Cyclone such as for use in a surface cleaning apparatus

Abstract

A cyclone comprises a cyclone chamber having an air inlet, an air outlet, a screen upstream of the air outlet, a longitudinal axis, a first end wall, a second end wall and a sidewall, the air inlet having a cross sectional area in a plane transverse to a direction of airflow through the air inlet and the screen having an inner end spaced longitudinally inwardly from the air outlet and having a cross-sectional area transverse to the cyclone axis that is less than the cross sectional area of the air inlet.

Description

FIELD[0001]This specification relates to cyclones having improved efficiency. In a preferred embodiment, a surface cleaning apparatus, such as a vacuum cleaner, is provided which utilizes one or more improved cyclones.INTRODUCTION[0002]The following is not an admission that anything discussed below is part of the prior art or part of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art.[0003]Various types of surface cleaning apparatus are known. Typically, an upright vacuum cleaner includes an upper section, including an air treatment member such as one or more cyclones and / or filters, drivingly mounted to a surface cleaning head. An up flow conduit is typically provided between the surface cleaning head and the upper section. In some such vacuum cleaners, a spine, casing or backbone extends between the surface cleaning head and the upper section for supporting the air treatment member. The suction motor may be provided in the upper section or in the surface cleaning head.[00...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent text describes a special cyclone used in vacuum cleaners and other surface cleaning devices. These turbulences and eddy currents in the cyclone can reduce its efficiency and increase back pressure. This decreases the velocity of air flow and reduces the cleaning efficiency of the device. The patent proposes a solution to this problem by reducing the back pressure created by the cyclone chamber. Additionally, the patent also mentions the use of sound-absorbing material or a sound shield to make the device quieter and reduce the transmission of sound through the device.

Problems solved by technology

Turbulence or eddy currents which develop in a cyclone chamber may reduce the efficiency of the cyclone chamber.

In addition, the back pressure created by the passage of air through a cyclone chamber may be increased by turbulence and eddy currents which are created in a cyclone chamber.

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