moveably mounting or removably mounting the lid 2128 may be used.
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
53
[00267] Preferably, the cyclone air inlet comprises a tangential air inlet.
Preferably, as exemplified, tangential air inlet 2138 is provided in the
sidewall 2124 of
the cyclone chamber 2120 and is in fluid communication with the dirty air
inlet 2108.
Air flowing into the cyclone chamber via the air inlet may circulate around
the interior
of the cyclone chamber 2120 and dirt particles and other debris may become
disentrained from the circulating air.
[00268] Preferably, the dirt outlet 2140 comprises a gap provided between
the
sidewall 2124 of the cyclone chamber and first (upper) end wall 2126. The gap
may
extend part way or all the way around sidewall 2124. Preferably, as
exemplified, the
dirt outlet comprises a slot that extends part way around sidewal1122 between
the end
of sidewall 124 facing first end wall 2126 and first end wall 2126. Debris
separated
from the air flow in the cyclone chamber 2120 may travel from the cyclone
chamber
2120, through the dirt outlet 2140 to the dirt collection chamber 2122.
[00269] Air may exit the cyclone chamber via an air outlet 2142. In the
exemplified embodiment, the cyclone chamber 2120 is inverted and the dirt
collection
chamber includes a portion spaced from and facing the air outlet end of the
cyclone
chamber. Accordingly, the air exit conduit extends at least part way through
the dirt
collection chamber. For example, reference may be made to Figure 14 and Figure
16
in which the lower portion 2168 of the dirt collection chamber 2122 positioned
beneath
the cyclone chamber 2120 has been removed. In this example, the cyclone air
outlet
includes a vortex finder 2144 extending into the cyclone chamber 2120.
Optionally, a
screen may be positioned over the vortex finder. Optionally, the screen and
vortex
finder 2144 may be removable.
[00270] A down duct 2144 extends from the vortex finder linearly through
the
lower portion 2168 of the dirt collection chamber 122. The down duct 2146
comprises
a generally cylindrical duct member and may extend in any direction through
the
interior of the dirt collection chamber 2122. Optionally, the down duct 2146
may be
detachable from the second end wall 2128.
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
54
[00271] The cyclone chamber 120 extends along a longitudinal cyclone axis
2156. In the example illustrated, the longitudinal cyclone axis 2156 is
aligned with the
orientation of the vortex finder 2144.
[00272] The dirt collection chamber 2122 comprises a sidewall 2152, a first
(upper) end wall 150 and an opposing second end wall, or floor 2154. The first
end
walls of the cyclone chamber and the dirt collection chamber may be configured
to be
openable concurrently, e.g., they may be integrally formed. Alternately, or in
addition,
the second end walls of the cyclone chamber and the dirt collection chamber
may be
configured to be openable concurrently, e.g., they may be integrally formed
with each
other.
[00273] Referring to Figure 13, the floor 2154 of the dirt collection
chamber 2122
is openable. Opening the dirt collection chamber floor 2154 may help
facilitate
emptying dirt and other debris from the dirt collection chamber 2122. In the
example
illustrated, the dirt collection chamber floor 2154 is pivotally connected to
the dirt
collection chamber sidewall 2152 by a hinge, and is pivotable between and open
position and a closed position. The dirt collection floor 2154 also comprises
an air
outlet aperture that allows air from the down duct to pass through the floor
2154.
Optionally, sealing gaskets, or other sealing members, may be provided around
the
perimeter of the floor 2154 and around the air outlet aperture, to help seal
the dirt
collection chamber 2122 when the floor 2154 is closed.
[00274] As exemplified, the dirt collection chamber 2122 has a portion
adjacent
the cyclone dirt outlet 2140 that is preferably annular in shape (e.g., the
upper annular
portion) and a second spaced apart portion extending across the outer surface
of the
air exit end of the cyclone chamber (lower portion 2168). Preferably, the
portions are
contiguous.
[00275] The dirt collection chamber 2122 has a dirt collection chamber dirt
inlet
2153 that is in communication with the cyclone dirt outlet 2140. Preferably,
the dirt inlet
2153 is the dirt outlet 2240 of the cyclone chamber 2120.
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
[00276] In the illustrated example, the cyclone chamber 2120 is nested
towards
the rear of the dirt collection chamber 2122 (relative to the direction of
travel of the
surface cleaning apparatus 2100), and a generally annular space 2250 is
defined
between the cyclone chamber sidewall 2124 and the dirt collection chamber
sidewall
2152.The annular space 2250 may have a constant width or the width may vary.
Further, the annular space may surround the entire height of the cyclone
chamber
2120 or any part or portion thereof. In other configurations, the space 2250
may have
any other suitable shape and need not be curved or annular.
[00277] A support member, for example a support surface, may be provided to
help support the cyclone chamber 2120 within the cyclone bin assembly. The
support
member may be any suitable combination of structural members that are
configured to
help connect the cyclone chamber to the dirt collection chamber, and hold the
relative
spacing between these chambers while the surface cleaning apparatus is in use.
[00278] In the illustrated example, the support surface comprises a
connecting
wall 2252 that is provided in the annular space 2250 between the cyclone
chamber
sidewall 2124 and the dirt collection chamber sidewall 2152, rearward of the
cyclone
chamber 2120. Connecting wall 2252 surrounds a portion of the cyclone chamber
2120, and in the illustrated example surrounds approximately 50% of the
cyclone
chamber 2120. In other examples the connecting wall 2252 may surround more
than
or less than 50% of the cyclone chamber 2120.
[00279] When the surface cleaning apparatus is in use, a portion of the
dirty air in
the cyclone chamber 2120 may flow out of the dirt outlet 2140 and circulate
within the
dirt collection chamber 2122 in a rotation direction, as illustrated using
arrows 2254. A
portion of this air may flow through the annular space 2250 behind the cyclone
chamber 2120. Dirt particles entrained with the air circulating through
annular space
2250 may become disentrained from the air flow and may settle on the upper
surface
2256 of the connecting wall 2252.
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
56
[00280] In accordance with this aspect of the disclosure, the connecting
wall
2252 is preferably configured to help shed the dirt particles that settle on
the
connecting wall 2252, and to urge the dirt particles toward the lower portion
2168 of
the dirt collection chamber 2122. Guiding the dirt particles toward the lower
portion
2168 of the dirt collection chamber 2122 may help facilitate the collection of
dirt and
debris in the lower portion 2168 of the dirt collection chamber 2122, which
may help
facilitate emptying of the dirt collection chamber 2122. It may also help
prevent dirt
particles from being retained on the upper surface 2256 of the connecting wall
2252.
Preferably, the connecting wall 2252 does not comprise horizontal surfaces
that may
retain dirt particles when the surface cleaning apparatus 2100 is in an
upright position
(for example see Figure 13).
[00281] The connecting wall 2252 may be of any suitable shape and
configuration, and may include any suitable combination of features to help
inhibit the
accumulation of dirt and debris on the connecting wall 2252. In the
illustrated
example, the connecting wall 2252 has a high point 2260 adjacent the
tangential air
inlet 2138 that is at a higher elevation than the first and second ends 2262,
2264,
thereby forming first and second ramp surfaces 2266, 2268. In this
configuration, the
high point 2260 of the connecting wall is intermediate the first and second
ends 2262
and 2264, and is offset relative to a lateral centre line 2270 cyclone
chamber.
Alternatively, the high point 2260 of the connecting wall 2252 may be aligned
with the
centre line 2270.
[00282] First and second ramp surfaces 2266, 2268 slope generally
downwardly
from the high point 2260 toward the first and second ends 2262, 2264,
respectively. In
this configuration, the first and second ends 2262, 2264 are positioned at the
points of
lowest elevation on the connecting wall 2252. Providing inclined ramp surfaces
2266,
2268 may help urge dirt particles settling on the ramp surfaces 2266, 2268 to
move
toward the corresponding ends 2262, 2264 of the connecting wall 2252, and fall
into
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
57
lower portion of the dirt collection chamber 2122. The slope of the ramp
surfaces
2266 and 2268 may be constant along their lengths, or may vary.
[00283] The first ramp surface 2266 is preferably a generally smooth
surface
extending from the high point 2260 to the first end 2262. The second ramp
surface
2268 may comprise a portion of the tangential air inlet sidewall 2272 and
comprises a
kinked region 2274 where the air inlet sidewall 2272 joins with the connecting
wall
2252. Providing a kinked region 2274, or other type of discontinuity in the
ramp
surface 2268, may introduce eddy currents or other flow disturbances in the
dirty air
flow circulating within the annular space 2250. Introducing disturbances in
the air flow
may help disentrain dirt particles from the air flow. Other surface features
may also be
provided on the ramp surfaces 2266 and 2268.
[00284] Optionally, instead of positioning the high point 2260 of the
connection
wall intermediate the first and second ends 2262 and 2264, the high point 2260
may
be positioned at one of the ends 2262, 2264 of the connecting wall 2252. For
example, the connecting wall 2252 may be configured so that the first end 2262
is the
point of highest elevation 2260 and the second end 2264 is the point of lowest
elevation, so that the connecting wall 2252 may slope generally downward from
the
first end 2262 to the second end 2264, or vice versa. Preferably, at least one
of the
ends 2262, 2264 of the connecting wall is positioned at the point of lowest
elevation of
the connecting wall 2252. Positioning at least one of the ends 2262, 2264 at
the point
of lowest elevation may help prevent low points or recesses along the length
of the
connecting wall 2252, which may trap dirt particles, from being formed between
the
high point 2260 and the ends 2262, 2264 of the connecting wall.
[00285] The ramp surface may be sloped or declined at an angle between
about
degrees to about 80 relative to a plane that is perpendicular to the cyclone
axis
2156 (for example a horizontal plane), preferably between about 5 and about
50 and
more preferably between about 15 and about 35 . The slope of the ramped
surfaces
2266, 2268 is preferably generally constant along their length. However, the
slope of
CA 02828469 2013-08-28
WO 2012/119220 PCT/CA2012/000182
58
the ramped surfaces 2266, 2268 may vary along the lengths of the surfaces
2266,
2268, so that a given ramped surface 2266 or 2268 may comprise relatively
steeper
and relatively flatter portions.
[00286] In the example illustrated, a portion of the connecting wall 2252
is
integral with the tangential air inlet sidewall 2272. Accordingly, it will be
appreciated
that the connecting wall may form, e.g., an upper surface of the cyclone air
inlet.
Alternatively, the tangential air inlet sidewall 2272 may be separate from the
connecting wall 2252 and/or may not pass through the dirt collection chamber
2120.
[00287] It will be appreciated that the following claims are not limited to
any
specific embodiment disclosed herein. Further, it will be appreciated that any
one or
more of the features disclosed herein may be used in any particular
combination or
sub-combination, including, without limitation, a dirt collection chamber with
a variable
diameter or cross sectional area, the fine particle separator, an annular dirt
collection
chamber with a rib or baffle, reinforcing ribs for a cyclone chamber floor, a
down flow
duct and a recess in the outer sidewall of the dirt collection chamber and/or
a
connecting wall.
[00288] What has been described above has been intended to be illustrative
of
the invention and non-limiting and it will be understood by persons skilled in
the art
that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the
scope of
the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto.
