Multi-cyclone apparatus and vacuum cleaner having the same

A multi-cyclone apparatus, comprising:

• a first collecting unit comprising an air suction port formed at a lower part, and a first discharge port provided at a predetermined distance upward from the air suction port and facing the air suction port, the first collecting unit separating large-sized contaminants which are drawn through the air suction port;
• a cyclone body comprising a second cyclone and a plurality of third cyclones, the second cyclone having a first suction port in fluid communication with the first discharge port and separating middle-sized contaminants from the drawn air, and the plurality of third cyclones arranged around and in fluid communication with the second cyclone and separating small-sized contaminants from the drawn air;
• an air discharge port in fluid communication with the cyclone body and discharging the air which is passed through the plurality of third cyclones;
• and
• a contaminant receptacle provided to a lower end of the cyclone body, and collecting the middle-sized and small-sized contaminants.

A vacuum cleaner comprising:

• a suction brush;
• a first collecting unit comprising an air suction port in fluid communication with the suction brush and a first discharge port, the air suction port being formed at a lower part and the first discharge port being provided at a predetermined distance upward from the air suction port and facing the air suction port, the first collecting unit separating large-sized contaminants which are drawn through the air suction port;
• a cyclone body comprising a second cyclone and a plurality of third cyclones, the second cyclone having a first suction port in fluid communication with the first discharge port and separating middle-sized contaminants from the drawn air, and the plurality of third cyclones arranged around and in fluid communication with the second cyclone and separating small-sized contaminants from the drawn air;
• a contaminant receptacle provided to a lower end of the cyclone body, and collecting the middle-sized and small-sized contaminants;
• and
• a motor assembly in fluid communication with the suction brush through the cyclone body and the first collecting unit, and generating a suction force.