Certain exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will now be described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In the following description, same drawing reference numerals are used for the same elements even in different drawings. The matters defined in the description, such as detailed construction and elements, are provided to assist in a comprehensive understanding of the invention. Thus, it is apparent that the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure can be carried out without those specifically defined matters. Also, well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail since they would obscure the invention with unnecessary detail.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a cleaner 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

The cleaner 100 of FIG. 1 includes a suction brush 110, a main body 120 and a multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200.

The suction brush 110 draws in dust together with air from a surface being cleaned. The cleaner 100 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is an upright type cleaner, so the suction bush 110 is formed integrally with the main body 120. However, there is no limitation thereto, and accordingly the present disclosure is equally applicable to a canister type cleaner in which the suction brush 110 is separated from the main body 120.

The main body 120 houses the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200 and a motor (not shown) that generates a suction force. The main body 120 includes an inflow passage (not shown) formed thereinside to connect the suction brush 110 to the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200, so the air containing dust drawn in by the suction brush 110 flows into the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200 through the inflow passage. Additionally, the main body 120 includes a handle 121 by which a user is able to hold and use the cleaner.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; FIGS. 3 and 4 are cross-sectional views showing the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200 of FIG. 2; FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200 of FIG. 2 when a cover 215, which is placed on one side of the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200, is removed; FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a second cyclone dust-collecting unit 220 of the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200 of FIG. 2; and FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing a dust housing 230 of the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200 of FIG. 2.

The multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200 separates dust-laden air drawn into the cleaner 100 using a centrifugal force. The multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200 includes a first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210, a pair of second cyclone dust-collecting units 220 and a dust housing 230. The first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 separates dust from the dust-laden air for a first time, and the pair of second cyclone dust-collecting units 220 then separate dust from air discharged from the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 for a second time, so the dust-collecting efficiency can be increased. Additionally, the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200 further includes a casing 201 to fix in place the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 and pair of second cyclone dust-collecting units 220.

The first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 separates dust from the dust-laden air drawn in by the suction brush 110 for a first time. As shown in FIG. 2, the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 is disposed horizontally, so the central axis 210a thereof is also disposed horizontally. The first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 includes a first inlet 211, a first dust discharge port 212, a grill 213, a first outlet 214 and a cover 215.

The first inlet 211 is disposed in a rear portion of the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 in FIG. 2, and on a side surface of the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200. The dust-laden air drawn in by the suction brush 110 flows into the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 via the first inlet 211. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, the first inlet 211 is formed so that the dust-laden air flows tangentially therethrough to the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210. Accordingly, the dust-laden air forms a whirling air current inside the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 in the direction indicated by an arrow 217, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. A centrifugal force is generated by the whirling motion and causes dust to be pushed away from the central axis 210a of the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210, spiraling outwards.

The first dust discharge port 212 is disposed in a front portion of the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 in FIG. 2, and in a lower portion of the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 in FIG. 3. The dust made to be pushed away from the central axis 210a of the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 by the centrifugal force flows into a first dust receptacle 231 (see FIG. 7) of the dust housing 230 in the direction indicated by an arrow 218 in FIG. 3 through the first dust discharge port 212. Accordingly, dust flows vertically downwards into the dust housing 230. Alternatively, if the axis of the whirling air current formed inside the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 corresponds to the direction in which dust flows into the dust housing 230, the whirling air current may be maintained inside the dust housing 230. In this situation, the dust collected in the dust housing 230 may flow back into the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210, or in other words, may be re-scattered. However, in the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, since the air current formed inside the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 is made to whirl horizontally and the dust flows into the dust housing 230 vertically, the air current formed inside the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 is made to whirl at right angles to the direction in which dust flows into the dust housing 230. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the whirling air current from being maintained inside the dust housing 230, and thus prevent dust from being re-scattered.

The grill 213 separates dust having a size equal to or larger than a predetermined size. Air from which dust has been separated is discharged via the grill 213 to the first outlet 214 in the direction indicated by an arrow 219 in FIG. 3. The grill 213 filters some dust that is not separated using the centrifugal force, so dust-collecting efficiency can be improved.

The first outlet 214 is connected to a pair of second inlets 221 on the pair of second cyclone dust-collecting units 220. Referring to FIG. 4, air discharged from the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 flows into the pair of second cyclone dust-collecting units 220 via the pair of second inlets 221.

The cover 215 is detachably mounted on one end of the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 so that the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 can be opened or closed. As shown in FIG. 5, the cover 215 is attached to a leading end of the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210. If the user uses the cleaner 100 for a long period of time, a large amount of dust may become caught in the grill 213, thereby causing a pressure loss and reducing the dust-collecting efficiency of the cleaner 100. In this situation, the user may separate the cover 215 from the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210, and may easily clean inside the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 and around the grill 213. Accordingly, it is very easy to maintain or repair the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200. While the cover 215 is attached to the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 in the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, there is no limitation thereto. Accordingly, covers may be attached to the second cyclone dust-collecting units 220.

The cover 215 includes a guide member 215a to guide the whirling air current formed inside the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210. As air is made to whirl from the rear end to the leading end of the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210, the strength of the whirling air current formed inside the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 decreases. However, the guide member 215a may cause the strength of the whirling air current to be increased.

The pair of second cyclone dust-collecting units 220 separate dust from the air discharged from the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 for a second time. Large dust particles are separated by the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210, and fine dust particles are separated by the pair of second cyclone dust-collecting units 220.

If large dust particles pile up or hair becomes entangled, flow paths inside the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 and second cyclone dust-collecting units 220 may become blocked. Accordingly, it is necessary for the user to check whether the flow paths are blocked. To check the state of the flow paths, the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 and second cyclone dust-collecting units 220 are made of transparent material through which the interior of the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 and second cyclone dust-collecting units 220 is visible, and part of the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 and part of the second cyclone dust-collecting units 220 are exposed to the outside.

The pair of second cyclone dust-collecting units 220 enclose the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210, so that part of the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 is exposed to the outside. Additionally, part of second cyclone dust-collecting units 220 are also exposed to the outside. In other words, part of the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 and part of the second cyclone dust-collecting units 220 form the external surface of the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200. In the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the top surface of the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 and the side surfaces of the pair of second cyclone dust-collecting units 220 form the external surface of the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200. Such an arrangement of the cyclone dust-collecting units 210 and 220 may allow the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200 to be compact, and may permit the user to check whether the flow paths are blocked.

The configuration of the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200 will now be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4. The first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 and second cyclone dust-collecting units 220 each have a cylindrical shape. The first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 is disposed horizontally, and the pair of second cyclone dust-collecting units 220 are disposed parallel to the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210. In other words, the central axis 210a of the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210, and the central axes 220a of the second cyclone dust-collecting units 220 are disposed horizontally. The central axes 220a of the second cyclone dust-collecting units 220 are disposed below the central axis 210a of the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210, so the top surface of the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 may be exposed to the outside. Since the pair of second cyclone dust-collecting units 220 are disposed symmetrically about the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210, both the second cyclone dust-collecting units 220 may also be exposed to the outside. Accordingly, this configuration makes it possible to reduce the size of the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200. Additionally, the user is able to check the operational state of the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 and the pair of second cyclone dust-collecting units 220, and whether the flow paths are blocked. The flow paths inside the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210, which separates large dust particles, may be frequently blocked. Additionally, if a large amount of dust is caught in the grill 213, there is a need to clean the grill 213. In this situation, the user may detach the cover 215 from the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210, to remove dust that blocks the flow paths or to clean the grill 213.

While the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 and second cyclone dust-collecting units 220 each have a cylindrical shape in the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, the shape is not limited. Accordingly, the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 and second cyclone dust-collecting units 220 may have various shapes other than a cylinder.

Each of the second cyclone dust-collecting units 220 includes a second inlet 221, a second dust discharge port 222, a guide member 223 and a second outlet 224.

The second inlet 221 is disposed on a rear portion of the second cyclone dust-collecting unit 220 in FIG. 2, and is connected to the first outlet 214. As large dust particles have been separated by the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210, fine dust particles and air from which the large dust particles have been separated flow into the second cyclone dust-collecting unit 220 via the second inlet 221. As shown in FIG. 4, the second inlet 221 is formed so that the fine dust particles and air flow tangentially therethrough to the second cyclone dust-collecting unit 220. Accordingly, the fine dust particles and air form a whirling air current inside the second cyclone dust-collecting unit 220 in the direction indicated by an arrow 227, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. A centrifugal force is generated by the whirling motion and causes the fine dust particles to be pushed away from the central axis 220a of the second cyclone dust-collecting unit 220, spiraling outwards.

The second dust discharge port 222 is disposed in a front portion of the second cyclone dust-collecting unit 220 in FIG. 2, and in a lower portion of the second cyclone dust-collecting unit 220 in FIG. 6. The fine dust particles made to be pushed away from the central axis 220a of the second cyclone dust-collecting unit 220 by the centrifugal force flow into a second dust receptacle 232 (see FIG. 7) of the dust housing 230 through the second dust discharge port 222 in the direction indicated by an arrow 228 in FIG. 6. Accordingly, the fine dust particles flow vertically downwards into the dust housing 230. As described above, the axis of the whirling air current formed inside the second cyclone dust-collecting unit 220 is perpendicular to the direction in which fine dust particles flow into the dust housing 230, so it is possible to prevent dust from being re-scattered.

The guide member 223 guides the whirling air current formed within the second cyclone dust-collecting unit 220.

The second outlet 224 is connected to a discharge path (not shown) formed inside the main body 120, and is formed on a rear surface of the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200. Air from which fine dust particles have been finally separated by the second cyclone dust-collecting unit 220 is discharged to the second outlet 214 in the direction indicated by an arrow 229 in FIG. 6, and is then discharged outwards from the main body 120 via the discharge path (not shown).

The dust housing 230 collects dust separated by the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 and second cyclone dust-collecting units 220. As described above, dust separated by the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 and second cyclone dust-collecting units 220 flows vertically downwards into the dust housing 230. The dust housing 230 is detachably mounted to the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 and second cyclone dust-collecting units 220, so if the dust housing 230 becomes full of dust, the user may separate the dust housing 230 from the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 and second cyclone dust-collecting units 220, and may empty the dust housing 230. The dust housing 230 includes the first dust receptacle 231 and the second dust receptacle 232.

As shown in FIGS. 3, 6 and 7, the first dust receptacle 231 collects dust separated by the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210, the second dust receptacle 232 collects dust separated by the pair of second cyclone dust-collecting units 220. The first dust receptacle 231 and the second dust receptacle 232 are separated by a partition 233.

Hereinafter, operation of the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200 according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described.

The suction brush 110 draws in dust-laden air from the surface being cleaned, using the suction force generated by the motor (not shown) mounted in the main body 120. The dust-laden air flows into the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 via the first inlet 211 and forms a whirling air current inside the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210, guided by the guide member 215a. Large dust particles are separated by the centrifugal force generated by the whirling motion, and are collected in the dust housing 230 via the first dust discharge port 212. Some dust particles that have not been separated are filtered by the grill 213. Air from which some dust particles have been separated is discharged to the first outlet 214, and then flows into the pair of second cyclone dust-collecting units 220 via the second inlets 221. Air drawn into the pair of second cyclone dust-collecting units 220 forms whirling air currents inside the pair of second cyclone dust-collecting units 220, guided by the guide member 225. Fine dust particles are separated by the centrifugal force generated by the whirling motion, and are collected in the dust housing 230 via the second dust discharge ports 222. Accordingly, dust separated by the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 and second cyclone dust-collecting units 220 is discharged to the second outlet 224.

The first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 and second cyclone dust-collecting units 220 are made of transparent material and are partially exposed to the outside, so it is possible for the user to know the operational state of the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 and second cyclone dust-collecting units 220. Accordingly, if dust blocks the flow path in the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210, or if the user needs to clean the grill 213 after using the cleaner 100 for a long period of time, he or she may detach the cover 215 from the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210, and may clean inside the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 and the grill 213.

Hereinafter, a multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9.

FIG. 8 is a rear perspective view showing a multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200’ according to the exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; and FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200’ of FIG. 8.

The multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200’ includes a first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210, two pairs of second cyclone dust-collecting units 220 and 240, and a dust housing 230.

The multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200’ of FIG. 8 differs from the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 100 of FIG. 2 in that there are two pairs of second cyclone dust-collecting units 220 and 240. One pair of second cyclone dust-collecting units 220 are disposed symmetrically about the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 at a first height, and the other pair of second cyclone dust-collecting units 240 are disposed symmetrically about the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 at a second height lower than the first height. The multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200’ of FIG. 8 is configured in the same manner as the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 100 of FIG. 2, in that the top surface of the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 is exposed to the outside and the side surfaces of the two pairs of second cyclone dust-collecting units 220 and 240 are also exposed to the outside. Such an arrangement of the cyclone dust-collecting units 210, 220 and 240 may allow the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200’ to be compact. Additionally, the cyclone dust-collecting units 210, 220 and 240 are made of transparent material, so it is possible for the user to check whether flow paths formed inside the cyclone dust-collecting units 210, 220 and 240 are blocked.

As shown in FIG. 9, the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200’ of FIG. 8 is operated in a similar manner to the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 100 of FIG. 2, except that air containing fine dust particles discharged from the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210 flows into the two pairs of second cyclone dust-collecting units 220 and 240 via four second inlets 221, and so detailed description thereof is omitted.

Another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12.

FIGS. 10 and 11 are front and rear perspective views showing a multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200’’ according to the other exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, respectively, and FIG. 12 is a side view of the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200’’ having a dust receptacle 230 with an openable bottom cover 234.

The multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200’’ includes components having the same functions and reference numerals as those of multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatuses 200 and 200’, so their overlapping description is omitted, and only different points are described below.

The multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200’’ includes a first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210, a pair of second cyclone dust-collecting units 220 and a dust receptacle 230, which perform the same functions as described above. The different points are that the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200’’ further includes a grip portion 202, the bottom cover 234 of the dust receptacle 230 is able to open or close a bottom portion of the dust receptacle 230, and a first inlet 211 is disposed in a different position from that of the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatuses 200 and 200’.

The grip portion 202 is formed at the top of the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200’’. Accordingly, a user is able to more easily attach or detach the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200’’ to or from the vacuum cleaner 100 by gripping the grip portion 202.

The bottom cover 234 of the dust receptacle 230 is rotatable about a hinge axis 235. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, a locking member 236 is disposed in a position opposite the hinge axis 235 to lock the bottom cover 234 to the dust receptacle 230. When the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200’’ is attached to the main body 120, the locking member 236 causes the bottom cover 234 to be fastened to the dust receptacle 230. If the dust receptacle 230 is full of dust as a result of using the vacuum cleaner 100, a user may grip the grip portion 202 to detach the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200’’ from the main body 120. If the bottom cover 234 is unlocked from the dust receptacle 230 by the locking member 236, dust may be removed from the dust receptacle 230. Accordingly, it is possible for the user to empty the dust receptacle 230 more conveniently, compared to the above-described exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure.

Dust-laden air drawn in by the suction brush 110 via the first inlet 211 flows into the first cyclone dust-collecting unit 210. As shown in FIG. 11, the first inlet 211 is formed on a rear surface of the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200’’, in a different manner from the above-described exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The second outlets 224 of the second cyclone dust-collecting units 220 are also formed on the rear surface of the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200’’. Accordingly, the exterior of the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200’’ is simplified. If the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200’’ is attached to the main body 120, the rear surface of the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200’’ may be in contact with the main body 120, so the effect of sealing the first inlet 211 and second outlets 224 may increase.

The multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatus 200’’ operates in the same manner as the multi-cyclone dust-collecting apparatuses 200 and 200’, so no further description thereof is required.

The foregoing exemplary embodiments and advantages are merely exemplary and are not to be construed as limiting the present disclosure. The present teaching can be readily applied to other types of apparatuses. Also, the description of the exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure is intended to be illustrative, and not to limit the scope of the claims, and many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art.