Particle separation system for washer-dryers

Abstract

The cyclonic filter (204b) includes a body (206b) including a cylindrical surface extending between a first end (208b) and a second end (210b) to define a cyclonic filter cavity (212b). An air inlet (214b) is formed through the cylindrical surface and configured to receive airflow from the laundry cabinet and direct the airflow along the cylindrical surface within the cavity. A vortex diverter (226b) extends from the second end into the cavity and is configured to interrupt the airflow as it passes through the cavity between the diverter and the cylindrical surface to separate particulates from the airflow. A particulate outlet (216b) is formed through the cylindrical surface and axially spaced from the air inlet and configured to direct particulates separated from the airflow toward a particulate receptacle.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to particle separation systems, and more particularly to particle separation systems for washer-dryers. [Background technology]

[0002] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure and is not necessarily prior art.

[0003]

[0003] Laundry systems, particularly dryers, conventionally include a cabinet within which a tumbler basket is placed to process laundry. Operation of a motor-driven fan draws hot air from a heater, through the tumbler basket, through a lint screen, and into the cabinet, where it is then exhausted to the exterior environment.

[0004]

[0004] Lint screens generally include at least one layer of fine mesh positioned within the airflow to filter lint from the air from the dryer that passes through the lint filter. There is a balance between the mesh size of the screen and the performance of the lint screen. For example, a very fine mesh (i.e., fine openings) may easily clog, thereby increasing the temperature and airflow of the dryer system. Alternatively, a coarse mesh (i.e., larger openings) may allow finer lint particles to pass through the filter. Thus, conventional lint screens offer a trade-off between reducing the efficiency of the dryer and / or laundry system and being particularly ineffective at filtering out lint particles. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One aspect of the present disclosure provides a cyclonic filter. The cyclonic filter includes a body including a cylindrical surface extending between a first end and a second end. The body defines a cavity of the cyclonic filter. An air inlet is formed through the cylindrical surface. The air inlet is configured to receive airflow from a laundry cabinet and direct the airflow along the cylindrical surface within the cavity. A vortex diverter extends from the second end of the body into the cavity. The vortex diverter is configured to interrupt the airflow as it passes through the cavity between the vortex diverter and the cylindrical surface to separate particulates from the airflow. A particulate outlet is formed through the cylindrical surface and axially spaced from the air inlet. The particulate outlet is configured to direct particulates separated from the airflow toward a particulate receptacle.

[0006]

[0006] Implementations of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some embodiments, the vortex inducer extends within the cavity from the first end at least partially along the cylindrical surface of the body. The vortex inducer includes a cylindrical surface and is configured to direct the airflow from the air inlet in a helical vortex between the cylindrical surface of the body and the cylindrical surface of the vortex inducer. In further embodiments, the vortex diverter includes an annular surface extending from the second end of the body. The annular surface of the vortex diverter has a first outer diameter that is greater than the second outer diameter of the cylindrical surface of the vortex inducer.

[0007] In some examples, a clean air outlet is formed through the first end of the body. The clean air outlet is configured to receive clean air drawn from the cavity. In further examples, an opening of the clean air outlet is between the air inlet and the first end of the body. In some further examples, the clean air conduit extends at least partially within the cavity through the clean air outlet. Even in some further examples, the clean air conduit includes a cylindrical portion extending at least partially within the cavity through the clean air outlet and a curved portion extending at an oblique angle between the cylindrical portion and the air flow source.

[0008] In some embodiments, the air inlet comprises a conduit extending tangentially to the cylindrical surface of the body. In some examples, the particulate outlet comprises a conduit extending tangentially to the cylindrical surface of the body. Optionally, a central axis of the cyclone filter extends between the first end and the second end. The air inlet and particulate outlet formed through the cylindrical surface are tangential to the central axis.

[0009] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a laundry system. The laundry system includes a laundry cabinet configured to process laundry during operation of the laundry system. A particulate receptacle is configured to receive particulates separated from the laundry during operation of the laundry system. The laundry system includes a particulate separation system including a body including a cylindrical surface extending between a first end and a second end. The body defines a cyclone filter cavity. An air inlet is formed through the cylindrical surface. The air inlet is configured to receive an airflow from the laundry cabinet. The air inlet is configured to direct the airflow along the cylindrical surface within the cavity. A vortex diverter extends from the second end of the body within the cavity. The diverter is configured to interrupt the airflow as it passes through the cavity between the diverter and the cylindrical surface to separate particulates from the airflow. A particulate outlet is formed through the cylindrical surface and axially spaced from the air inlet. The particulate outlet is configured to direct particulates separated from the airflow towards the particulate receptacle.

[0010]

[0010] Implementations of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some embodiments, the vortex inducer extends within the cavity from the first end at least partially along the cylindrical surface of the body. The vortex inducer includes a cylindrical surface and is configured to direct the airflow from the air inlet in a helical vortex between the cylindrical surface of the body and the cylindrical surface of the vortex inducer. In further embodiments, the vortex diverter includes an annular surface extending from the second end of the body. The annular surface of the vortex diverter has a first outer diameter that is greater than the second outer diameter of the cylindrical surface of the vortex inducer.

[0011] In some examples, a clean air outlet is formed through the first end of the body. The clean air outlet is configured to receive clean air drawn from the cavity. In further examples, an opening of the clean air outlet is between the air inlet and the first end of the body. In some further examples, the clean air conduit extends at least partially within the cavity through the clean air outlet. In still other examples, the clean air conduit includes a cylindrical portion extending at least partially within the cavity through the clean air outlet and a curved portion extending at an oblique angle between the cylindrical portion and an air flow source of the laundry system.

[0012] In some embodiments, the air inlet comprises a conduit extending tangentially to the cylindrical surface of the body. In some examples, the particulate outlet comprises a conduit extending tangentially to the cylindrical surface of the body. Optionally, a central axis of the cyclone filter extends between the first end and the second end. The air inlet and particulate outlet formed through the cylindrical surface are tangential to the central axis.

[0013] Yet another aspect of the present disclosure provides a laundry system including a cabinet including a tumbler for processing laundry and an access port extending therethrough, and a particulate separation system for removing particulates from the air within the tumbler. The laundry system also includes a particulate hopper for collecting the removed particulates. The particulate hopper is positioned below the particulate separation system and includes a cleaning port. The cleaning port cooperates with the access port in the cabinet to provide an access channel for removing the collected and removed particulates from the particulate hopper.

[0014]

[0014] Embodiments of the present disclosure may include one or more of the following optional features. In some embodiments, the cabinet further includes a front side panel and a rear side panel disposed on a different side of the cabinet than the front side panel. Here, the access port extends from the front side panel to the rear side panel. In these embodiments, the access port of the cabinet further includes an inlet formed in the rear side panel of the cabinet and an outlet formed in the front side panel of the cabinet. In these embodiments, the particulate hopper may be external to the cabinet, and the cleaning port may be adjacent to the inlet formed in the rear side panel of the cabinet. The access port may include a cleaning duct extending from a first end of the cleaning port of the particulate hopper, through the cabinet, to a second end of the access port outlet formed in the front side panel of the cabinet. Additionally or alternatively, the particulate hopper is attached to the rear side panel of the cabinet.

[0015] In some examples, the particulate separation system includes a cyclone separation system, where the cyclone separation system may be external to the cabinet. In these examples, the cyclone separation system may include an array of one or more cyclone filters. For example, the array of one or more cyclone filters includes four cyclone filters.

[0016] Another aspect of the present disclosure provides a laundry system including a cabinet including a tumbler for processing laundry and an access port extending through the cabinet, a control board including a user interface, and a particulate separation system for removing particulates from air within the tumbler. The laundry system also includes a particulate hopper for collecting the removed particulates. The particulate hopper includes a capacitance sensor configured to communicate with the control board and detect a volume of the particulate hopper.

[0017] This aspect may include one or more of the following optional features: In some embodiments, the volume sensor sends a signal to the control board in response to detecting that the volume of the particulate hopper has exceeded a fill threshold. For example, the fill threshold may be set by a user of the user interface. In some examples, the user interface of the control board includes a cleaning notification, where the cleaning notification is configured to alert a user that the particulate hopper is full. In some embodiments, the access port extending through the cabinet includes an access controller configured to communicate with the control board and allow access to the access port. In these embodiments, the access controller may grant access to the access port in response to receiving an indication that the user has selected a cleaning indication displayed on the user interface of the control board.

[0018] In some examples, the laundry system further includes a fan in communication with the control board and disposed between the cabinet and the particulate separation system. In these examples, the laundry system may further include a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the laundry system and communicate the detected temperature to the control board. Here, the control board may use a fan algorithm to increase the speed of the fan in response to determining that the detected temperature of the laundry system exceeds a temperature threshold. In some embodiments, the particulate separation system includes a cyclone separation system external to the cabinet.

[0019] The details of one or more embodiments of this disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other aspects, features, and advantages will become apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a perspective view of a laundry system including a particulate separation system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 1B]FIG. 1B is a perspective view of a laundry system including a particulate separation system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is a perspective view of a laundry system including a particulate separation system according to the present disclosure. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the laundry system of FIG. 1A. [Figure 3] 3 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the laundry system of FIG. 2 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional side view of the laundry system of FIG. 2 taken along line 3-3 of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the particle separation system of FIGS. 1A to 1C. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a rear perspective view of the particle separation system of FIGS. 1A to 1C. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a partial rear perspective view of the particle separation system of FIGS. 1A-1C. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a partial top-rear perspective view of the particle separation system of FIGS. 1A-1C. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a partial front perspective view of the particulate system of FIGS. 1A-1C. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a cyclone filter of the particulate system of FIGS. 1A-1C. [Figure 11] 11 is a cross-sectional view of the cyclone filter of FIG. 10 taken along line 11-11 of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another laundry system including a particle separation system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a side view of the laundry system of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a front perspective view of the particle separation system of FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of the particle separation system of FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a rear perspective view of the particle separation system of FIG. [Figure 17]FIG. 17 is a partial rear perspective view of the particle separation system of FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a front perspective view of another laundry system including a particle separation system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 19] 19 is a rear perspective view of the laundry system of FIG. 18. FIG. [Figure 20] 20 is a cross-sectional view of the laundry system of FIG. 18 taken along line 20-20 of FIG. [Figure 21] 21 is a cross-sectional view of the laundry system of FIG. 18 taken along line 21-21 of FIG. [Figure 22] 22 is a perspective view of a particle separation system of the laundry system of FIG. [Figure 23] 23 is a cross-sectional view of the particle separation system of FIG. 22 taken along line 23-23 of FIG. [Figure 24] 24 is a top view of the cyclone filter and clean air conduit of the particulate separation system of FIG. [Figure 25] 25 is a perspective view of the cyclone filter and clean air conduit of the particulate separation system of FIG. 22. FIG. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a front view of the cyclone filter of the particulate separation system of FIG. [Figure 27A] 27A is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cyclone filter and clean air conduit of the particulate separation system of FIG. 22 taken along line 27-27 of FIG. 25. FIG. [Figure 27B] 27B is a cross-sectional perspective view of the cyclone filter and clean air conduit of the particulate separation system of FIG. 22 taken along line 27-27 of FIG. 25, with the clean air conduit removed from the cyclone filter. [Figure 27C] 27C is a cross-sectional plan view of the cyclone filter and clean air conduit of the particulate separation system of FIG. 22 taken along line 27-27 of FIG. 25. FIG. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of another example laundry system according to the principles of the present disclosure. [Figure 29]29 is a perspective view of the laundry system of FIG. 28 showing the access panel of the laundry system removed to expose the particulate hopper. [Figure 30] 30 is a partial perspective view of the laundry system of FIG. 28 showing the lower panel of the laundry system removed to expose the particle separation system. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a side view of the laundry system of FIG. 28, showing the side panels of the laundry system removed to show the internal configuration. [Figure 32] 32 is a side perspective view of the laundry system of FIG. 28, showing the side panels of the laundry system removed to reveal the internal configuration. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021]

[0053] Corresponding reference numbers indicate corresponding parts throughout the drawings.

[0022]

[0054] The exemplary configurations will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings. The exemplary configurations are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and will fully convey the scope of the disclosure to those skilled in the art. Specific details are set forth, such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of the disclosed configurations. Those skilled in the art will recognize that specific details need not be employed, and that the exemplary configurations can be embodied in many different forms, and the specific details and exemplary configurations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure.

[0023]

[0055] 1A-2, laundry system 10 is shown, including cabinet 100, particle separation system 200, and particle hopper 300. Briefly, during operation, as described in more detail below, air 12 is drawn through cabinet 100 and through particle separation system 200 to the external environment or returned to cabinet 100 as laundry is processed. Particle separation system 200 and particle hopper 300 are external to cabinet 100, and particle separation system 200 removes particle 14 from air 12 drawn through cabinet 100 and deposits the removed particle 14 in particle hopper 300 located below particle separation system 200. Preferably, particle hopper 300 can be emptied when full via a cleaning duct 314 that extends from particle hopper 300 through cabinet 100 to the front of cabinet 100.

[0024]

[0056] As shown, laundry system 10 includes two cabinets 100 (i.e., vertically stacked tumble dryers), however, laundry system 10 may include any number of cabinets 100 enclosing one or more dryer pockets (e.g., tumblers). For example, laundry system 10 may include a single cabinet enclosing a pair of stacked tumblers. In other examples, particulate separation system 200 and particulate hopper 300 may be implemented with a cabinet or multiple cabinets including a single washing machine, a single dryer, a single combined washer / dryer, stacked washing machines, stacked combined washer / dryer machines, or a washer stacked with a dryer. Given the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with each cabinet 100 of laundry system 10, like reference numerals will be used below and in the drawings to identify like components.

[0025]

[0057] Referring to FIG. 3, cabinet 100 includes a tumbler 102 for processing laundry and one or more side panels 104a-104d. As shown, cabinet 100 includes a first, front side panel 104a and a second, rear side panel 104b disposed on the side of cabinet 100 opposite front side panel 104a (i.e., the rear side). A third side panel 104c and a fourth side panel 104d each extend between front side panel 104a and rear side panel 104b such that side panels 104a-104d collectively define a cavity 106 in which tumbler 102 is disposed. Cabinet 100 further includes an access port 108 extending through cabinet 100 from an entrance 110 disposed in rear side panel 104b to an exit 112 disposed in front side panel 104a.

[0026]

[0058] The cabinet 100 further includes a door 114 mounted in an opening in the front side panel 104a to allow a user access to the tumbler 102, a control board 116 including a user interface 118, and an access panel 120 in communication with the control board 116. The access panel 120 covers an exit 112 formed in the front side panel 104a and may include a lock and / or actuator. Here, when the particulate hopper 300 is full and needs to be emptied, the control board 116 may send a signal to the actuator (e.g., in response to a user selecting a cleaning notification) to unlock / open the access panel 120 for the user to open. In other embodiments, the user may manually unlock the access panel 120 using a manual lock or latch device.

[0027]

[0059] Control board 116 includes data processing hardware 122 and memory hardware 124. Data processing hardware 122 can process instructions for execution within control board 116, including instructions stored in memory hardware 124 for displaying information on user interface 118. In some embodiments, user interface 118 is rendered for display on a screen of control board 116 and is responsive to any form of sensory feedback, such as visual, auditory, or tactile feedback, and input from a user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input. Additionally or alternatively, user interface 118 includes one or more mechanical buttons and / or lights for user interaction.

[0028]

[0060] 1B, 1C, and 4, the cabinet 100 also includes an exhaust or air outlet 126 formed in the rear side panel 104b. A tumbler exhaust duct 128 is connected to the air outlet 126 and provides a conduit or passageway for air flow between the cabinet 100 and the particle separation system 200. In the illustrated example, the inlet of the first tumbler exhaust duct 128 is associated with the air outlet 126 of a lower one of the cabinets 100, and the inlet of the second tumbler exhaust duct 128 is associated with the air outlet of an upper one of the cabinets 100. As previously mentioned, the particle separation system 200 and the particle hopper 300 may be located remotely from the cabinet 100 and adjacent to the rear side panel 104b of the cabinet 100. In other words, the particle separation system 200 is provided as a peripheral system independent of the cabinet. Particle separation system 200 removes particulates 14 from air 12 flowing from cabinet 100, and the removed particulates 14 are collected by a particulate hopper 300 located below particle separation system 200 while clean air 12C is drawn upward. While the use of screens to separate lint from air is well known in the art, particle separation system 200 may operate entirely without a screen.

[0029]

[0061] 5-11 , in some embodiments, the particulate separation system 200 includes a cyclone separation system 202 external to the cabinet 100. However, in other embodiments, the particulate separation system 200 may be internal to the cabinet 100. The cyclone separation system 202 may include an array of one or more cyclone filters 204 designed to receive inlet air 12 from the cabinet 100 (via the tumbler exhaust duct 128) and separately output particulates 14 and clean air 12C. As shown, the array of one or more cyclone filters 204 includes four cyclone filters 204. Here, each of the cabinets 100 of the laundry system 10 is connected to the array of two cyclone filters 204 by one of the tumbler exhaust ducts 128, such that the tumbler exhaust duct 128 associated with each cabinet 100 is connected to a pair of cyclone filters 204 operating in parallel. However, any combination of cabinets 100 and / or cyclone filters 204 in an array of cyclone filters 204 may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Given the substantial similarity in structure and function of the components associated with each cyclone filter 204 in cyclone separation system 202, like reference numbers are used below and in the drawings to identify like components.

[0030]

[0062] 10 and 11, the cyclone filter 204 has a central axis A of the cyclone filter 204. 204The cyclone filter 204 has a conical body 206 that tapers from an upper first end 208 to a lower second end 210 of the cyclone filter 204 to define a frusto-conical cyclone cavity 212 that defines a cyclone cavity 212. The body 206 of the cyclone filter 204 includes an air inlet 214 that directs air 12 from the tumbler exhaust ductwork 128 into the cyclone cavity 212, a fines outlet 216 formed at the lower second end 210 of the body 206 for removed fines 14 to pass through the fines hopper 300, and a clean air outlet 218 formed at the first end 208 of the body 206 for clean air 12C to exit the cyclone filter 204. As shown, the air inlet 214 includes a mounting interface for connecting the cyclone filter to an outlet of one of the tumbler exhaust ducts 128. The air inlet 214 is oriented along the body 206 and a central axis A. 204 The filter body 206 further defines an inlet conduit 215 configured to introduce air 12 into the cyclone cavity 212 in a direction substantially tangential to the central axis A of the filter body 206. Conversely, the particulate outlet 216 and the clean air outlet 218 each extend substantially tangentially to the central axis A of the filter body 206. 204 It is coaxial with.

[0031]

[0063] During operation of the laundry system 10, air 12 from the cabinet 100 enters the cyclone filter 204 tangentially through the air inlet 214 and begins to flow in a circular downward spiral within the cyclone cavity 212 toward the second end 210 of the body 206, thereby creating an outer spiral vortex 220 that flows from the air inlet 214 to the fines outlet 216 and an inner spiral vortex 222 that flows from the second end 210 of the body 206 toward the clean air outlet 218 formed at the first end 208 of the body 206. As the air 12 flows within the outer spiral vortex 220, the fines 14, due to their mass, exit the outer spiral vortex 220 and fall through the fines outlet 216 into the fines hopper 300. When the air 12 reaches the second end 210 of the body, the flow transitions from a downward flowing outer spiral vortex 220 to an upward flowing inner spiral vortex 222, causing the clean air 12C to flow along the axis A. 204 through the filter body 206 to the clean air outlet 218.

[0032]

[0064] 1A, 3, 5, and 7, in some embodiments, a fan 130 driven by a motor 132 in communication with the control board 116 is disposed within a housing 134 located above the particle separation system 200. Here, the fan 130 is configured to draw the flow of air 10 through the tumbler 102 as it rotates to process laundry from the air outlet 126 of the cabinet 100 through the tumbler exhaust ductwork 128 to the particle separation system 200, and finally draw clean air 12C through the fan 130 via the clean air outlet 216, and exhaust the clean air 12C to the outside environment or back to the tumbler 102 via the exhaust duct 138. In some embodiments, the fan 130 may be disposed between the cabinet 100 and the particle separation system 200. In other embodiments, the fan 130 is disposed within the particle separation system 200. Alternatively, the fan 130 is disposed within the cabinet 100.

[0033]

[0065] In some examples, the laundry system 10 includes one or more temperature sensors 16 configured to measure the temperature of the laundry system 10 and communicate the measured temperatures to the control board 116. The control board 116 is configured to evaluate the measured temperatures to detect the operating status of the laundry system. For example, a relatively high measured temperature detected by the control board 116 may correspond to a blockage in the tumbler exhaust duct 128 and / or the exhaust pipe 138 of the laundry system 10. The control board 116 may then instruct the fan 130 to increase its speed to clear the blockage. The one or more temperature sensors 16 may be located in any combination of air passageways within the laundry system 10, such as the cavity 106 of the cabinet 100, the tumbler exhaust duct 128, the particulate separation system 200, and / or the housing 134 of the fan 130. The control board 116 may then execute (e.g., via the data processing hardware 122) a fan algorithm that optimizes the variable speed of the fan 130 based on one or more temperature readings measured by the temperature sensors 16 located within the laundry system 10. In other words, the control board 116 may use the fan algorithm to increase the speed of the fan 130 in response to determining that the detected temperature of the laundry system 10 exceeds a temperature threshold.

[0034]

[0066] 4-9, particulate hopper 300 includes one or more panels 302a-302d that define hopper cavities 304 that collect particulates 14 removed from particulate separation system 200. As shown, particulate hopper 300 includes a divider 306 that forms two particulate hopper cavities 304, each collecting particulates 14 from two of cyclone filters 204. However, in some embodiments, hopper 300 does not include divider 306 and instead collects particulates 14 from the entire particulate separation system 200. It should be understood that this disclosure contemplates any number of combinations of cabinet 100, particulate separation system 200, and particulate hopper 300. Given the substantial similarities in structure and function of the components associated with each particulate hopper 300, like reference numerals will be used below and in the drawings to identify like components.

[0035]

[0067] The particulate hopper 300 may include a top panel 302a including a particulate inlet 308 that aligns with the particulate outlet 216 of the particulate separation system 200 and allows the separated particulates 14 to fall into the hopper cavity 304. The particulate hopper 300 further includes a removable service panel 302b at the rear of the particulate hopper 300 and an access panel 302c located on the side of the particulate hopper 300 opposite the service panel 302b. The access panel 302c includes a cleaning port 310 that cooperates with the access port 108 formed in the cabinet 100 to provide an access channel 312 for removing collected and removed particulates 14 from the particulate hopper 300. As shown in FIGS. 2-4 , the cleaning port 310 is adjacent to and aligned with the entrance 110 of the access port 108 of the cabinet 100.

[0036]

[0068] In some embodiments, the access channel 312 includes a cleaning duct 314 that extends from a first end 316 located on the cleaning port 308 (i.e., outside the dryer), through the cabinet 100, to a second end 318 of the outlet 112 of the access port 108 formed in the front side panel 104a of the cabinet 100. In these embodiments, the access channel 312 may secure the particulate hopper 300 to the rear side panel 104b of the cabinet 100. When the particulate hopper 300 is full of particulates 14, a user may empty the particulate hopper 300 by sucking out the particulates 14 via a vacuum connected to the second end 318 of the cleaning duct 314 located in the front side panel 104a of the cabinet 100.

[0037]

[0069] 3-5, 7, and 9, particulate hopper 300 includes a low-clogging system 322 that allows the cleaning process to be fast and effective with minimal or no clogging of cleaning duct 314. Low-clogging system 322 is attached to access panel 302c and defines a gap G between access panel 302c and panel 324. 322 The low-clogging system 322 may include a panel 324 molded to form a cleaning port 310 (FIG. 3). The panel 324 includes a low-clogging port 328 formed in a surface of the panel 324 that is aligned with the cleaning port 310 and the first end 316 of the cleaning duct 314 formed in the access panel 302c. In other words, the low-clogging port 328 is disposed between the cleaning port 310 and the first end 316 of the cleaning duct 314, fluidly connecting the cleaning port 310 and the first end 316 of the cleaning duct 314. The low-clogging system 322 further includes a bypass opening 326 formed in the access panel 302c at a position spaced apart from the cleaning port 310. In the illustrated example, the bypass opening 326 is disposed above the cleaning port 310 and aligned vertically. During the cleaning process, the vacuum draws particulates 14 through the low-clogging port 328 while clean air flows through the bypass opening 326 in the access panel 302c into the gap G formed between the access panel 302c and the panel 324.322 The particulates 14 are drawn into the cleaning port 310 and mix with the particulates 14 entering the cleaning duct 314 at the first end 316. By mixing the stream of clean air drawn in through the bypass opening 326 with the particulates 14, clogging of the cleaning duct 314 is effectively removed by allowing a constant airflow to be maintained through the cleaning duct 314 via the bypass opening 326. For example, if particulates 14 collect in the cleaning port 310 and cause the airflow through the cleaning duct 314 to become static, a secondary stream of air is drawn in through the bypass opening 326 to break up the group of particulates 14 and create a dynamic flow of air into the first end 316 of the cleaning duct 314.

[0038]

[0070] The particulate hopper 300 further includes a volume sensor 320 in communication with the control board 116 and configured to measure the volume of the hopper cavity 304 of the particulate hopper 300. The volume sensor 320 measures the volume of the hopper cavity 304 and sends a signal to the control board 116, which in turn sends a signal indicating that the particulate hopper 304 needs to be emptied in response to determining that the volume of the particulate hopper 304 has exceeded a fill threshold, where the fill threshold may be set by a user of the user interface 118. For example, the user may select a volume that is an acceptable threshold for the particulate hopper 300, and the control board 116 generates a notification (e.g., a warning light, an alarm) in response to detecting that the volume of the particulate hopper 304 has exceeded the fill threshold set by the user. In another example, the fill threshold is set by the manufacturer of the laundry system 10 (e.g., on a regular schedule to ensure maximum performance).

[0039]

[0071] In some embodiments, the user interface 118 of the control board 116 includes a cleaning notification configured to alert a user that the particulate hopper 300 is full (i.e., needs to be emptied). For example, the cleaning notification may correspond to a graphic element displayed on the user interface 118. In another example, the cleaning notification may correspond to a light that changes color based on the state of the particulate hopper 300. Here, the cleaning notification light may switch from a first color (e.g., green) to a second, different color (e.g., orange) to notify the user that the particulate hopper 300 is full and needs to be emptied. Furthermore, the control board 116 may track the schedule / frequency at which cleaning notifications are generated relative to the number of cycles of the laundry system 10. Here, the control board 116 may communicate the cleaning frequency to a processing platform in communication with the control board 116 via a network to optimize the process of generating cleaning notifications.

[0040]

[0072] In some examples, a user can access the cleaning duct 314 by removing the access panel 120 on the front of the cabinet 100 to expose the access port 108, attach a vacuum source to the outlet 112 of the access port 108, and vacuum particulates 14 from a particulate hopper 300 located behind the cabinet 100, through the cleaning duct 314, and through the cabinet 100 via the outlet 112. By securing the vacuum source directly to the outlet 112, the cleaning process can be substantially dust-free. In other examples, the access port 108 includes an access controller 136 configured to communicate with the control board 116 and to allow access to the access port 108. As shown in FIGS. 1B, 2, and 3-5, the access controller 136 can be a cap that closes the outlet 112 of the access port 108. Here, the control board 116 can send a signal to an actuator of the access controller 136 in response to receiving an indication that a user has addressed the cleaning indication displayed on the user interface 118 of the control board 116. Upon receiving a signal from the control board 116, the actuator may retract or remove the access control 136 to allow a user to access the cleaning duct 314. In other examples, the laundry system 10 includes a tool (e.g., a screwdriver, an Allen wrench, etc.) to open the access control 136 to access the cleaning duct 314.

[0041]

[0073] Preferably, the particle separation system 200 and particle hopper 300 of the laundry system 10 may be retrofitted to existing cabinets 100 that may or may not utilize lint screens. This retrofit significantly improves particle separation over conventional lint screens (i.e., at least a 35% increase in particle separation). Because the particle separation system 200 and particle hopper 300 connect to the rear panel 104b of the cabinet 100, the retrofit requires minimal modifications to the customer-facing portion of the cabinet 100. Furthermore, the volume of the three-dimensional particle hopper 300 is significantly greater than the volume of a conventional lint screen (i.e., a single panel), thereby reducing the frequency at which a user may need to remove particles from the laundry system 10. Furthermore, the modularity of the particle separation system 200 allows the laundry system 10 to be easily replicated across multiple cabinets. For example, the laundry system 10 may be implemented in commercial applications using multiple stacked cabinets using a single particle separation system 200 with an array of one or more cyclones and / or multiple hoppers 300, or in residential applications with a single particle separation system 200 described herein.

[0042]

[0074] 12-17, laundry system 10a is provided, including cabinet 100, particulate hopper 300a, and particulate separation system 200a disposed within particulate hopper 300a. As described in more detail below, incorporating particulate separation system 200a within particulate hopper 300a insulates particulate separation system 200a from ambient air and reduces the amount of moisture within laundry system 10a. Given the substantial similarities in structure and function of components related to laundry system 10 relative to laundry system 10a, like reference numerals, including letter extensions, are used to identify modified components.

[0043]

[0075] As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, laundry system 10a includes two cabinets 100 (i.e., vertically stacked tumble dryers). As shown, each cabinet 100 includes a first front side panel 104a and a second rear side panel 104b disposed on the side of cabinet 100 opposite (i.e., the rear side) from front side panel 104a. A third side panel 104c and a fourth side panel 104d each extend between front side panel 104a and rear side panel 104b such that side panels 104a-104d collectively define cavities in which tumblers are disposed. Cabinet 100 includes a door 114 mounted in an opening in front side panel 104a, as well as a control board 116a including a user interface 118a and an access panel 120 in communication with control board 116a. The access panel 120 covers the exit 112 formed in the front side panel 104a and may include a lock and / or actuator. Here, when the particulate hopper 300a is full and needs to be emptied, the control board 116a may send a signal to the actuator (e.g., in response to a user selecting a clean notification) to unlock / open the access panel 120 for the user to open. In other embodiments, the user may manually unlock the access panel 120 using a manual lock or latch device.

[0044]

[0076] In this example, the user interface 118a of the control board 116a includes a graphical user interface and mechanical buttons for interaction by a user of the laundry system 10a. The control board 116a includes data processing hardware 122a and memory hardware 124a. The data processing hardware 122a is capable of processing instructions for execution within the control board 116a, including instructions stored in the memory hardware 124a for displaying information in the graphical user interface of the user interface 118a. In some embodiments, the user interface 118a is rendered for display on the screen of the graphical user interface of the control board 116a and is responsive to any form of sensory feedback, e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or haptic feedback, and can receive input from the user in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input. Additionally, the user interface 118a includes one or more mechanical buttons and / or lights for user interaction.

[0045]

[0077] As shown in FIGS. 12-15, laundry system 10a includes one or more grills 18 that enclose additional components of laundry system 10a and allow ambient outside air to flow into a stove located between particulate hopper 300a and cabinet 100. Laundry system 10a further includes a carriage 20 that supports particulate hopper 300a and particulate separation system 200a. Carriage 20 allows a user of particulate hopper 300a and particulate separation system 200a to roll particulate hopper 300a and separation system 200a to easily access the stove of laundry system 10a for maintenance. As shown, carriage 20 includes casters, but carriage 20 may include any type of system that allows particulate hopper 300a and particulate separation system 200a to be easily moved.

[0046]

[0078] 12-14, laundry system 10a includes tumbler exhaust duct 128a connecting cabinet 100 to particulate hopper 300a and particulate separation system 200a. As previously mentioned, particulate hopper 300a and particulate separation system 200a may be located remotely from cabinet 100 and adjacent rear side panel 104b of cabinet 100. In other words, particulate hopper 300a and particulate separation system 200a are provided as stand-alone peripheral systems from cabinet 100. In some embodiments, one or both of particulate hopper 300a and particulate separation system 200a may be located within cabinet 100 or may be integrated with cabinet 100 to form a single unit.

[0047]

[0079] Particle separation system 200a removes particulates 14 from air 12 flowing from cabinet 100, and the removed particulates 14 are collected by a particulate hopper 300a located below particle separation system 200 while clean air 12C is drawn upward. Like particle separation system 200, particle separation system 200a can operate entirely without a screen.

[0048]

[0080] As best shown in FIG. 17 , the particulate separation system 200a is mounted within the particulate hopper 300a to limit the influence of external ambient air on the particulate separation system 200a. In other words, incorporating the particulate separation system 200a within the particulate hopper 300a isolates the particulate separation system 200a from ambient air, thereby reducing the amount of moisture within the particulate separation system 200a and the particulate hopper 300a. For example, the cyclone filter 204 of the particulate separation system 200a is surrounded by a volume of relatively warm air contained within the particulate hopper 300a, such that the cyclone filter 204 itself is maintained at a warmer temperature than if the cyclone filter 204 were exposed to ambient air. By maintaining the cyclone filter 204 at a higher temperature, the relatively moist air passing through the cyclone filter 204 is less likely to condense on the walls of the cyclone filter 204, thereby minimizing the introduction of moisture into the particulates 14.

[0049]

[0081] 15-17, the particulate hopper 300a includes one or more panels 302d-e defining hopper cavities 304a for collecting particulates 12 removed from the particulate separation system 200a. As shown, the particulate hopper 300a includes a partition 306a forming two particulate hopper cavities 304a, each collecting particulates 14 from two of the cyclone filters 204 of the particulate separation system 200a. However, in some embodiments, the hopper 300a does not include a partition 306a and instead defines a common bin for collecting particulates 14 from the entire particulate separation system 200a. It should be understood that this disclosure contemplates any number of combinations of the cabinet 100, particulate separation system 200a, and particulate hopper 300a. Given the substantial similarities in structure and function of the components associated with each of the particulate hoppers 300a, like reference numerals are used below and in the drawings to identify like components.

[0050]

[0082] The particulate hopper 300a may include a rear panel 302d that includes a removable service panel 330, and an access panel 302e located on the side of the particulate hopper 300a opposite the rear panel 302d. The access panel 302e includes a cleanout port 310 that cooperates with the access port 108 formed in the cabinet 100 to provide an access channel 312 for removing collected and removed particulates 14 from the particulate hopper 300.

[0051]

[0083] 17, the particulate hopper 300a further includes a pair of sloped bottom panels 302f that promote the flow of particulates 14 toward the cleaning port 310 of the particulate hopper 300a. Here, each of the respective particulate hopper cavities 304a includes one of the bottom panels 302f that extends at an oblique angle from a first end attached to the partition 306a to a second end adjacent the cleaning port 310. In other words, each of the bottom panels 302f converges at a respective outer wall 302g along a downward direction, such that the cross-sectional area of ​​each of the particulate hopper cavities 304a gradually decreases or tapers in the flow direction toward the cleaning port 310. In addition to funneling particulates toward the cleaning port 310 for improved cleaning, the tapered configuration preferably results in increased airflow velocity in the direction toward the cleaning port, thereby minimizing the possibility of particulate clogging adjacent to or within the cleaning port 310.

[0052]

[0084] 17, the sloped bottom panels 302f of each of the particulate hopper cavities 304a cooperate to form an air intake conduit 332 extending from the rear panel 302d to the front panel 302c between the particulate hopper cavities 304a, thereby increasing airflow to the air intake of the laundry system 10a. Additionally, the particulate hopper 300a includes a top panel 302e to which the particulate separation system 202a is mounted. As shown, the housing 134 of the fan 130 is disposed on and supported by the top panel 302g of the particulate hopper 300a.

[0053]

[0085] Similar to laundry system 10, cleaning duct 314 of laundry system 10a extends from a first end 316 located at cleaning port 310 (i.e., outside the dryer) through cabinet 100 to a second end 318 at the outlet 112 of access port 108 formed in front side panel 104a of cabinet 100. In these embodiments, access channel 312 may connect particulate hopper 300a to rear side panel 104b of cabinet 100. When particulate hopper 300a is filled with particulates 14, a user may empty particulate hopper 300a by sucking out particulates 14 via a vacuum source connected to second end 318 of cleaning duct 314 located in front side panel 104a of cabinet 100.

[0054]

[0086] The particulate hopper 300a further includes one or more volume sensors 320a configured to communicate with the control board 116a and measure the volume of the hopper cavity 304a of the particulate hopper 300a. As shown, a volume sensor 320a is mounted on a respective access panel 302e of each hopper cavity 304a. Each volume sensor 320a measures the available volume of the hopper cavity 304a and sends a signal to the control board 116a, which sends a signal indicating that the particulate hopper 304a needs to be emptied in response to determining that the volume of the particulate hopper 304a exceeds a fill threshold, where the fill threshold may be set by a user of the user interface 118a. For example, the user may select a volume that is an acceptable threshold for the particulate hopper 300a, and the control board 116a generates a notification (e.g., a warning light, an alarm) in response to detecting that the volume of the particulate hopper 304a exceeds the user-set fill threshold. In another example, the fill threshold is set by the manufacturer of the laundry system 10a (eg, on a regular schedule to ensure maximum performance).

[0055]

[0087] In some embodiments, the user interface 118a of the control board 116a includes a cleaning notification configured to alert a user that the particulate hopper 300a is full (i.e., needs to be emptied). For example, the cleaning notification may correspond to a graphical element displayed on the user interface 118a. In another example, the cleaning notification may correspond to a light that changes color based on the status of the particulate hopper 300a. Here, the cleaning notification light may switch from a first color (e.g., green) to a second, different color (e.g., orange) to notify the user that the particulate hopper 300a is full and needs to be emptied. Furthermore, the control board 116a may track the schedule / frequency at which cleaning notifications are generated relative to the number of cycles of the laundry system 10a. Here, the control board 116a may communicate the cleaning frequency to a processing platform that communicates with the control board 116a via a network to optimize the process of generating cleaning notifications.

[0056]

[0088] In some examples, a user can access the cleaning duct 314 by removing the access panel 120 on the front of the cabinet 100 to expose the access port 108, attach a vacuum source to the outlet 112 of the access port 108, and vacuum particulates 14 from a particulate hopper 300a located behind the cabinet 100, through the cleaning duct 314, and through the cabinet 100 through the outlet 112. By securing the vacuum source directly to / to the outlet 112, the cleaning process can be substantially dust-free. In other examples, the access port 108 includes an access controller 136 that is configured to communicate with the control board 116 and to allow access to the access port 108. As shown in FIGS. 13-15 , the access controller 136 can be a cap that closes the outlet 112 of the access port 108. Here, the control board 116a may send a signal to the actuator of the access controller 136 in response to receiving an indication that the user has addressed the cleaning indication displayed on the user interface 118a of the control board 116a. Upon receiving the signal from the control board 116a, the actuator may retract or remove the access controller 136a to allow the user access to the cleaning duct 314. In another example, the laundry system 10a includes a tool (e.g., a screwdriver, an Allen wrench, etc.) for opening the access controller 136 to access the cleaning duct 314.

[0057]

[0089] 14, 15, and 17, the laundry system 10a includes one or more temperature sensors 16 configured to measure the temperature of the laundry system 10a and communicate the measured temperature to the control board 116a. The control board 116a is configured to evaluate the measured temperature to detect the operating status of the laundry system 10a. For example, a relatively high measured temperature detected by the control board 116a may correspond to a blockage in the exhaust pipe of the laundry system 10a. The control board 116a may then instruct the fan 130 to increase its speed to clear the blockage. The one or more temperature sensors 16 may be located in any combination of air passageways within the laundry system 10, such as the cavity 106 of the cabinet 100, the tumbler exhaust pipe 128, the particulate hopper 300a, and / or the housing 134 of the fan 130. Here, the control board 116a may execute (e.g., via the data processing hardware 122a) a fan algorithm that optimizes the variable speed of the fan 130 based on one or more temperature readings measured by the temperature sensor 16 located within the laundry system 10a. In other words, the control board 116a may use the fan algorithm to increase the speed of the fan 130 in response to determining that the detected temperature of the laundry system 10a exceeds a temperature threshold.

[0058]

[0090] 18-27C, a laundry system 10b is provided that includes a cabinet 100 and a particulate separation system 200b that separates particulates 14 (such as lint, hair, and other debris) from air 12 drawn through the cabinet 100 and deposits the particulates 14 in a receptacle or particulate hopper 300b below or in an area of ​​the cabinet 100 while clean air 12C separated from the particulates 14 is exhausted from the laundry system and / or drawn back through the cabinet 100. As described further below, the separation system 200b includes one or more horizontal cyclone filters 204b positioned below or in an area of ​​the cabinet 100 (e.g., below the tumbler 102) to reduce the footprint of the laundry system 10b and maintain high-speed particulate extraction with low airflow restriction. Additionally, separation system 200 deposits particulates 14 in a particulate hopper 300b in a lower portion or area of ​​cabinet 100, where separation system 200 is user accessible at the front of the cabinet to more easily remove accumulated particulates 14 from particulate hopper 300b for easier cleaning. Some aspects of laundry system 10b may be substantially similar to aspects of laundry system 10 and laundry system 10a described herein, and like reference numbers are used below and in the drawings to identify like components.

[0059]

[0091] As shown in FIGS. 18 and 19, laundry system 10b includes two cabinets 100 (i.e., vertically stacked tumble dryers). As shown, each cabinet 100 includes a first, front side panel 104a and a second, rear side panel 104b disposed on the side of cabinet 100 opposite (i.e., the back side) from front side panel 104a. A third side panel 104c and a fourth side panel 104d extend between front side panel 104a and rear side panel 104b such that side panels 104a-104d collectively define a cavity in which tumblers 102 are disposed. A door 114 is attached to an opening in front side panel 104a to provide a user access to tumblers 102. Additionally, an access panel 120b is disposed in the opening in the front side panel 104a below the door 114, and the access panel 120b is removable from or movable relative to the cabinet 100 to provide a user access to a particulate hopper 300b located behind the front side panel 300a and below the tumbler 102. The access panel 120b may include a lock and / or actuator for selectively allowing a user access to the particulate hopper 300b.

[0060]

[0092] The laundry system 10b also includes an exhaust duct or air outlet 138b formed in the rear side panel 104b, with ductwork providing a conduit or passageway for airflow away from the laundry system 10b from the cabinet 100, such as via an exhaust plenum 150 that connects to the system exhaust duct 138b and fluidly connects the system exhaust duct 138b to the environment. In particular, a separation system 200b is fluidly connected between the cabinet 100b and the system exhaust duct 138b such that particulates 14 are removed from the air 12 by the separation system 200b before the system exhaust duct 138b exhausts the clean air 12C from the laundry system 10b (i.e., upstream of the system exhaust duct 138b). For example, a fan 130b is positioned behind the rear side panel 104b of the cabinet 100 to draw air 12 from within the cabinet 100 toward the separation system 200b and the exhaust plenum 150.

[0061]

[0093] 20 and 21, during operation of laundry system 10b, air 12 is drawn through cabinet 100 and into tumbler 102. As laundry system 10b processes laundry, particulates 14, such as lint, hair, dust, and other debris, are carried along with the air 12 from tumbler 102 toward separation system 200b and air outlet 126b. For example, a series of openings or perforations 140b are formed through the exterior wall of tumbler 102, and openings 140b fluidly connect the interior of tumbler 102 with a portion of the interior of cabinet 100 that fluidly communicates with separation system 200b. Openings 140b are configured to allow the passage of air 12 and particulates 14 from tumbler 102 toward separation system 200b without allowing the passage of laundry or larger debris from tumbler 102.

[0062]

[0094] In the illustrated example, an air conduit or cavity 142b is disposed around or surrounds at least a portion of the tumbler 102, such as the forward portion of the tumbler 102 toward the door 114, such that the tumbler 102 rotates or spins within the air cavity 142b. A first seal 144b surrounds the tumbler 102 and fluidly separates the air cavity 142b from the rear of the cabinet 100, such that the air 12 is drawn into the tumbler 102 rather than being drawn directly into the air cavity 142b. A second seal or flange 146b surrounds the tumbler 102 and fluidly separates the air cavity 142b from the front of the cabinet 100, such as at or near the door 114. As air 12 and particulates 14 flow from within tumbler 102 through opening 140b and air cavity 142b toward separation system 200b, first seal 144b and second seal 146b prevent particulates 14 from entering parts of cabinet 100 other than air cavity 142b (where the particulates 14 could clog or damage components of laundry system 10b).

[0063]

[0095] Separation system 200b is fluidly connected to air cavity 142b and is positioned within cabinet 100 below tumbler 102. Fan 130b draws air 12 through separation system 200b, thus facilitating air flow from tumbler 12 through opening 140b and air cavity 142b into separation system 200b. As described further below, separation system 200b separates particulates 14 from the air flow and directs the particulates 14 to particulate hopper 300b.

[0064]

[0096] In the illustrated example, particulate hopper 300b is provided as a collection area below tumbler 102 and is accessible for cleaning by a user by removing access panel 120b on front side panel 104a of cabinet 100. For example, access panel 120b is attached to particulate hopper 300b such that particulate hopper 300b and access panel 120b can be extended and / or removed from laundry system 10b side by side to empty particulate hopper 300b.

[0065]

[0097] 22-27C, separation system 200b is positioned within cabinet 100 below tumbler 102 and is therefore integrated with cabinet 100 to remove particulates 14 from air 12 drawn through cabinet 100 without the use of a screen or traditional lint trap. Separation system 200b includes one or more cyclone filters 204b configured to receive incoming air 12 from air cavity 142b and separately output particulates 14 and clean air 12C. In the illustrated example, separation system 200b for each cabinet 100 includes two cyclone filters 204b, with air 12 drawn in parallel through both filters 204b by fan 130b.

[0066]

[0098] The cyclone filter 204b has a substantially cylindrical body 206b extending between a first end 208b and a second end 210b to define a cyclone cavity 212b of the cyclone filter 204b. 204b20 and 23, the cyclone filter 204b extends substantially horizontally within the cabinet 100 such that the separation system 200b is contained within a compact space below the tumbler 102. That is, the central axis A204b of the cyclone filter 204b extends substantially parallel to the ground on which the laundry system 10b is positioned or substantially perpendicular to the front and rear side panels 104a, 104b.

[0067]

[0099] The body 206b of the cyclone filter 204b includes an air inlet 214b disposed at a first end 208b of the body 206b for directing the air 12 from the air cavity 142b into the cyclone cavity 212b, a fine particle outlet 216b disposed at a second end 210b of the body 206b for directing fine particles 14 removed from the air 12 to a fine particle hopper 300b, and a clean air outlet 218b formed at the first end 208b of the body 206b for allowing the clean air 12C to exit the cyclone filter 204b. The air inlet 214b is disposed at a first end 208b of the body 206b and extends along the central axis A. 204b Similarly, a fines outlet 216b is provided in the cyclone cavity 212b. 204b The particulates 14 are directed from the cyclone cavity 212b in a direction substantially tangential to the central axis A, while the clean air outlet 218b is directed 204b It is coaxial with.

[0068]

[0100] In the illustrated example, the air inlet 214b extends tangentially from the cylindrical body 206b and substantially parallel to the bottom panel 104e of the cabinet 100, which forms the lower boundary of the air cavity 142b. The fines outlet 216b extends tangentially from the cylindrical body 206b and is spaced apart from the bottom panel 104e of the cabinet 100 to direct the fines 14 into a fines hopper 300b located above the bottom panel 104e. The fines outlet 216b may be directed at least partially downward toward the bottom panel 104e and may extend at least partially into the fines hopper 300b to fluidly connect the cyclone cavity 212b and the fines hopper 300b. Furthermore, air inlet 214b and fine particle outlet 216b may each have a substantially rectangular cross-section, and the cross-sections of air inlet 214b and conduit 215b are larger than the cross-section of fine particle outlet 216b, so that the volume of air 12 entering cyclone cavity 212b via air inlet 214b is larger than the volume of fine particle 14 exiting cyclone cavity 212b via fine particle outlet 216b. In other words, the cross-section of air inlet 214b is configured to supply a sufficient volume of air 12 to cyclone cavity 212b to supply respective portions of the volume of air 12 to each of fine particle outlet 216b (i.e., dirty portion) and clean air outlet 218b (i.e., clean portion). For example, air inlet 214b may have a width W extending parallel to central axis A204b. 214b The fine particle outlet 216b is located on the central axis A 204b Width W extending parallel to 216b and the width W of the air inlet 214b. 214b is the width W of the fine particle outlet 216b 216b is greater than.

[0069]

[0101] During operation of the laundry system 10b, air 12 is drawn from the air cavity 142b through the inlet conduit 215b of the air inlet 214b and into the cyclone cavity 212b. As shown in FIG. 24, the central axis A of the two cyclone filters 204b 204bare arranged parallel to each other, with the air inlet 214b of one cyclone filter 204b facing the air inlet 214b of the other cyclone filter 204b, so that a portion of the air 12 in the air cavity 142b flows into each cyclone filter 204b. In other words, the cyclone filters 204b are formed as mirror images of each other and are arranged on either side of the air conduit 142b. The clean air outlet 218b extends from the first end 208b of the body 206b along the central axis A. 204b , whereby as the air 12 enters the body 206b, it is drawn at least partially along the inlet conduit 215b and around the cylindrical neck or vortex inducer 224b of the clean air outlet 218b. 214b is the central axis A of the cyclone filter 204b. 204b The length L of the vortex inducer 224b along 224b Thus, inlet conduit 215b and vortex inducer 224b cooperate to define a helical conduit for the air flow that promotes the creation of an outer helical vortex 220b of air 12 flowing from air inlet 214b toward particulate outlet 216b and second end 210b of body 206b (FIG. 27C).

[0070]

[0102] As air 12 moves into cyclone body 206b and forms an outer spiral vortex 220b flowing from air inlet 214b toward fine particle outlet 216b, fine particles 14 are subjected to centrifugal force that moves the fine particles 14 along the inner cylindrical surface of body 206b. As shown in Figure 26, fine particle outlet 216b has a circumferential surface that is oriented in a direction perpendicular to body 206b and central axis A to promote the flow of fine particles 14 from the outer spiral vortex 220b of air 12 through fine particle outlet 216b to fine particle hopper 300b. 204b206b。 In other words, because the cyclone filter 204b is oriented to enable removal of particulates 14 substantially horizontally (rather than vertically) and at an easily accessible location in the particulate hopper 300b, the tangential particulate outlet 216b depends on the centripetal acceleration of the particulates 14 relative to the inner surface of the body 206b and the tangential linear velocity of the particulates 14 when they reach the particulate outlet 216b. Particulates 14 are directed from the cyclone cavity 212b through the particulate outlet 216b to the particulate hopper 300b in a direction generally downward and outward relative to the body 206b. That is, the particulate outlet 216b directs the particulates 14 at least partially downward and away from the cyclone filter 204b.

[0071]

[0103] To prevent the outer spiral vortex 220b from moving beyond the particulate outlet 216b at the second end 210b of the body 206b (where particulates 14 may be re-entrained in the airflow), the vortex diverter 226b extends from the inner surface of the second end 210b of the body 206b to the central axis A. 204b Vortex diverter 226b extends along a length L extending from a first end attached to second end 210b of body 206b to a distal second end. 228b As shown, the diverter wall 228b has a length L 228b is the width W of the fine particle outlet 216b 216b The diverter wall 226b of the vortex diverter 228b is larger than the central axis A 204b and is concentric with the clean air outlet 218b. The diverter wall 228b tapers from a first end of the diverter wall 228b to a second end of the diverter wall 228b, and the inner diameter D of the clean air outlet 218b at the second end of the diverter wall 228b is 218b At least slightly larger than the outer diameter D 226b A conical cap 230b is disposed at the second end of the diverter wall 228b. As the airflow in the outer spiral vortex 220b approaches the second end 210b and the vortex diverter 226b, the vortex diverter 226b separates the particulates 14 from the airflow and directs the particulates 14 toward the central axis A.204b 12C toward the clean air outlet 218b along the inner spiral vortex 222b.

[0072]

[0104] Thus, instead of using a long tapered outer cylinder to allow the air vortex to rotate and exit the filter, the vortex diverter 226b extends from the second end 210b of the body 206b into the cyclone cavity 212b to accommodate the clean air outlet 218b or the diameter D of the vortex inducer 224b. 218b Diameter D is slightly larger than 228b The vortex diverter 226b includes a cylindrical or conical diverter wall 228b having a vortex inducer 224b. This geometry influences the direction of airflow as it enters the air inlet 214b and the cyclone body 206b along the vortex inducer 224b. Additionally, the vortex diverter 226b orients the body 206b relative to the central axis A relative to cyclone designs without a vortex diverter to further reduce the packaging requirements of the separation system 200b within the cabinet 100. 204b Allows shortening along the

[0073]

[0105] With the fan 130b operating to draw airflow from the filter 204b through the clean air outlet 218b, the inner spiral vortex 222b of clean air 12C flows within (i.e., radially inward of) the outer spiral vortex 220b through the clean air outlet 218b at the first end 208b of the body 206b. As shown in Figures 27A-27C, a clean air conduit 232b is connected between the fan 130b and the clean air outlet 218b so that the clean air 12C flows from the cyclone filter 204b towards the fan 130b for exhaust from the laundry system 10b and / or reintroduction into the cabinet 100. The clean air conduit 232b includes a cylindrical mating portion 234b that is at least partially received along the clean air outlet 218b and an angled, curved or twisted portion 234b that extends from the mating portion 236b toward the fan 230b.

[0074]

[0106] In the illustrated example, the clean air conduit 232b is manufactured separately from the cyclone filter 204b and mated with the filter 204b at the clean air outlet 218b during assembly, providing for simpler manufacturing and easier assembly of the separation system 200b. However, it should be understood that the clean air conduit 232b and the filter 204b may be integrally formed with one another. Furthermore, by mating the mating portion 234b of the clean air conduit 232b with the cylindrical clean air outlet 218b of the filter 204b, the axial or rotational position of the end of the vortex inducer 224b can be adjusted and set relative to the vortex partition 226b. That is, in some embodiments, the mating portion 234b of the clean air conduit 232b may extend beyond the end of the vortex inducer 224b into the cavity 212b such that the outer surface of the mating portion 234b operates to extend the vortex inducer 224b into the cavity 212b.

[0075]

[0107] Furthermore, the clean air outlet 218b is 204b axially inward of the first end 208b of the body 206b along the vortex inducer 224b, and the mating portion 234b of the clean air conduit 232b extends along the vortex inducer 224b to the clean air outlet 218b, so that the curved portion 236b of the clean air conduit 232b extends from the mating portion 234b at or near the first end 208b of the body 206b. That is, the geometry of the body 206b and the clean air conduit 232b allows the clean air conduit 232b to turn or curve closer to the body 206b than would be possible with an integrally formed conduit. This allows for a compact airflow solution without restricting the flow or forcing the airflow to turn at sharp angles.

[0076]

[0108] As shown in Figures 22 and 24, the clean air conduit 232b connected to the parallel filters 204b is connected to the fan 130b via a two-way manifold or adapter 238b, such that when the fan 130b is operated to draw airflow through the separation system 200b, air 12 is drawn in parallel through the separate filters 204b. The particulate outlets 216b of the parallel filters 204b deposit particulates 14 into a shared particulate hopper 300b positioned between the filters 204b. It should be understood that the fan 130b may be fluidly connected to any number of filters 204b via adapters of different configurations. For example, the fan 130b may be fluidly connected to a separation system 200b serving an upper cabinet 100 and a separation system 200b serving a lower cabinet 100.

[0077]

[0109] 28-32, another example of laundry system 10c is provided, including an embodiment of an alternative configuration of cabinet 100c and particulate separation system 200c disposed within particulate hopper 300c. Given the substantial similarity in structure and function of components related to laundry systems 10, 10a, and 10b for laundry system 10c, like reference numerals, including letter extensions, are used to identify those components that have been modified.

[0078]

[0110] As shown in Figures 28-32, laundry system 10c includes a cabinet 100c having a single tumbler 102c. Cabinet 100c includes a first front side panel 104e and a second rear side panel 104f disposed on the side of cabinet 100c opposite front side panel 104e (i.e., the rear side). A third side panel 104g and a fourth side panel 104h, respectively, extend between front side panel 104e and rear side panel 104f such that side panels 104e-104h collectively define cavity 106c in which tumbler 102c is disposed. In addition to door 114c mounted in an opening in front side panel 104e, cabinet 100c includes control board 116 including user interface 118, as previously described.

[0079]

[0111] The cabinet 100c further includes an access panel 120c removably mounted to a lower portion of the cabinet 100c (i.e., below the tumbler cavity 106c). The access panel 120c is configured to be selectively removed and replaced from the front side panel 104e to expose and conceal the particulate hopper 300c. Optionally, the access panel 120c may include an electronic lock. When the particulate hopper 300c is full and needs to be emptied, the control board 116c may send a signal to an actuator (e.g., in response to a user selecting a cleaning notification) to unlock / open the access panel 120c for the user to open. In other embodiments, the user may manually unlock the access panel 120c using a manual lock or latch device.

[0080]

[0112] 30 and 32, laundry system 10c includes tumbler exhaust duct 128c connecting cabinet 100c to particulate hopper 300c and particulate separation system 200c. As previously mentioned, in some examples of the present disclosure, particulate hopper 300c and particulate separation system 200c are integrated with cabinet 100c. For example, as shown in FIG. 32, particulate hopper 300c and particulate separation system 200c are located below cabinet 100c, and tumbler exhaust duct 128c provides fluid communication between cavity 106c of cabinet 100c and particulate separation system 200c.

[0081]

[0113] As described above with respect to cabinet 100b, cabinet 100c can include an air cavity surrounding at least a portion of tumbler 102c, such as the front portion of tumbler 102c toward door 114c, so that tumbler 102c rotates or spins within the air cavity. Similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 21 , a first seal surrounds tumbler 102c and fluidly separates the air cavity from the rear of cabinet 100c, where air 12 is drawn into tumbler 102c, such that air 12 is drawn into tumbler 102c rather than directly into the air cavity. A second seal or flange surrounds tumbler 102c and fluidly separates the air cavity from the front of cabinet 100c, such as at or near door 114. Thus, air 12 and particulates 14 are directed from tumbler 102c through an air cavity formed around tumbler 102c and into tumbler exhaust duct 128c.

[0082]

[0114] 28-32, particle separation system 200c removes particulates 14 from air 12 flowing from cabinet 100c, and the removed particulates 14 are collected by a particle hopper 300b located below particle separation system 200c while clean air 12 is drawn upward. Like the previously described particle separation systems 200, 200a, and 200b, particle separation system 200b can operate entirely without a screen.

[0083]

[0115] As best shown in FIG. 32 , the particulate separation system 200c is mounted within a particulate hopper 300c to limit the influence of external ambient air on the particulate separation system 200c. In other words, incorporating the particulate separation system 200c within the particulate hopper 300c isolates the particulate separation system 200c from ambient air, thereby reducing the amount of moisture within the particulate separation system 200c and the particulate hopper 300c. For example, the cyclone filter 204 of the particulate separation system 200c is surrounded by a volume of relatively warm air contained within the particulate hopper 300c, such that the cyclone filter 204 itself is maintained at a warmer temperature than if the cyclone filter 204 were exposed to ambient air. By maintaining the cyclone filter 204 at a higher temperature, the relatively moist air passing through the cyclone filter 204 is less likely to condense on the walls of the cyclone filter 204, thereby minimizing the introduction of moisture into the particulates 14.

[0084]

[0116] 28-32, particulate hopper 300c includes one or more panels that define a hopper cavity 304c that collects particulates 14 removed from particulate separation system 200c. While particulate hopper 300c may include separate panels similar to panels 302a-302g described above, the illustrated example includes particulate hopper 300c defined by panels 104e-104h of cabinet 100c. Thus, particulate hopper 300c may be provided as an integral part of cabinet 100c.

[0085]

[0117] In the illustrated example, the particulate hopper 300c includes an optional intermediate hopper cleaning cavity or duct 303c located between the tumbler exhaust duct 128c and the hopper cavity 304c. As best shown in Figures 31 and 32, the intermediate cleaning cavity 303c is separated from the hopper cavity 304c by an intermediate hopper cavity panel 302h that extends generally between the rear hopper wall 302i and the front side panel 104e to define the intermediate cleaning cavity 303c and the hopper cavity 304c disposed below the intermediate cleaning cavity 303c. As shown, the intermediate hopper cavity panel 302h is oriented at an oblique angle that slopes downward along a direction from the rear hopper wall 302i to the front side panel 102e. The intermediate cleaning cavity 303c further includes an intermediate cleaning access panel 310d that defines an opening at the front of the intermediate cleaning cavity 303c. Thus, larger objects and debris that are removed from the tumbler 102c in the airflow 12 may fall into the intermediate cleaning cavity 303c upstream of the particle separation system 200c, allowing the objects to be accessed and removed through the intermediate cleaning access panel 310d and not enter the particle separation system 200c.

[0086]

[0118] 29, 31, and 32, the hopper cavity 304c is located below the intermediate cleaning cavity 303c. However, it should be understood that the particulate hopper 300c may be provided without the intermediate cleaning cavity 303c, whereby the hopper cavity 304c is in direct communication with the tumbler exhaust duct 128c. In the illustrated example, the hopper cavity 304c is located between the rear hopper wall 302i and the front hopper wall 302j (FIG. 32). The front hopper wall 302j may include a hopper cleaning opening and access panel 310c configured to provide access to the hopper cavity 304c when the cabinet access panel 120c is removed.

[0087]

[0119] 30-32, the particulate separation system 200c is configured in a manner substantially similar to the particulate separation systems 200 and 200a described above. In particular, the particulate separation system 200c includes a cyclone separation system 202c including a plurality of cyclone filters 204 described above with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. Accordingly, the details of the cyclone filters 204 described above are incorporated into the cyclone filters 204 of the cyclone separation system 202c. In the illustrated example, the cyclone filters 204c are arranged such that the axis A of the cyclone filters 204 is parallel to the axis A of the cyclone filters 204. 204 For the avoidance of doubt, the axis A of the cyclone filter 204 is 204 is the angle θ of the laundry system 10c relative to the horizontal base. 204 (FIG. 31), so that the bottom of the conical body 206 of each cyclone filter 204 is also oriented at an oblique angle θ 206 (FIG. 31) resulting in a continuous decrease from the air inlet 214 to the outlet 216.

[0088]

[0120] As best shown in FIG. 31 , each of the cyclone filters 204 is positioned adjacent to an intermediate hopper cavity panel 302h, whereby the inlet 214 and conduit 215 communicate with the tumbler exhaust duct 128c to receive the mixture of air 12 and particulates 14 from the tumbler 102c. The mixture of air 12 and particulates 14 is filtered through the cyclone filters 204 in a manner similar to that described above, whereby the particulates 14 are removed from the air 12 via centripetal acceleration and fall through the particulate outlet 216 into the hopper cavity 304c. Optionally, the hopper cavity 304c may include a panel or channel that defines a particulate inlet 308c of the hopper cavity 304c. Clean air 12 is discharged from each cyclone filter 204 through a clean air outlet 218 positioned adjacent to the rear hopper wall 302i ( FIG. 31 ). The clean air 12 is then directed out through the system exhaust 138c.

[0089]

[0121] The particulate hopper 300a further includes one or more volume sensors 320 configured to communicate with the control board 116 and measure the volume of the hopper cavity 304c of the particulate hopper 300c. As shown in FIG. 29, the volume sensor 320 is mounted on the top of the particulate hopper 300c above the hopper cavity cleanout port 310c. The volume sensor 320 measures the available volume of the hopper cavity 304c and sends a signal to the control board 116, which sends a signal indicating that the particulate hopper cavity 304c needs to be emptied in response to determining that the volume of the particulate hopper 304c has exceeded a fill threshold, where the fill threshold may be set by a user of the user interface 118. For example, the user may select an acceptable threshold volume for the particulate hopper 300c, and the control board 116 generates a notification (e.g., a warning light, an alarm) in response to detecting that the volume of the particulate hopper 304c has exceeded the user-set fill threshold. In another example, the fill threshold is set by the manufacturer of the laundry system 10c (eg, on a regular schedule to ensure maximum performance).

[0090]

[0122] In some examples, a user can access the hopper cavity 304c by removing an access panel 120c on the front of the cabinet 100c to expose the access port 108 and attach a vacuum source to a cleaning opening in the access panel 310c to vacuum particulates 14 from the particulate hopper 300c located below the cabinet 100c. The control board 116 may send a signal to an actuator of the access controller 136 in response to receiving an indication that the user has addressed the cleaning indication displayed on the user interface 118 of the control board 116.

[0091]

[0123] Optionally, laundry system 10c includes one or more temperature sensors 16 configured to measure the temperature of laundry system 10a and communicate the measured temperature to control board 116a. Control board 116 is configured to evaluate the measured temperature to detect the operating status of laundry system 10c. For example, a relatively high measured temperature detected by control board 116 may correspond to a blockage in exhaust pipe 138c of laundry system 10c. Control board 116 may then instruct fan 130 to increase the speed at which the blockage is cleared. One or more temperature sensors 16 may be located in any combination of air passageways within laundry system 10, such as cavity 106c of cabinet 100c, tumbler exhaust duct 128, particulate hopper 300c, and / or housing 134 of fan 130. Here, the control board 116 may execute (e.g., via the data processing hardware 122) a fan algorithm line that optimizes the variable speed of the fan 130 based on one or more temperature readings measured by the temperature sensor 16 located in the laundry system 10c. In other words, the control board 116 may use the fan algorithm to increase the speed of the fan 130 in response to determining that the detected temperature of the laundry system 10c exceeds a temperature threshold.

[0092]

[0124] The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure. Individual elements or features of a particular configuration are generally not limited to that particular configuration, are interchangeable where applicable, and may be used in a selected configuration even if not specifically shown or described. This may also be modified in many ways. Such variations should not be considered a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0093]

[0125] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example configurations only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein, the singular articles "a," "an," and "the" may be intended to include the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. The terms "comprises," "comprising," "including," and "having" are inclusive and thus specify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein should not be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order described or illustrated, unless specifically identified as such. Additional or alternative steps may be employed.

[0094]

[0126] When an element or layer is referred to as "on," "engaged," "connected," "attached," or "coupled" to another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected, attached, or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as "directly on," "directly engaged," "directly connected," "directly attached," or "directly coupled" to another element or layer, there may not be intervening elements or layers. Other words used to describe relationships between elements should be interpreted similarly (e.g., "between" vs. "directly between," "adjacent" vs. "directly adjacent," etc.). As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0095]

[0127] Terms such as "first," "second," and "third" may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections. These elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be used only to distinguish one element, component, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, or section. Terms such as "first," "second," and other numerical terms do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer, or section described below could be referred to as a second element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the teachings of the exemplary configurations.

Claims

1. A cyclone filter, a body including a cylindrical surface extending between a first end and a second end, the body defining a cavity of the cyclone filter; an air inlet formed through the cylindrical surface, the air inlet configured to receive airflow from the laundry cabinet and direct the airflow along the cylindrical surface within the cavity; a vortex diverter extending from the second end of the body into the cavity, the vortex diverter configured to interrupt the airflow as it passes through the cavity between the vortex diverter and the cylindrical surface to separate particulates from the airflow; and a particulate outlet formed through the cylindrical surface and axially spaced from the air inlet, the particulate outlet configured to direct particulates separated from the air flow toward a particulate receptacle.

2. a vortex inducer extending within the cavity from the first end at least partially along the cylindrical surface of the body; 2. The cyclone filter of claim 1, wherein the vortex inducer has a cylindrical surface and is configured to direct the air flow from the air inlet in a helical vortex between the cylindrical surface of the body and the cylindrical surface of the vortex inducer.

3. the vortex diverter includes an annular surface extending from the second end of the body; 3. The cyclone filter of claim 2, wherein the annular surface of the vortex diverter has a first outer diameter that is greater than a second outer diameter of the cylindrical surface of the vortex inducer.

4. a clean air outlet formed through the first end of the body; The cyclone filter of claim 1 , wherein the clean air outlet is configured to receive clean air drawn from the cavity.

5. 5. The cyclone filter of claim 4, wherein the clean air outlet opening is between the air inlet and the first end of the body.

6. 5. The cyclone filter of claim 4, wherein a clean air conduit extends through said clean air outlet at least partially within said cavity.

7. The clean air conduit comprises: a cylindrical portion extending at least partially within the cavity through the clean air outlet; 7. The cyclone filter of claim 6, further comprising a curved portion extending at an oblique angle between the cylindrical portion and the air flow source.

8. 2. The cyclone filter of claim 1, wherein the air inlet comprises a conduit extending tangentially to the cylindrical surface of the body.

9. 2. The cyclone filter of claim 1, wherein the particulate outlet comprises a conduit extending tangentially to the cylindrical surface of the body.

10. a central axis of the cyclone filter extending between the first end and the second end; The cyclone filter of claim 1 , wherein the air inlet and the particulate outlet are formed through the cylindrical surface in a direction tangential to the central axis.

11. 1. A laundry system comprising: a laundry cabinet configured to process laundry during operation of the laundry system; a particulate receptacle configured to receive particulates separated from laundry during operation of the laundry system; a particulate separation system, a body including a cylindrical surface extending between a first end and a second end, the body defining a cavity of the cyclone filter; an air inlet formed through the cylindrical surface, the air inlet configured to receive airflow from the laundry cabinet and direct the airflow along the cylindrical surface within the cavity; a vortex diverter extending from the second end of the body into the cavity, the vortex diverter configured to interrupt the airflow as it passes through the cavity between the vortex diverter and the cylindrical surface to separate particulates from the airflow; and a particulate outlet formed through the cylindrical surface and axially spaced from the air inlet, the particulate outlet configured to direct particulates separated from the air flow toward a particulate receptacle.

12. a vortex inducer extending within the cavity from the first end at least partially along the cylindrical surface of the body; 12. The laundry system of claim 11, wherein the vortex inducer comprises a cylindrical surface and is configured to direct the air flow from the air inlet in a helical vortex between the cylindrical surface of the body and the cylindrical surface of the vortex inducer.

13. the vortex diverter includes an annular surface extending from the second end of the body; 13. The laundry system of claim 12, wherein the annular surface of the vortex diverter has a first outer diameter that is greater than a second outer diameter of the cylindrical surface of the vortex inducer.

14. a clean air outlet formed through the first end of the body; 12. The laundry system of claim 11, wherein the clean air outlet is configured to receive clean air drawn from the cavity.

15. 15. The laundry system of claim 14, wherein the clean air outlet opening is between the air inlet and the first end of the body.

16. 15. The laundry system of claim 14, wherein a clean air conduit extends through said clean air outlet at least partially within said cavity.

17. The clean air conduit comprises: a cylindrical portion extending at least partially within the cavity through the clean air outlet; 17. The laundry system of claim 16, further comprising a curved portion extending at an oblique angle between the cylindrical portion and an air flow source of the laundry system.

18. 12. The laundry system of claim 11, wherein the air inlet comprises a conduit extending tangentially to the cylindrical surface of the body.

19. The laundry system of claim 11 , wherein the fines outlet comprises a conduit extending tangentially to the cylindrical surface of the body.

20. a central axis of the cyclone filter extending between the first end and the second end; The laundry system of claim 1 , wherein the air inlet and the particulate outlet are formed through the cylindrical surface in a direction tangential to the central axis.

21. a cabinet including a tumbler for treating laundry and an access port extending therethrough; a particulate separation system for removing particulates from the air within the tumbler; a particulate hopper configured to collect the removed particulates and including a cleaning port that cooperates with the access port of the cabinet to provide access for removing the collected removed particulates from the particulate hopper.

22. the cabinet further includes a front side panel and a rear side panel disposed on a different side of the cabinet from the front side panel; 22. The laundry system of claim 21, wherein the access port extends from the front side panel to the rear side panel.

23. 23. The laundry system of any one of claims 21 to 22, wherein at least a portion of the particulate hopper is positioned below an outlet of the particulate separation system.

24. 24. The laundry system of any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein at least a portion of the particulate separation system is disposed within the particulate hopper.

25. 25. The laundry system of any one of claims 21 to 24, wherein the particulate separation system comprises a cyclonic separation system.

26. 26. The laundry system of any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein the cyclonic separating system is integrated with the cabinet.

27. 27. The laundry system of claim 25 or 26, wherein the cyclonic separating system comprises an array of one or more cyclonic filters.

28. The particle separation system includes: a body including a cylindrical surface extending between a first end and a second end, the body defining a cavity of the cyclone filter; an air inlet formed through the cylindrical surface, the air inlet configured to receive airflow from the laundry cabinet and direct the airflow along the cylindrical surface within the cavity; a vortex diverter extending from the second end of the body into the cavity, the vortex diverter configured to interrupt the airflow as it passes through the cavity between the vortex diverter and the cylindrical surface to separate particulates from the airflow; and 28. The laundry system of any one of claims 21 to 27, comprising: a fines outlet formed through the cylindrical surface and axially spaced from the air inlet, the fines outlet configured to direct fines separated from the air flow towards a fines receptacle.

29. a vortex inducer extending within the cavity from the first end at least partially along the cylindrical surface of the body; 29. The laundry system of claim 28, wherein the vortex inducer comprises a cylindrical surface and is configured to direct the air flow from the air inlet in a helical vortex between the cylindrical surface of the body and the cylindrical surface of the vortex inducer.

30. 30. The laundry system of claim 29, wherein the vortex diverter comprises an annular surface extending from the second end of the body, the annular surface of the vortex diverter having a first outer diameter greater than a second outer diameter of the cylindrical surface of the vortex inducer.

31. a cabinet including a tumbler for treating laundry and an access port extending therethrough; a control board including a user interface; a particulate separation system for removing particulates from the air within the tumbler; a particulate hopper for collecting the removed particulates, the particulate hopper including a volume sensor in communication with the control board and configured to detect a volume of the particulate hopper.

32. 32. The laundry system of claim 31, wherein the volume sensor transmits a signal to the control board in response to detecting that the volume of the particulate hopper exceeds a fill threshold.

33. 33. The laundry system of claim 32, wherein the fill threshold is set by a user of the user interface.

34. 34. The laundry system of any one of claims 31 to 33, wherein the user interface of the control board includes a cleaning notification, the cleaning notification configured to alert a user that the particulate hopper is full.

35. 35. The laundry system of any one of claims 31 to 34, wherein the access port extending through the cabinet includes an access controller configured to communicate with the control board to allow access to the access port.

36. 36. The laundry system of claim 35, wherein the access controller enables access to the access port in response to receiving an indication that a user has selected a cleaning indication displayed on the user interface of the control board.

37. 37. The laundry system of any one of claims 31 to 36, further comprising a fan in communication with the control board and disposed between the cabinet and the particle separation system.

38. 38. The laundry system of claim 37, further comprising a temperature sensor configured to detect a temperature of the laundry system and communicate the detected temperature to the control board.

39. 39. The laundry system of claim 38, wherein the control board uses a fan algorithm to increase the speed of the fan in response to determining that the detected temperature of the laundry system exceeds a temperature threshold.

40. 40. The laundry system of any one of claims 31 to 39, wherein the particulate separation system includes a cyclone separation system external to the cabinet.

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