GB2523834A

GB2523834A - A separation device for a surface cleaning apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2523834A
Application number: GB1404091.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Mario John Chaves Barker
Original assignee: INSITE PRODUCTS Pty Ltd
Current assignee: INSITE PRODUCTS Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2014-03-07
Filing date: 2014-03-07
Publication date: 2015-09-09
Also published as: GB201404091D0

Abstract

A separation device 10 for a surface cleaning apparatus comprises an inlet 12 receiving dirt laden air and two outlets J1, J2 (or figure 4 parts 14, 16) in fluid communication with the inlet 12. Outlets J1, J2 (14, 16) are at least partially covered by a plurality of elongate members D1, D2 (8) through which air passes during operation. Other aspects of the invention include arrangements whereby some or all of the following features are noted: some of the elongate members are moveable, and/or some of the elongate members have a thickness is larger than their width and/or some of the elongate members have a thickness is larger than their width, and/or inlets direct dirt-laden air towards a curved surface, and/or an outlet communicates with a dirt collection chamber and is configured with an incline to the vertical.

Description

Title: A Separation Device for a Surface Cleaning Apparatus Descriøtion of Invention This invention relates to a separation device for a surface cleaning apparatus.

In particular, this invention relates to a separation device which utilises a source of suction to draw dirt etc. from a surface being cleaned and to store said dirt in a chamber which can be emptied by a user. Such separation devices often from part of apparatus referred to in the art as "vacuum cleaners".

According to a first aspect of the invention we provide a separation device for a surface cleaning apparatus, the device having: an inlet for receiving dirt laden air; a first outlet in fluid communication with the inlet; and a second outlet in fluid communication with the inlet; wherein each of the first and second outlets are at least partially covered by a plurality of elongate members, with air passing to the outlets through spaces between said members.

According to a second aspect of the invention we provide a separation device for a surface cleaning apparatus, the device having: an inlet for receiving dirt laden air; and an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet; wherein the outlet is at least partially covered by a plurality of elongate members, with air passing to the outlet through spaces between said members, and wherein at least some of the elongate members are moveable.

According to a third aspect of the invention we provide a separation device for a surface cleaning apparatus, the device having: an inlet for receiving dirt laden air; and an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet; wherein the outlet is at least partially covered by a plurality of elongate members, with air passing to the outlet through spaces between said members, and wherein at least some of the elongate members are configured such that their thickness (in the direction of air flow therepast) is larger than their width.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention we provide a separation device for a surface cleaning apparatus, the device having: an inlet for receiving dirt laden air; and an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet; wherein the outlet is at least partially covered by a plurality of elongate members, with air passing to the outlet through spaces between said, and wherein the inlet directs dirt-laden air towards a curved surface.

According to a fifth aspect of the invention a separation device for a surface cleaning apparatus, the device having: an inlet for receiving dirt laden air; and an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet; wherein the outlet is at least partially covered by a plurality of elongate members, with air passing to the outlet through spaces between said members, wherein the device includes an outlet which communicates with a dirt collection chamber and wherein the outlet is configured to direct dirt into the collection chamber in a direction inclined to the vertical.

According to a sixth aspect of the invention we provide a separation device according to the first aspect of the invention including one or more or all of the features of the separation devices according to the second to fifth aspects of the invention.

According to a seventh aspect of the invention we provide a separation device according to the second aspect of the invention including one or more or all of the features of the separation devices according to the first or third to fifth aspects of the invention.

According to an eighth aspect of the invention we provide a separation device according to the third aspect of the invention including one or more or all of the features of the separation devices according to the first, second, fourth or fifth aspects of the invention.

According to a ninth aspect of the invention we provide a separation device according to the fourth aspect of the invention including one or more or all of the features of the separation devices according to the first to third or fifth aspects of the invention.

According to a tenth aspect of the invention we provide a separation device according to the fifth aspect of the invention including one or more or all of the features of the separation devices according to the first to fourth aspects of the invention.

According to an eleventh aspect of the inventions we provide a surface cleaning apparatus including a separation device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects of the invention.

Further features of the various aspects of the inventions are set out in the claims appended hereto.

Embodiments of the various aspects of the invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which: Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a separation device; Figure 2 is a side perspective view of the separation device of figure 1; Figure 3 is a further side perspective view of the separation device of figure 1; Figure 4 is an underside perspective view of the separation device of figure 1; Figure 5 is a side view of the separation device of figure 1; Figure 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the separation device of figure 1; Figure 7 is a plan cross-sectional view of the separation device of figure 1; Figure 8 is further plan cross-sectional view of the separation device of figure 1; Figure 9 is an underside cross-sectional view of the separation device of figure 1; Figure 10 is a schematic view of the separation device of figure 1; Figure 11 is a view similar to figure 9; Figure 12 is a further perspective view of the separation device of figure 1, with some components parts removed; Figure 13 is an underside perspective view of the separation device of figure 1, again with some component parts removed; Figure 14 is a rear perspective view of a surface cleaning apparatus including the device of figure 1; Figure 15 is a side view of the apparatus of figure 14; Figure 16 is a rear view of the apparatus of figure 14; Figure 17 is a plan view of the apparatus of figure 14; Figure 18 is a front perspective view of the apparatus of figure 14; Figure 19 is a side cross-sectional view of the device of figure 1; and Figure 20 is a plan view of the apparatus of figure 14 showing the sectional line A-A to which figure 19 relates.

Referring to the figures these show a separation device 10 for use as part of a surface cleaning apparatus. The various aspects of the invention relate to features of the separation device 10, rather than to the overall surface cleaning apparatus. That said, figures 14 to 18 show views of a surface cleaning apparatus 100 including the device 10, which is supported by four ground engaging wheels 110. An illustrative representation of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is also shown in figure 10. For the avoidance of doubt, the separation device 10 can be utilised as part of a surface cleaning apparatus which uses a source of suction to draw dirt from a surface being cleaned.

Whilst the present embodiment has been devised in relation to dry cleaning, the device could be utilised in a wet system where the dirt is entrained in a flow of liquid from the floor surface into the device 10.

As shown in the figures, the separation device 10 has an inlet 12 which receives dirt laden air. The inlet 12 is connected by way of a suitable passage or conduit 1 2a to, for example, a tool (not shown) which a user engages with a surface in order to draw dirt away from that surface and entrain it in the air stream. The device 10 includes a pair of outlets 14, 16 which are in fluid communication with the inlet 12. When viewing the device in figure 1, the first outlet 14 is positioned to a left hand side of the device, whilst the second outlet 16 is positioned towards the right hand side of the device. As shown in the figures, the first and second outlets 14, 16 are each at least partially covered by a plurality of elongate members 18, with air passing to the outlets 14, 16 through the spaces between those members 18.

In the present embodiment each of the elongate members 18 is movable with respect to the remainder of the device 10 and the other elongate members 18.

It should be appreciated that embodiments are envisaged where at least some of the elongate members 18 are movable. That is to say that some of the elongate members 18 may not be movable whilst others are. In the present embodiment there are twelve elongate members 18 positioned covering each outlet 14, 16. It should be appreciated, however, that embodiments are envisaged having fewer or more of said elongate members. For example, embodiments are envisaged where there may be between 8 and 25 of said elongate members 18 covering each outlet 14, 16.

The elongate members 14, 16 are manufactured from a suitable material, e.g. nylon, polycarbonate or another suitable plastics material or rubber or metal, which permits the members to be resiliently movable and preferably flexible.

This means that the elongate members 18 tend to return to their original position if moved away from it. As shown in some of the figures, each elongate member 18 is connected to the main structure of the device 10 at an upper end 18a thereof and extends generally downwardly with a substantial portion thereof being curved and/or actuate (when viewed from the side, i.e. in a direction perpendicular to the flow of air). Each elongate member 18 has a lower end 19 which is free to move. The elongate members 18 covering each outlet 14, 16 are aligned substantially parallel with each other when in a non flexed-moved state.

II can also be seen from the figures, particularly figures 8 and 9, that each elongate member 18 is configured such that its thickness (in the direction of air flow there past and to the outlet 14, 16) is larger than its width. In this particular embodiment the cross-sectional shape of each elongate member 18 tapers as it extends in the direction of the flow of air and then this embodiment is shaped substantially as an aerofoil (which improves performance by minimising the pressure differential across the members 18). It should be appreciated that other cross-sectional shapes could be utilised without departing from the scope of the present invention. Whilst in the present embodiment each elongate member 18 has a cross sectional shape which is substantially symmetrical about its midline, this need not necessarily be the case.

As mentioned above, the elongate members 18 are configured such that they are movable relative to each other and the remainder of the device 10. Due to their overall curved shape (discussed in more detail later) and the cross sectional shape, the elongate members 18 are movable substantially only in one direction, that direction being laterally away from adjacent members 18, in the direction of arrow I shown in figure 3.

Whilst in the present embodiment the elongate members 18 only move in this way, embodiments are envisaged where they are movable in other directions, e.g. in the direction of arrow S in figure 3. However, it is preferable that the elongate members 18 are only movable or substantially only movable in the direction T which is transverse to the direction of airflow through the outlets 14, 16.

Referring particularly to figure 8, each elongate member 18 measures 1.25mm in direction X, 6.5 to 7mm in direction Y and has an overall length of 70 to 85mm. In addition, the space between adjacent elongate members 18 is at or about 3mm. The above measurements are preferred, but not essential to the operation of the device 10 and thus embodiments are envisaged where the above dimensions are altered. Any changes to the dimensions will affect the efficiency of the device and thus they need to be tailored to the specific requirements of the apparatus in which the device is to be utilised. They may also depend on the power of the source of suction utilised, for example the intended purpose of the apparatus and the environment in which it is to be used.

As mentioned above the device 10 includes an inlet 12 which receives dirt laden air and directs it in the direction of arrow A centrally through the device 10. In short, dirt (initially entrained in air) follows the path of arrows A, B, C, E and F to exit into the dirt collection chamber 80 through the outlet 26 in the device. The air flow path through the device follows arrows A, B, C, D1/D2, G11G2, H1/H2, J1/J2, K and L to atmosphere.

In order to be able to provide the air flow path from the inlet 12 to the outlets 14, 16, the outlets are connected to a source of suction 40 which is housed in a portion 81 of the apparatus 100. In the present example, the source of suction 40 is a motor and fan unit. The outlets 14, 16 are connected to the source of suction by way of conduits 14a, 14b, 16a, 16b which join together at 28a to form a common conduit leading to a dust collection bag 28 positioned upstream of the suction motor 40.

Whilst in the present embodiment the device 10 includes a single source of suction (e.g. one motor and fan), embodiments are envisaged where each outlet 14, 16 is connected to a respective source of suction. However, it is advantageous for there to be a single source of suction to ensure that the pressure provided at each of the outlets 14, 16 is identical or substantially identical, as this assists in separation of dirt from the air being drawn through the system and provides for substantially even flow of air between the outlets 14,16.

Positioned towards a lower portion of the device 10, beneath each set of elongate members 18 is a guiding member 42a, 42b which partially overlaps and is spaced away from the free ends 19 of the elongate members 18. An upper edge 43a, 43b of each guiding member 42a, 42b is angled such that it overlaps to a greater extent the free ends 19 of the members 18 which are positioned further away from the inlet 12 than the free ends 19 of the members 18 positioned closer to the inlet 12.

Positioned adjacent a lower portion of each guiding member 42a, 42b is a pivotally moveable tine dust collection device 44a, 44b, which is pivotally moveable about an axis 46a, 46b. The device 44a, 44b includes a tlap part 45a, 45b against which finer dust particles settle in area 47a, 47b having passed either through the spaces between the members 18 or through the gap between the free ends 19 and the guiding member 42a, 42b. When the weight of the particles exceeds a predetermined value, the member 44a, 44b moves about its axis 46a, 46b and permits those fine dust particles to fall under gravity into the dirt collection chamber 80 through the outlet 26. Once the particles fall the member 44a, 44b moves back to its original position to provide a space to collect further fine dust particles in the space 47a, 47b.

Referring to figure 11 it can be see that the outlets 14 and 16 are positioned spaced apart from each other at respective sides of the device 10 and one to each side of the inlet 12. Thus, dirt entrained in the air passing through the inlet 12 into the device 10 passes in between the first 14 and second 16 outlets, with dirt falling under gravity into the dirt collection chamber 80 through the outlet 26. The outlets 14, 16 are positioned in planes which are inclined at an angle e to each other. In the present example the angle is at or about 96 but it should be appreciated that embodiments are envisaged where the angle e deviates from this angle. For example, the planes may be inclined at an angle of substantially 9O. Preferably they are inclined at least at an angle of between 60 and l2O, more preferably between 70 and 110 and most preferably between 80 and 1 OO.

It can be seen from the figures that the inlet 12 and first 14 and second 16 outlets communicate with each other by way of a common space 20 into which dirt laden air is received from the inlet 12. The common space 20 is enclosed by a curved front wall providing an inner surface 22 towards and against which dirt is caused to flow. Advantageously, the positioning of the outlets 14, 16 relative to each other and the distance therefrom to the front wall surface 22 provides a relatively low suction pressure zone PL into which the dirt laden air is received from the inlet 12. This contrasts with the relatively high suction pressure zones PH near the elongate members 18 and downstream of the outlets 14, 16. This low suction pressure zone PL ensures that minimal dirt from the air flowing through the device 10 passes directly to the outlets 14, 16.

Rather, that dirt follows into the device 10 is travelling at such a speed that it engages the inner surface 22, follows the curvature of that surface 22 and continues in a path generally downwardly into the dirt collection chamber 80 through the outlet 26. The curved surface 22 is shaped to gradually change the direction of dirt laden air from a generally horizontal trajectory to a downward direction towards the dirt collection chamber 80. As shown in figure 6 the outlet 26 is configured to direct dirt into the collection chamber 80 in a direction inclined at an angle 0 to the vertical. This assists in minimising the accumulation of dirt on any internal surfaces of the outlet 26, to improve performance.

Some fine dust particles may well continue to be entrained in the air flow which passes through the outlets 14, 16, but this fine dust is either collected by virtue of the member 44a, 44b, or later on in the system in the dust collection bag 28 positioned upstream of the suction motor 40.

As mentioned above, each elongate member 18 is curved when viewed from the side (see figure 19). The reason for this curvature is to provide improved performance. Each elongate member 18 substantially follows an arc 91 of a circle having its centre at location 90. The radius R of curvature of the curved section of each elongate member 18 is at or about 37.5mm. In the present embodiment, this distance has been selected based on the centre of pressure in the passages 30 downstream of the outlets 14, 16. Embodiments are envisaged where the radius R is in the range of 30m to 70mm, more preferably in the range of 30m to 60mm, even more preferably in the range of 30m to 60mm, even more preferably in the range of 30m to 50mm, and most preferably in the range of 30mm to 40mm. A preferred range is 37mm to 60mm.

Advantageously, a portion 24 of the curved surface 22 is provided as a removable cover member to allow access to the common space 20. The removable cover member 24 is removably connectable to the remainder of the device 10 by a pair of clasps 25, one positioned at each side thereof. During use, fine dust particles may accumulate on the exterior surface of the elongate members 18. In order to clean the device, to maintain its function, a user can simply remove the cover member 24 and gain access to the elongate members 18. Cleaning of the elongate members 18 is straightforward. Due to their flexible nature, all the user need do is flex the members 18 in the direction of arrow T (see figure 3) (e.g. by running their finger laterally across the front surface of the members 18). This will induce a vibration which causes a substantial proportion of the fine particles to fall under gravity off of the elongate members 18. The dust either falls directly into the collection chamber 80 through the outlet 26 or into the spaces 47a, b. When the user has finished cleaning the elongate members 18 the removable cover member 24 can be reattached and the device is ready to be used. Of course, access to the common space permits the user to clean other accessible internal parts of the device 10, as desired.

It will be seen from the figures that immediately downstream of each outlet 14, 16 there is a passage 30 including a planar surface 32. Advantageously this planar surface 32 is positioned perpendicular to the flow of air through the inlet 14, 16 (see figure 10). This assists in preventing any fine dust particles entrained in that air flow from flowing upwardly through the passage 30 in the direction of arrow H1/H2.

It can be seen from the cross-sectional view of figure 11 that the common space 20 is provided as a portion of a sector of a circle. This provides a desired area of low suction pressure far enough away from the outlets 14, 16 in order to provide smooth transit of dirt entrained in the air flow towards the dirt collection chamber 80, rather than continuing in the air flow through the outlets 14, 16. Embodiments are envisaged, however, where the common space 20 has other shapes, which still provide this function. For example the common space may be, in cross section, triangular or substantially triangular, a sector of or substantially a sector of a circle, a portion of a sector or substantially a portion of a sector of a circle, a polygon (e.g. three-, four-or five-sided) with at least one side thereof being convexly shaped. In such envisaged embodiments, the convexly shaped portion provides the surface onto which the dirt laden air is directed from the inlet 12 and which serves to guide the dirt past the outlets 14, 16 and towards the dirt collection chamber.

As mentioned above, the first and second outlets 14, 16 of the present example communicate downstream with a further separation device which in this example is a filter bag 28. It should be appreciated, however, that the further separation device (and there may be more of said further separation devices) could be a cyclonic separator or a centrifugal separator.

Internal surfaces of the device may be manufactured from or coated in a low friction material, e.g. PTFE, in order to prevent or at least inhibit the accumulation of fine dust particles thereon, and also to assist in the flow of dirt into the dirt collection chamber.

When used in this specification and claims, the terms "comprises" and "comprising" and variations thereof mean that the specified features, steps or integers are included. The terms are not to be interpreted to exclude the presence of other features, steps or components.

The features disclosed in the foregoing description, or the following claims, or the accompanying drawings, expressed in their specific forms or in terms of a means for performing the disclosed function, or a method or process for attaining the disclosed result, as appropriate, may, separately, or in any combination of such features, be utilised for realising the invention in diverse forms thereof.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A separation device for a surface cleaning apparatus, the device having: an inlet for receiving dirt laden air; a first outlet in fluid communication with the inlet; and a second outlet in fluid communication with the inlet; wherein each of the first and second outlets are at least partially covered by a plurality of elongate members, with air passing to the outlets through spaces between said members.
2. A separation device according to claim 1 wherein the outlets are positioned at respective sides of the inlet
3. A separation device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the outlets are positioned such that during use a low suction pressure zone or area is created therebetween.
4. A separation device according to claim 3 wherein the inlet directs dirt laden air towards said zone / area.
5. A separation device according to any preceding claim wherein the direction of air passing through the inlet is generally opposite or opposite to the direction of air flowing through the first and second outlets.
6. A separation device according to any preceding claim wherein the first and second outlets are spaced from each other at respective sides of the device.
7. A separation device according to any preceding claim wherein dirt laden air from the inlet passes in between the first and second outlets.
8. A separation device according to any preceding claim wherein the first and second outlets are positioned in planes which are inclined at an angle to each other.
9. A separation device according to claim 8 wherein the planes are inclined at an angle of between 60°and 1 20°.
10. A separation device according to claim 8 wherein the planes are inclined at an angle of between 70°and 110°.
11. A separation device according to claim 8 wherein the planes are inclined at an angle of between 80°and 1 00°.
12. A separation device according to claim 8 wherein the planes are inclined at an angle of substantially 90°.
13. A separation device according to claim 8 wherein the planes are inclined at an angle of or about 96°.
14. A separation device according to any preceding claim wherein the first outlet is positioned in a plane which is inclined at an angle to the direction of the flow of air through the inlet.
15. A separation device according to any preceding claim wherein the second outlet is positioned in a plane which is inclined at an angle to the direction of the flow of air through the inlet.
16. A separation device according to any preceding claim wherein the inlet and the first and second outlets communicate by way of a common space into which dirt laden air is received and preferably passes therethrough.
17. A separation device for a surface cleaning apparatus, the device having: an inlet for receiving dirt laden air; and an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet; wherein the outlet is at least partially covered by a plurality of elongate members, with air passing to the outlet through spaces between said members, and wherein at least some of the elongate members are moveable.
18. A separation device according to claim 17 wherein the device includes a second outlet in fluid communication with the inlet and wherein the second outlet is at least partially covered by a plurality of elongate members, with air passing to the second outlet through spaces between said members, and wherein at least some of the elongate members are moveable.
19. A separation device according to claim 17 or claim 18 wherein the elongate members are moveable.
20. A separation device according to any one of claims 17 to 19 wherein the elongate members are resiliently moveable.
21. A separation device according to any one of claims 17 to 20 wherein the elongate members are flexible.
22. A separation device according to any one of claims 17 to 21 wherein the elongate members are moveable only or substantially only in one direction.
23. A separation device according to any one of claims 17 to 22 wherein the elongate members are moveable only or substantially only in a direction which is transverse to the direction of the flow of air through the outlet.
24. A separation device according to any one of claims 17 to 23 wherein the elongate members are moveable only or substantially only in a direction which is perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the direction of the flow of air through the outlet.
25. A separation device for a surface cleaning apparatus, the device having: an inlet for receiving dirt laden air; and an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet; wherein the outlet is at least partially covered by a plurality of elongate members, with air passing to the outlet through spaces between said members, and wherein at least some of the elongate members are configured such that their thickness (in the direction of air flow therepast) is larger than their width.
26. A separation device according to claim 25 wherein the cross-sectional shape of each elongate member tapers as it extends in the direction of the flow of air.
27. A separation device according to claim 25 or claim 26 wherein the cross-sectional shape of each elongate member is aerofoil-shaped or substantially aerofoil-shaped.
28. A separation device according to any one of claims 25 to 27 wherein the cross-sectional shape of each elongate member is substantially symmetrical about its midline.
29. A separation device according to any one of claims 25 to 28 wherein each, or a substantial portion of each, elongate member is curved or arcuate.
30. A separation device for a surface cleaning apparatus, the device having: an inlet for receiving dirt laden air; and an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet; wherein the outlet is at least partially covered by a plurality of elongate members, with air passing to the outlet through spaces between said, and wherein the inlet directs dirt-laden air towards a curved surface.
31. A separation device for a surface cleaning apparatus, the device having: an inlet for receiving dirt laden air; and an outlet in fluid communication with the inlet; wherein the outlet is at least partially covered by a plurality of elongate members, with air passing to the outlet through spaces between said members, wherein the device includes an outlet which communicates with a dirt collection chamber and wherein the outlet is configured to direct dirt into the collection chamber in a direction inclined to the vertical.
32. A separation device according to claim 30 or claim 31 wherein the curved surface is positioned opposite or substantially opposite the outlet
33. A separation device according to any one of claims 30 to 32 wherein the curved surface acts to guide dirt separated out from the air flow towards a dirt collection chamber.
34. A separation device according to any one of claims 30 to 33 the curved surface acts to direct the flow of dirt downwardly.
35. A separation device according to any one of claims 25 to 34 including a second outlet in fluid communication with the inlet and wherein the second outlet is at least partially covered by a plurality of elongate members, with air passing to the second outlet through spaces between said members.
36. A separation device according to claim 35 as dependent directly or indirectly on any one of claims 30 to 34, wherein the curved surface is positioned: i) opposite both the first and second outlets; and/or ii) in between the first and second outlets.
37. A separation device according to any preceding claim wherein the elongate members are accessible through a removable cover member.
38. A separation device according to claim 37 wherein an internally facing surface of the removable cover member provides the or a portion of the curved surface.
39. A separation device according to any preceding claim wherein one end of each elongate member is a free end.
40. A separation device according to any preceding claim wherein the elongate members for each outlet are aligned substantially parallel with each other.
41. A separation device according to any preceding claim wherein the device includes a third, dirt, outlet, which communicates with a dirt collection chamber.
42. A separation device according to claim 41 wherein the inlet tapers outwardly as it extends in the direction of the flow of dirt laden air.
43. A separation device according to any preceding claim wherein the first and/or second outlets communicate with a further separation device.
44. A separation device according to claim 43 wherein the further separation device is a bag, cyclonic separator or centrifugal separator.
45. A separation device according to any preceding claim wherein an (or a respective) air passage is provided downstream of the first and/or second outlets, said passage(s) including a planar surface.
46. A separation device according to claim 45 wherein the planar surface is perpendicular to the direction of the flow of air through the first or second outlets.
47. A separation device according to claim 45 or claim 46 wherein the planar surface is configured to prevent the further flow of dirt entrained in the air flow through the device.
48. A separation device according to any one of claims 45 to 47 wherein the planar surface is configured to direct the flow of air in a direction generally opposite to the direction in which dirt passes into the dirt collection chamber.
49. A separation device according to claim 18, any one of claims 19 to 24 as dependent directly or indirectly on claim 18, claim 35, or any claim dependent directly or indirectly on claim 35, wherein the inlet and the first and second outlets communicate by way of a common space into which dirt laden air is received and preferably passes therethrougb.
50. A separation device according to claim 16 or claim 49 wherein the common space is, in cross-section: i) triangular or substantially triangular; and/or ii) a sector of or substantially a sector of a circle; and/or iii) a portion of a sector, or substantially a portion of a sector of, a circle; and/or iii) a polygon with at least one side thereof being convexly shaped; and/or iii) a three-sided, four-sided or five-sided polygon with at least one side thereof being convexly shaped.
51. A separation device according to claim 50 wherein the first and second outlets are each positioned at, on or adjacent respective sides of the common space.
52. A separation device according to claim 50 or 51 wherein one side of the common space provides a curved surface on to which the inlet directs dirt-laden air.
53. A separation device according to claim 52 wherein the curved surface is the convexly shaped side of the common space.
54. A separation device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, or any claim dependent directly or indirectly thereon, including one or more or all of the features as set out in claims: i) 17 to 24; and/or ii) 25 to 29; and/or iii) 30 to 36.
55. A separation device according to any one of claims 17 to 24, or any claim dependent directly or indirectly thereon, including one or more or all of the features as set out in claims: i) ito 16; and/or ii) 25 to 29; and/or iii) 30 36.
56. A separation device according to any one of claims 25 to 29, or any claim dependent directly or indirectly thereon, including one or more or all of the features as set out in claims: i) ito 16; and/or ii) 17 to 24; and/or iii) 30 to 36.iO
57. A separation device according to any one of claims 30 to 36, or any claim dependent directly or indirectly thereon, including one or more or all of the features as set out in claims: i) ito 16; and/or ii) 17 to 24; and/or is iU) 25 to 29.
58. A surface cleaning apparatus including a separation device according to any preceding claim.
59. A surface cleaning apparatus according to claim 58 including a source of suction for drawing dirt laden air through the inlet of the separation device.
60. A separation device and surface cleaning apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
61. Any novel feature or novel combination of features described herein and/or in the accompanying drawings.