Separation system

Abstract

A separation system for a vacuum cleaner includes a first cyclonic separator having a first inlet and a second cyclonic separator having a second inlet. And the second cyclone separator and the first cyclone separator are arranged in parallel. The separation system includes a movable member movable between a first position in which the movable member allows airflow through the first inlet and the second inlet and a second position in which the movable member allows airflow through the first inlet and prevents airflow through the second inlet.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a separation system for a vacuum cleaner and a vacuum cleaner comprising such a separation system. Background Art

[0002] A vacuum cleaner relies on a suction generator to generate an air flow for sucking dirt from the surface to be cleaned. The air flow passes through one or more separation stages to separate the dirt from the air flow before it is discharged from the vacuum cleaner. Some vacuum cleaners use cyclonic separators as separation stages. Summary of the invention

[0003] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a separation system for a vacuum cleaner, the separation system comprising: a first cyclone separator comprising a first inlet; a second cyclone separator comprising a second inlet, the second cyclone separator being arranged in parallel with the first cyclone separator; and a movable member movable between a first position and a second position, wherein in the first position the movable member allows airflow through the first inlet and the second inlet, and in the second position the movable member allows airflow through the first inlet and prevents airflow through the second inlet.

[0004] The use of a movable member to selectively allow or prevent airflow through the second inlet may provide improved separation efficiency compared to an arrangement in which the airflow is always required to flow through the second cyclonic separator as it flows through the first cyclonic separator. In particular, a vacuum cleaner having multiple power modes may have equally large variations in flow rates between those power modes. Cyclonic separators can typically only be designed to achieve an optimal balance of separation efficiency and restriction at a single flow rate or a small range of flow rates. For a typical separation system having one cyclonic separator or two cyclonic separators that are always fluidly connected in parallel, as the flow rate through the separation system changes, the separation efficiency and restriction through the separation system will also change. This may mean that the vacuum cleaner is unable to operate at peak separation and energy efficiency in all modes and at all flow rates.

[0005] Reduced separation efficiency may shorten the life of filters downstream of the cyclone separator, for example due to more dirt or debris remaining in the air and passing through the filters, and may result in the user needing to perform maintenance, such as cleaning the filters, more frequently. Increased airflow restriction may result in the motor requiring more energy to draw in the same volume of air and thus shorten battery life when the vacuum cleaner is a battery-powered vacuum cleaner. In addition, increased airflow restriction may reduce airflow through the vacuum cleaner, thereby reducing dirt pickup.

[0006] The separation system described herein can alleviate the above-mentioned problems by allowing the second cyclonic separator to be selectively used via the positioning of the movable member. Specifically, this can allow the first and second cyclonic separators to be adjusted to provide performance of peak separation efficiency at multiple power modes and multiple airflow rates. This can result in an increase in separation efficiency and a reduction in flow restriction in a specific operating mode.

[0007] The separation system may include an inlet duct for receiving the airflow, the inlet duct being connected to the first inlet and the second inlet, and the movable member may be located within the inlet duct. By placing the movable member in the inlet duct, rather than the first inlet itself, increased flexibility in the design of the movable member may be achieved, such as enabling the use of a simpler movable member. Specifically, the first inlet may generally be smaller than the inlet duct itself, wherein the inlet duct provides additional space for positioning the movable member.

[0008] The first position may be a first position within the inlet conduit. The second position may be a second position within the inlet conduit.

[0009] The second inlet may be spaced apart from the first inlet along the length of the inlet duct. This may enable the first cyclonic separator and the second cyclonic separator to be stacked, for example one on top of the other at least partially along the length of the inlet duct, which may provide a reduced form factor for the separation system in a radial direction. Separating the second inlet from the first inlet along the length of the inlet duct may also be advantageous in preventing airflow through the second inlet, for example by providing at least a portion of a seal within the inlet duct between the first and second inlets of the first cyclonic separator and the second cyclonic separator by a movable member. This contrasts with an arrangement in which the first and second inlets are located at the same length along the inlet duct. The length of the inlet duct may extend in a direction substantially parallel to the direction of a large amount of airflow through the inlet duct when in use.

[0010] The separation system may include a sealing member extending around the inner surface of the inlet pipe, and the movable member may be movable between a first position and a second position relative to the sealing member, so that the movable member is spaced from the sealing member in the first position and the movable member is in contact with the sealing member in the second position. This may provide a relatively simple sealing arrangement compared to an arrangement in which, for example, sealing is performed at the second inlet itself. The sealing member may extend around substantially the entire inner surface of the inlet pipe. This may provide increased strength, such as hoop strength, of the sealing member compared to a sealing member extending only around a portion of the inner surface of the inlet pipe.

[0011] The inlet duct may be substantially cylindrical, the sealing member may be substantially annular, and the movable member may be substantially conical. The sealing member may be located within the inlet duct, intermediate the first inlet and the second inlet. This may facilitate movement of the movable member between the first position and the second position, for example due to a pressure difference between the second cyclonic separator and the inlet duct when the movable member moves towards the sealing member between the first position and the second position.

[0012] The first cyclonic separator may have a different geometry than the second cyclonic separator. Thus, when the movable member is in the first position and the second position, the first cyclonic separator and the second cyclonic separator may help provide different restrictions and separation efficiencies, which may enable the separation system to be optimized to provide different restrictions and separation efficiencies at different power modes of a vacuum cleaner incorporating the separation system. The first cyclonic separator may have a different size and / or shape than the second cyclonic separator.

[0013] The separation system may include a user operable actuator to move the movable member between the first position and the second position. This may allow the user to select when to switch the movable member from the first position to the second position, or vice versa, which may provide improved control over efficiency and / or restriction when the separation system is used in a vacuum cleaner in use. The user operable actuator may include a switch that can be actuated by the user's hand.

[0014] The separation system may include an electrically operable actuator to move the movable member between the first position and the second position. The use of an electrically operable actuator may facilitate automatic movement of the movable member between the first position and the second position, for example in response to a user's selection of an operating mode of the vacuum cleaner comprising the separation system.

[0015] The movable member may include an inflatable member that can move between, for example, a first position and a second position in response to inflation and deflation. The use of an inflatable member can facilitate movement between the first position and the second position, for example by utilizing an existing airflow within the separation system being used. Inflation of the inflatable member can cause the movable member to move from the first position to the second position. Deflation of the inflatable member can cause the movable member to move from the second position to the first position.

[0016] The movable member may move between the first position and the second position in response to movement of a switch by a user. For example, this may enable a user to control when the second cyclonic separator is used. The inflatable member may inflate or deflate in response to movement of a switch by a user.

[0017] The separation system may include a first dirt collection chamber in fluid communication with the first cyclonic separator, and a second dirt collection chamber different from the first dirt collection chamber in fluid communication with the second cyclonic separator. This may prevent flow leakage between the first dirt collection chamber and the second cyclonic separator when the movable member is in the second position.

[0018] The separation system may include: a plurality of first cyclone separators, each of which includes a corresponding first inlet; a plurality of second cyclone separators, each of which includes a corresponding second inlet, the plurality of second cyclone separators being arranged in parallel with the plurality of first cyclone separators; and when in a first position, the movable member may allow airflow through the first inlet and the second inlet, and when in a second position, the movable member may allow airflow through the first inlet and prevent airflow through the second inlet. By providing a plurality of first cyclone separators and second cyclone separators, the separation efficiency may be improved compared to a separation system using only one first cyclone separator and one second cyclone separator.

[0019] The first inlets may be arranged in a first annular array, the second inlets may be arranged in a second annular array, and the first annular array may be spaced from the second annular array. This may provide a relatively simple arrangement for a movable member to block airflow through the second cyclonic separator, for example when a sealing member is located in the inlet duct between the first and second annular arrays.

[0020] The separation system may comprise different numbers of first cyclonic separators and second cyclonic separators. This may help to tailor the separation system for different flow rates in use.

[0021] The separation system may include a third separation system located upstream of the first separation system and the second separation system. For example, this may achieve preliminary filtration of the airflow within the separation system before the first cyclone separator and the second cyclone separator.

[0022] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vacuum cleaner comprising a separation system according to the first aspect of the present invention.

[0023] The vacuum cleaner may include an airflow generator for generating an airflow through the separation system, the vacuum cleaner being operable in a first mode and a second mode, wherein the airflow generator generates an airflow through the separation system at a first flow rate, and wherein the airflow generator generates an airflow through the separation system at a second flow rate different from the first flow rate, and wherein the movable member is in a first position in the first mode and in a second position in the second mode. Using the movable member may provide improved flow restriction and / or improved separation efficiency when the vacuum cleaner experiences different flow rates in different modes, compared to a vacuum cleaner that uses a first cyclonic separator and a second cyclonic separator in each operating mode.

[0024] The second flow rate may be less than the first flow rate, for example, the second mode is a lower power mode of operation than the first mode.

[0025] The movable member may be automatically moved between the first position and the second position according to a selected one of the first mode and the second mode. This may provide improved performance of the vacuum cleaner compared to an arrangement in which a user must decide when to move the movable member between the first position and the second position.

[0026] The movable member may include an inflatable member that is movable in response to inflation and deflation, and a valve assembly for inflating and deflation of the inflatable member, the valve assembly may include a first airflow path in fluid communication with an upstream position of the airflow generator, a second airflow path in fluid communication with a downstream position of the airflow generator, a third airflow path in fluid communication with the inflatable member, and a valve member movable to selectively allow airflow through only one of the first airflow path and the second airflow path. This arrangement can utilize existing airflow within the vacuum cleaner to move the movable member between the first position and the second position. For example, the pressure difference between different positions in the vacuum cleaner can be utilized to selectively inflate and deflate the inflatable member.

[0027] The second airflow path may be in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere outside the vacuum cleaner. The second airflow path may be in fluid communication with the interior of the vacuum cleaner downstream of the airflow generator. This may provide an increased response time compared to an arrangement in which the second airflow path is in fluid communication with the ambient atmosphere outside the vacuum cleaner, for example due to a greater pressure inside the vacuum cleaner than the ambient pressure outside the vacuum cleaner.

[0028] Through the valve member, airflow can be allowed through the first airflow path and blocked through the second airflow path to deflate the inflatable member and place the movable member in the first position. Through the valve member, airflow can be allowed through the second airflow path and blocked through the first airflow path to inflate the inflatable member and place the movable member in the second position.

[0029] Movement of the valve member may be electrically actuated. This may provide a relatively fast response time, for example compared to manually actuating the valve member. The valve assembly may comprise a solenoid valve assembly, for example, whose valve member is movable in response to a solenoid.

[0030] The movement of the valve member may be electrically actuated in response to a user's selection of one of the first mode and the second mode. This may allow the movable member to automatically move in response to a user's selection of one of the first mode and the second mode.

[0031] The separation system may include a drive motor to drive the movable member between the first position and the second position. Using a drive motor allows for more accurate positioning of the movable member than, for example, using an inflatable member, since the flow through the separation system may vary during use.

[0032] The drive motor may be actuated in response to a user selecting one of the first mode and the second mode. This may allow the movable member to automatically move in response to a user selecting one of the first mode and the second mode. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a vacuum cleaner;

[0034] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an actuator of a vacuum cleaner;

[0035] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a secondary separation stage of a vacuum cleaner;

[0036] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 The actuator and Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a first configuration of a combination of secondary separation stages;

[0037] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 The actuator and Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a first configuration of a combination of secondary separation stages;

[0038] Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a vacuum cleaner;

[0039] Figure 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a vacuum cleaner;

[0040] Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a vacuum cleaner; and

[0041] Fig. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of a vacuum cleaner. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Figure 1The vacuum cleaner 10 is schematically shown and includes a main body 12, a primary separation stage 14, and a secondary separation stage 16. The combination of the primary separation stage 14 and the secondary separation stage 16, and appropriate auxiliary components that facilitate the operation of the primary separation stage 14 and the secondary separation stage 16, may be collectively referred to as a separation system as discussed herein. Likewise, the secondary separation stage 16 and appropriate auxiliary components that facilitate the operation of the secondary separation stage may be considered to be a separation system as discussed herein.

[0043] The shape of the body 12 defines a handle 18 and houses a battery pack 20, a suction motor 22 and an actuator 24. Located on an outer surface of the body 12 is a user input 26 in the form of a depressible button.

[0044] The actuator 24 is Figure 2 2 and includes a housing 28 , a valve member 30 movable within the housing 28 , a coil 32 for selectively moving the valve member 30 , and a first airflow path 34 , a second airflow path 36 and a third airflow path 38 in fluid communication with the housing 28 .

[0045] The valve member 30 is in the form of a solenoid core. The valve member is elastically biased by a spring 31 to a certain position, in which the valve member blocks airflow through the first airflow path 34 and allows airflow through the second airflow path 36 and the third airflow path 38. The valve member may include a suitable sealing surface. The coil 32 is energized in response to the operation of the user input 26 to move the valve member 30. The first airflow path 34 is fluidly connected to a position slightly upstream of the suction motor 22. The second airflow path 36 is fluidly connected to a position downstream of the suction motor 22 in the main body 22. The third airflow path 38 is fluidly connected to the inflatable member 62 of the second separation stage 16, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0046] The primary separation stage 14 includes a generally annular chamber 40, an air inlet 42, and an air outlet 44. The primary separation stage 44 can be considered an inertial separator, and in some examples, the filter ( Figure 1 The air inlet 42 is located between the air inlet 42 and the air outlet 44. Although not shown, in some examples, the air inlet 42 has a connection structure for connecting to at least one of the elongated tube and the cleaning head.

[0047] Figure 3 4 and 5. The secondary separation stage 16 is shown in isolation in FIG. 4 and comprises an inlet duct 46, an array 48 of first cyclonic separators 50, a first dirt collection chamber 52, an array 54 of second cyclonic separators 56, a second dirt collection chamber 58, a sealing member 60 and an inflatable member 62.

[0048] The inlet duct 46 is generally cylindrical and is in fluid communication with the air outlet 44 of the primary separation stage 44. The array 48 of first cyclonic separators 50 and the array 54 of second cyclonic separators 56 extend annularly around the inlet duct 46, with the array 54 of second cyclonic separators 56 spaced from the array 48 of first cyclonic separators 50 along the inlet duct 46. This may enable the second cyclonic separators 56 to be stacked relative to the first cyclonic separators 50, e.g., the second cyclonic separators 56 are spaced from the first cyclonic separators 50 along the length of the inlet duct 46 while also at least partially overlapping the first cyclonic separators 50.

[0049] Each first cyclone separator 50 is generally frustoconical in shape and has an inlet 66, an air outlet 68 in the form of a vortex finder, and a dirt outlet 70. Each first cyclone separator 50 tapers toward the dirt outlet 70. The inlets 66 of the first cyclone separators 50 are evenly spaced around the periphery of the inlet duct 46 and are substantially in the same plane as each other. The air outlet 68 of each first cyclone separator 50 is in fluid communication with the suction motor 22. The dirt outlet 70 of each first cyclone separator 50 is in fluid communication with the first dirt collection chamber 52.

[0050] Each first cyclonic separator 50 has substantially the same size and shape, and is tuned to have optimal separation efficiency and flow restriction for the relatively low flow rate first operating mode of the vacuum cleaner 10 , as will be described in more detail below.

[0051] Each second cyclone 56 is generally frustoconical and has an inlet 72, an air outlet 74 in the form of a vortex finder, and a dirt outlet 76. Each second cyclone 56 tapers toward the dirt outlet 76. The inlets 72 of the second cyclone 56 are evenly spaced around the periphery of the inlet duct 46 and are substantially in the same plane as each other. The air outlet 74 of each second cyclone 56 is in fluid communication with the suction motor 22. The dirt outlet 76 of each second cyclone 56 is in fluid communication with the second dirt collection chamber 58.

[0052] Each second cyclonic separator 56 has substantially the same size and shape and is larger than the first cyclonic separator 50. The second cyclonic separators 56 are tuned together with the first cyclonic separators 50 to have optimal separation efficiency and flow restriction for the relatively high flow rate second operating mode of the vacuum cleaner 10, as will be described in more detail below.

[0053] The sealing member 60 is substantially annular and made of an elastically deformable material. The sealing member 60 extends annularly around the inner surface of the inlet duct 46 and is located between the inlet 66 of the first cyclone separator 50 and the inlet 72 of the second cyclone separator 56 .

[0054] The inflatable member 62 is located downstream of the sealing member 60 in the inlet duct 46 and is hollow and made of a resiliently deformable material such as rubber. The shape of the inflatable member 62 allows linear expansion and contraction by bending, rolling, accordion or other similar effects, and includes an outer sealing surface 78 for engaging the sealing member 60. The interior of the inflatable member 62 is in fluid communication with the third airflow path 38 of the actuator 24.

[0055] During operation of the vacuum cleaner 10, the battery pack 20 provides power to the suction motor 22 to generate airflow through the vacuum cleaner 10. Air containing dirt enters the primary separation stage 14 through the air inlet 42. Relatively large dirt is filtered out of the airflow within the primary separation stage 14 via inertial separation, and the airflow then leaves the primary separation stage via the air outlet 44.

[0056] The airflow enters the secondary separation stage 16 via an inlet duct 46 and, depending on the operating mode of the vacuum cleaner 10 , enters either the array 48 of first cyclonic separators 50 , or the array 48 of first cyclonic separators 50 and the array 54 of second cyclonic separators 56 .

[0057] Figure 4 A first configuration of the actuator 24 and the secondary separation stage 16 is shown. When the vacuum cleaner 10 is intended to be operated in an operating mode having a relatively high flow rate selected by a user via the user input 26, the coil 32 is energized so that the valve member 30 of the actuator 24 moves to block airflow through the second airflow path 36 while allowing airflow through the first airflow path 34 and the third airflow path 38.

[0058] Because the first airflow path 34 is in fluid communication with a location slightly upstream of the suction motor 22 and airflow is permitted through the first airflow path 34 and the third airflow path 38, a suction force is created that causes the inflatable member 62 to deflate. In the fully deflated configuration, the inflatable member 62 is in a retracted first position relative to the sealing member 60. In the first position, the inflatable member 62 is not in contact with the sealing member 60, and airflow is free to enter the inlet 66 of the first cyclonic separator 50 and the inlet 72 of the second cyclonic separator 56.

[0059] Then, the airflow moves in parallel spirals in the first cyclone separator 50 and the second cyclone separator 56, wherein relatively fine dirt particles are filtered through cyclonic separation and collected in the corresponding first dirt collection chamber 52 and the second dirt collection chamber 58. The airflow leaves the first cyclone separator 50 and the second cyclone separator 56 through their respective air outlets 68, 74, then passes through the suction motor 22 and is discharged from the main body 12 through an outlet (not shown).

[0060] Figure 5A second configuration of the actuator 24 and the secondary separation stage 16 is shown. When the vacuum cleaner 10 is intended to be operated in an operating mode having a relatively low flow rate selected by the user via the user input 26, the coil 32 is not energized and the spring 31 biases the valve member 30 to a position in which the valve member 30 blocks airflow through the first airflow path 34 while allowing airflow through the second airflow path 36 and the third airflow path 38.

[0061] Since the second airflow path 36 is in fluid communication with a location downstream of the suction motor 22 and airflow is allowed through the second airflow path 36 and the third airflow path 38, pressure is transmitted to the interior of the inflatable member 62, thereby inflating the inflatable member 62. In the fully inflated configuration, the inflatable member 62 is in a deployed second position relative to the sealing member 60. When engaged with the sealing member 60, the inflatable member 62 is generally conical. In the second position, the outer sealing surface 78 of the inflatable member 62 contacts the sealing member 60, and airflow is free to enter the inlet 66 of the first cyclonic separator 50, but is blocked from entering the inlet 72 of the second cyclonic separator 56.

[0062] The airflow then moves in a spiral shape within the first cyclone separator 50, wherein relatively fine dirt particles are filtered through cyclonic separation and collected in the corresponding first dirt collection chamber 52. The airflow leaves the first cyclone separator 50 through its respective air outlet 68, then passes through the suction motor 22 and is discharged from the main body 12 through an outlet (not shown).

[0063] In this way, the use of the inflatable member 62 to selectively allow or prevent airflow through the second cyclonic separator 56 can provide higher efficiency than an arrangement in which the airflow always needs to flow through the second cyclonic separator 56 when flowing through the first cyclonic separator 50. Specifically, this can allow the first and second cyclonic separators 50, 56 to be adjusted to perform at peak efficiency in a variety of power modes and a variety of airflow rates. This can increase separation efficiency and reduce flow restrictions in a particular operating mode, and the use of the inflatable member 62 can also utilize the existing airflow through the vacuum cleaner 10 to selectively close the second cyclonic separator 56.

[0064] Figure 6 A second embodiment of a vacuum cleaner 100 is schematically shown, wherein the same reference numerals are used for the sake of clarity.

[0065] The second embodiment 100 of the vacuum cleaner differs from the first embodiment 10 of the vacuum cleaner in the form of the actuator 102 and the presence of a user-operable trigger 104. The actuator 102 does not include a coil. Here, the actuator 102 is manually actuated and the valve member 30 is movable in response to the movement of the trigger 104. Specifically, the valve member 30 is movable in response to the manual operation of the trigger 104 to inflate and deflate the inflatable member 62, thereby selectively operating the second cyclonic separator 56, in a manner similar to that described with respect to the first embodiment 10 of the vacuum cleaner described above. In some examples, a sensor is provided to sense the position of the trigger 104, and the position of the trigger 104 is transmitted to a controller, which can automatically control the operating mode of the vacuum cleaner 100 based on the position of the trigger 104.

[0066] Figure 7 A third embodiment of a vacuum cleaner 200 is schematically shown, wherein the same reference numerals are used for the sake of clarity.

[0067] The third embodiment of the vacuum cleaner 200 differs from the first embodiment of the vacuum cleaner 10 by the form of the actuator 202 and by the presence of a movable member 204 which is not necessarily inflatable.

[0068] The actuator 202 includes a controller 206, a drive motor 208, a pinion 210, and a rack 212. The controller 206 is configured to control the drive motor 208 in response to a selection of an operating mode of the vacuum cleaner 200 via the user input 26. The pinion 210 is connected to the output of the drive motor 208 and meshes with the rack 212. The rack 212 is coupled to the movable member 204.

[0069] One end of the movable member 204 is fixedly attached to the wall of the body 12 of the vacuum cleaner 200. The movable member 204 is located downstream of the sealing member 60 in the inlet duct 46 and is formed of an elastically deformable material such as rubber. The movable member 204 is generally in the form of a rolling diaphragm seal and includes an external sealing surface for engaging with the sealing member 60.

[0070] In use, the controller 206 controls the drive motor 208 in response to the selection of an operating mode of the vacuum cleaner 200 via the user input 26. The drive motor 208 drives the pinion 210 to rotate, which in turn causes linear movement of the rack 212. Movement of the rack 212 can cause the movable member 204 to move between a first position and a second position, wherein the movable member is disengaged from or engaged with the sealing member 60, in a manner similar to that described in the first embodiment 10 of the vacuum cleaner described above.

[0071] Figure 8A fourth embodiment of a vacuum cleaner 300 is schematically shown, wherein the same reference numerals are used for the sake of clarity.

[0072] The fourth embodiment of the vacuum cleaner 300 differs from the first embodiment of the vacuum cleaner 10 by the form of the actuator 302 and the presence of a user-operable trigger 304 and a movable member 306 which is not necessarily inflatable.

[0073] The actuator 302 includes a first rack 308, a rotatable member 310, and a second rack 312. The first rack 308 is connected between the trigger 304 and the rotatable member 310, and drives the rotatable member 310 to move in response to actuation of the trigger 304. The rotatable member 310 is meshed with the second rack 312. The second rack 312 is coupled to the movable member 306.

[0074] One end of the movable member 306 is fixedly attached to the wall of the body 12 of the vacuum cleaner 300. The movable member 306 is located downstream of the sealing member 60 in the inlet duct 46 and is formed of an elastically deformable material such as rubber. The movable member 306 is generally in the form of a rolling diaphragm seal and includes an external sealing surface for engaging with the sealing member 60.

[0075] In use, a user actuates the trigger 304, which drives the rotatable member 310 to rotate via the first rack 308, thereby causing linear movement of the second rack 312. Movement of the second rack 312 can cause the movable member 306 to move between a first position and a second position, wherein the movable member is disengaged or engaged with the sealing member 60 in a manner similar to that described with respect to the first embodiment 10 of the vacuum cleaner described above. In some examples, a sensor is provided to sense the position of the trigger 304, and the position of the trigger 304 is communicated to the controller, which can automatically control the operating mode of the vacuum cleaner 300 based on the position of the trigger 304.

[0076] Fig. 9 A fifth embodiment of a vacuum cleaner 400 is schematically shown, wherein the same reference numerals are used for the sake of clarity.

[0077] The fifth embodiment of the vacuum cleaner 400 differs from the first embodiment of the vacuum cleaner 10 by the form of the actuator 402 and the presence of a user-operated switch 404 , a movable member 406 , which is not necessarily inflatable, and a latch 408 .

[0078] The actuator 402 includes a mechanical linkage 410 connected between the switch 404 and the movable member 406 .

[0079] One end of the movable member 406 is fixedly attached to the wall of the body 12 of the vacuum cleaner 400. The movable member 406 is located downstream of the sealing member 60 in the inlet duct 46 and is formed of an elastically deformable material such as rubber. The movable member 406 is generally in the form of a rolling diaphragm seal and includes an external sealing surface for engaging with the sealing member 60.

[0080] When the user moves the switch 404, the latch 408 automatically engages the mechanical linkage 410 to hold the movable member 406 in place. The latch 408 is disengageable, such as when the user moves the switch 404 in the opposite direction, or in response to selecting an operating mode of the vacuum cleaner 400 via the user input 26.

[0081] In use, a user moves the switch 404, which, via the mechanical linkage 410, causes the movable member 406 to move between a first position and a second position, wherein the movable member disengages or engages the sealing member 60, in a manner similar to that described with respect to the first embodiment 10 of the vacuum cleaner described above. The latch 408 may be used to selectively hold the movable member 406 in place.

[0082] In each of the above-described embodiments, a movable member (including an inflatable member that moves due to inflation and deflation) moves between a first position and a second position to selectively enable or disable airflow through the inlet 72 of the second cyclonic separator 56 .

[0083] While specific examples and embodiments have been described thus far, it should be understood that these are illustrative only and that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

Claims

1. A separation system for a vacuum cleaner, the separation system include: A first cyclone separator including a first inlet; a second cyclone separator, comprising a second inlet, the second cyclone separator being arranged in parallel with the first cyclone separator; as well as A movable member is movable between a first position in which the movable member allows airflow through the first inlet and the second inlet, and a second position in which the movable member allows airflow through the first inlet and blocks airflow through the second inlet.

2. The separation system according to claim 1, in, The separation system includes an inlet duct for receiving a gas flow, the inlet duct is connected to the first inlet and the second inlet, and the movable member is located within the inlet duct.

3. The separation system according to claim 2, in, The second inlet is spaced from the first inlet along the length of the inlet conduit.

4. The separation system according to claim 2 or 3, in, The separation system includes a sealing member extending around an inner surface of the inlet duct, and the movable member is movable between a first position and a second position relative to the sealing member, such that the movable member is spaced apart from the sealing member in the first position and the movable member is in contact with the sealing member in the second position.

5. A separation system according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The first cyclone separator has a different geometry than the second cyclone separator.

6. A separation system according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The separation system includes a user-operable actuator to move the movable member between the first position and a second position.

7. The separation system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, in, The separation system includes an electrically operable actuator to move the movable member between the first position and a second position.

8. A separation system according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The movable member includes an inflatable member that is movable in response to inflation and deflation.

9. The separation system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, in, The movable member is movable between the first position and a second position in response to movement of a switch by a user.

10. A separation system according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The separation system includes a first dirt collection chamber in fluid communication with the first cyclonic separator, and a second dirt collection chamber, different from the first dirt collection chamber, in fluid communication with the second cyclonic separator.

11. A separation system according to any one of the preceding claims, in, The separation system comprises: a plurality of first cyclonic separators, each first cyclonic separator comprising a respective first inlet; a plurality of second cyclonic separators, each second cyclonic separator comprising a respective second inlet, the plurality of second cyclonic separators being arranged in parallel with the plurality of first cyclonic separators; and Wherein, when in the first position, the movable member allows airflow through the first inlet and the second inlet, and when in the second position, the movable member allows airflow through the first inlet and blocks airflow through the second inlet.

12. The separation system according to claim 11, in, The first inlets are arranged in a first annular array, the second inlets are arranged in a second annular array, and the first annular array is spaced apart from the second annular array.

13. The separation system according to claim 11 or 12, in, The separation system includes different numbers of first cyclone separators and second cyclone separators.

14. A vacuum cleaner comprising a separation system according to any one of the preceding claims.

15. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 14, in, The vacuum cleaner comprises an airflow generator for generating an airflow through the separation system, the vacuum cleaner being operable in a first mode and a second mode, wherein in the first mode the airflow generator generates an airflow having a first flow rate through the separation system, and in the second mode the airflow generator generates an airflow having a second flow rate through the separation system that is different from the first flow rate, and wherein the movable member is in the first position in the first mode and in the second position in the second mode.

16. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 15, in, The movable member includes an inflatable member that is movable in response to inflation and deflation, and a valve assembly for inflating and deflation of the inflatable member, wherein the valve assembly includes a first airflow path fluidly connected to an upstream position of the airflow generator, a second airflow path fluidly connected to a downstream position of the airflow generator, and a third airflow path fluidly connected to the inflatable member, and the valve member is movable to selectively allow airflow through only one of the first airflow path and the second airflow path.

17. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 16, in, The movement of the valve member is electrically actuated.

18. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 17, in, Movement of the valve member is electrically actuated in response to selection of one of the first and second modes by a user.

19. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 14 or 15, in, The separation system includes a drive motor to drive the movable member to move between the first position and the second position.

20. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 19, in, The drive motor is actuated in response to user selection of one of the first mode and the second mode.

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