Handheld vacuum cleaner with removable filter

Abstract

The handheld vacuum cleaner (1) comprises a vacuum cleaner housing (2), a handle (3) connected to the vacuum cleaner housing (2), an intake head (4) through which ambient air may be drawn by the handheld vacuum cleaner (1), at least one exhaust port (5) through which cleaned air may exit the handheld vacuum cleaner (1), an air flow circuit (6) extending between the intake head (4) and the exhaust port (5), and a suction unit (7) attached to the air flow circuit (6), the suction unit (7) comprising an electric motor (7.1) and a fan (7.2) coupled to the electric motor (7.1) for generating air flow in the air flow circuit (6) from the intake head (4) to the exhaust port (5). The handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a waste separation device (8) through which an airflow generated by a fan (7.2) passes when the handheld vacuum cleaner is operated, a removable tank (9) for receiving waste separated by the waste separation device (8), the removable tank (9) being removably attached to the vacuum cleaner housing (2), and a removable filter (14) arranged in the airflow circuit (6), the removable filter (14) being housed in a filter chamber (15) of the handheld vacuum cleaner (1), the filter chamber (15) being at least partially formed in the vacuum cleaner housing (2) and at least partially disposed between the suction unit (7) and a wall of the vacuum cleaner housing (2). The filter chamber (15) comprises an access opening (15.1) for accessing the removable filter (14) when the removable tank (9) is removed from the vacuum cleaner housing (2).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vacuum cleaners for sucking up dust and small particle size waste present on surfaces to be cleaned, such as tiles, parquet, plywood, carpets or rugs. [Background technology]

[0002] Vacuum cleaners, especially handheld vacuum cleaners, A vacuum cleaner housing; a handle connected to the vacuum cleaner housing; a suction head through which outside air can be drawn by the handheld vacuum cleaner; at least one exhaust outlet through which cleaned air may exit the handheld vacuum cleaner; an airflow circuit extending between the intake head and the exhaust outlet; a suction unit including an electric motor and a fan mounted in the airflow circuit to generate airflow in the airflow circuit from the intake head to the exhaust outlet; a device for separating dust and waste (hereinafter referred to as waste) mounted in the airflow circuit upstream of the suction unit and through which the airflow generated by the fan passes when the vacuum cleaner is operated; It is known to comprise a removable tank removably attached to the vacuum cleaner housing for receiving waste separated by the separating device, the vacuum cleaner housing and the removable tank forming a separation chamber in which the separating device is mounted.

[0003] "Waste separation device" refers to a separation device, such as, for example, a filtration device using at least one filter media or a cyclone device using at least one cyclone, that may separate waste and / or dust from the intake air stream.

[0004] Conventionally, in addition to the waste separation device, the air flow circuit may be equipped with one or more dust filters arranged downstream and / or upstream of the suction unit to protect the suction unit and / or to prevent dust-laden air from escaping from the vacuum cleaner.

[0005] This type of filter becomes clogged over time, particularly due to dust accumulation on the upstream surface of the filter, and the filter must then be removed for cleaning.

[0006] Therefore, such filters are typically removable.

[0007] Patent document 1 describes a handheld vacuum cleaner including an annular filter unit, which also includes an annular filter. The filter unit can be separated and removed from the top of the appliance. The annular filter is disposed in a filter space formed in the filter unit and can be removed from the filter unit for cleaning after disassembling a cover on the filter unit.

[0008] In practice, cleaning this removable filter is cumbersome and requires multiple manual steps to remove the filter itself. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Pat. No. 1,063,1698 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] The present invention aims to remedy all or some of the above mentioned drawbacks.

[0011] The technical problem behind the present invention is to provide a handheld vacuum cleaner with a dust filter which is separate from the waste separation device and which can be easily removed from the vacuum cleaner for cleaning. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] For this purpose, the present invention provides A vacuum cleaner housing; a handle connected to the vacuum cleaner housing; a suction head through which outside air can be drawn by the handheld vacuum cleaner; at least one exhaust outlet through which cleaned air may exit the handheld vacuum cleaner; an airflow circuit extending between the intake head and the exhaust outlet; a suction unit mounted in the airflow circuit, the suction unit comprising an electric motor and a fan coupled to the electric motor for generating an airflow in the airflow circuit from the intake head to the exhaust outlet; a waste separator mounted in the airflow circuit upstream of the suction unit, through which the airflow generated by the fan passes when the handheld vacuum cleaner is operated; a removable tank, removably attached to the vacuum cleaner housing, for receiving waste separated by the waste separation device; a removable filter arranged in the air flow circuit, the removable filter being accommodated in a filter chamber of the handheld vacuum cleaner, the filter chamber being at least partly formed in the vacuum cleaner housing and at least partly arranged between a suction unit and a wall of the vacuum cleaner housing.

[0013] The filter chamber includes an access opening formed in the handheld vacuum cleaner for accessing the removable filter, which may be accessed when the removable tank is removed from the vacuum cleaner housing. When the removable tank is attached to the vacuum cleaner housing, the removable tank is positioned relative to the vacuum cleaner housing such that it prevents access to the removable filter through the access opening.

[0014] According to the present invention, the removable filter may be accessed through the access opening when the removable tank is removed from the vacuum cleaner housing, and the removable filter may not be accessed by a user when the removable tank is attached to the vacuum cleaner housing.

[0015] Such an arrangement makes it easy to remove the removable filter after removing the removable tank. Indeed, after removing the removable tank, for example to remove dust accumulated in the removable tank, the removable filter may be directly accessed without having to open a lid or remove intermediate parts.

[0016] The vacuum cleaner may also have one or more of the following features, either alone or in combination:

[0017] The access opening is formed in the vacuum cleaner housing and faces the removable tank when the removable tank is attached to the vacuum cleaner housing.

[0018] The suction head forms a front of the handheld vacuum cleaner. The access opening and the removable tank are positioned relative to one another such that when the removable tank is removed from the vacuum cleaner housing, the removable filter can be removed from the front of the handheld vacuum cleaner through the access opening.

[0019] This front removal of the removable filter provides the user with an ergonomic position for removing the removable filter. In fact, handheld vacuum cleaners are typically held at the rear with a handle and a first hand. The ability to remove the removable filter from the front allows the user to grip the removable filter with the user's second hand and remove it from the front. During this removable filter removal step, the hands are positioned opposite each other to apply opposing pulling forces making it easier to grip the handheld vacuum cleaner with a first hand and the removable filter with a second hand, while also making it easier to remove the removable filter from the filter chamber.

[0020] The separating device is housed in a removable tank and can be separated from the vacuum cleaner housing together with the removable tank.

[0021] This construction allows the separation device to be removed together with the removable tank, making it easier to remove and clean the separation device.

[0022] The electric motor includes an output shaft having a rotating shaft.

[0023] Advantageously, the separating device, the fan and the electric motor are essentially aligned.

[0024] Such an in-line configuration results in a very compact, size-limited handheld vacuum cleaner. Furthermore, having the separating device, the fan and the electric motor aligned, i.e. in-line, makes it possible to optimize the trajectory of the ducts of the airflow circuit, reducing the pressure loss of the airflow circulating in the airflow circuit.

[0025] Preferably, the separating device, the fan and the electric motor are aligned with the axis of rotation of the electric motor output shaft. The access opening is advantageously located within the vacuum cleaner housing, between the waste separating device and the electric motor, in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.

[0026] Advantageously, when the removable tank is attached to the vacuum cleaner housing, the removable tank seats in the filter housing via a connection interface on the vacuum cleaner housing.

[0027] Advantageously, the connection interface defines an interface plane, the access opening being formed in the interface plane or offset relative to the interface plane in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.

[0028] Advantageously, the access opening is offset relative to the interface plane towards the interior of the vacuum cleaner housing.

[0029] Preferably, the access opening is formed in an offset plane that is offset relative to the interface plane towards the interior of the vacuum cleaner housing, the offset plane being offset relative to the interface plane by less than 1 centimeter measured along the direction of the axis of rotation.

[0030] The connection interface includes a contact surface against which the removable tank rests when the removable tank is attached to the vacuum cleaner housing, the contact surface being substantially annular in shape, and the filter chamber and the access opening are radially disposed inwardly of the contact surface on the vacuum cleaner housing.

[0031] This construction makes it possible to easily arrange the access opening so that the filter chamber is inaccessible to a user when the removable tank is attached to the vacuum cleaner housing, and is accessible when the removable tank is removed from the vacuum cleaner housing. Furthermore, a substantially annular contact surface can be easily realized, making it possible to obtain an evenly distributed contact pressure from the removable tank against the vacuum cleaner housing. An evenly distributed contact pressure allows a more effective management of the tightness between the removable tank and the contact surface.

[0032] The removable tank may be attached to the vacuum cleaner housing in various ways, in particular by a snap-on fitting having at least one notch and a locking latch, by a bayonet-type fitting, by a threaded fitting, or by any other means known to those skilled in the art.

[0033] Advantageously, the filter chamber is entirely contained within the vacuum cleaner housing and is located between the suction unit and a wall of the vacuum cleaner housing.

[0034] This configuration avoids the need to reduce the interior volume of the removable tank and allows for optimal waste storage capacity in the removable tank.

[0035] Furthermore, locating the filter chamber between the suction unit and the wall of the vacuum cleaner housing allows for a compact internal arrangement of the housing. Furthermore, if the access opening is offset relative to the interface plane towards the interior of the vacuum cleaner housing, the removable filter does not protrude from the vacuum cleaner housing when the removable tank is removed. This configuration therefore prevents the removable filter from interfering with or getting caught on the removable tank when the tank is removed from the vacuum cleaner housing.

[0036] Advantageously, the removable filter and the filter chamber extend at least partially around the suction unit.

[0037] According to the invention, the removable filter and filter chamber do not necessarily have to extend completely around the suction unit, for example to provide through channels for wires or air ducts which cannot pass through the filter chamber in certain handheld vacuum cleaner configurations. The removable filter and filter chamber may for example have a "C" shape that extends around the suction unit.

[0038] Advantageously, the removable filter and the filter chamber are generally annular in shape and extend around the periphery of the suction unit, preferably around the periphery of the electric motor of the suction unit.

[0039] Such a generally annular shape is closed and therefore substantially "O" shaped. This shape makes it possible to optimize the internal volume of the filter chamber around the suction unit and to obtain a compact handheld vacuum cleaner. If through channels, for example for electrical wiring or air ducts, are required in the vicinity of the filter chamber, they can be arranged around the filter chamber, for example in slots or grooves, which only slightly change the annular shape of the filter chamber.

[0040] Advantageously, the electric motor comprises an output shaft having an axis of rotation, the output shaft being coupled to the fan, and the removable filter, the filter chamber and the access opening being annular in shape and centred on the axis of rotation.

[0041] This concentric arrangement around the axis of rotation optimises the arrangement of the filter chambers around the suction unit and therefore makes it possible to reduce the size of the handheld vacuum cleaner for improved compactness thereof.

[0042] Advantageously, the waste separation device is a cyclone separator and the main shaft is coaxial with the axis of rotation of the electric motor output shaft.

[0043] Advantageously, the removable filter is arranged in the airflow circuit between the suction unit and the exhaust port, in other words the removable filter and the filter chamber are arranged in a part of the airflow circuit that is downstream with respect to the suction unit and thus located at the exhaust end with respect to the suction unit.

[0044] Also, although the present invention is designed to accommodate a removable filter and filter chamber that may be located in the upstream part of the airflow circuit, i.e. upstream of the suction unit, the formation of the filter chamber between the suction unit and the wall of the vacuum cleaner housing is better suited for a filter chamber and removable filter that is located in the downstream part of the airflow circuit. Indeed, the configuration in which the filter chamber is a downstream chamber allows for a better optimization of the airflow circuit in terms of pressure loss, noise reduction and overall dimensions when the filter chamber and removable filter are located in the downstream part of the airflow circuit.

[0045] Advantageously, the handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a suction unit housing, at least partially enclosing the suction unit.

[0046] Advantageously, the removable filter and the filter chamber are annular in shape, the filter chamber extending between a wall of the suction unit casing and the housing of the appliance.

[0047] Advantageously, the suction unit casing comprises a first wall portion and a second wall portion formed in an annular shape, e.g. tubular or frustoconical shape, the first annular wall portion at least partially surrounding the suction unit and the second annular wall portion at least partially surrounding the first annular wall portion, the second annular wall portion being formed concentric with the first annular wall portion and spaced apart from the first annular wall portion so as to define an annular space between the first and second annular wall portions, the annular space forming a filter chamber in which a removable filter is accommodated.

[0048] This arrangement makes it possible to optimize the structure of the filter chamber, which is formed in the annular space of the suction unit casing. The suction unit casing thus makes it possible to realize a dual structure: a housing for the suction unit and a filter chamber. The suction unit casing is preferably manufactured in one piece, for example by plastic injection molding, which makes it possible to easily and economically manufacture the suction unit casing and the filter chamber, while optimizing the internal volume around the suction unit and thus making it possible to obtain a handheld vacuum cleaner which is relatively compact and simple in its structure.

[0049] Advantageously, the second annular wall of the suction unit casing forms at least one wall of the vacuum cleaner housing, in other words, at least one outer surface of the second annular wall of the suction unit casing forms an outer surface of the handheld vacuum cleaner.

[0050] This arrangement makes it possible to realize three structures in one part. In fact, the suction unit casing makes it possible to form the suction unit casing, to form the filter chamber and to form part of the housing of the handheld vacuum cleaner. This arrangement therefore makes it possible to obtain a handheld vacuum cleaner that is easier to manufacture and to assemble than conventional handheld vacuum cleaners. Furthermore, it makes it possible to obtain a handheld vacuum cleaner that is lighter and more compact than conventional vacuum cleaners.

[0051] Advantageously, the second annular wall comprises at least one exhaust opening, preferably a plurality of exhaust openings, which form at least one air outlet in the filter chamber.

[0052] This arrangement makes it possible to obtain a handheld vacuum cleaner that is easier to manufacture, by eliminating the duct between the filter chamber and the outer wall of the vacuum cleaner housing.

[0053] In an alternative embodiment also covered by the claimed invention, the second annular wall of the suction unit casing is separate from the housing and arranged radially inside the housing.

[0054] When the second annular wall of the suction unit casing is separated from the housing and arranged radially inside the housing, the second annular wall comprises at least one exhaust port for air-connecting the downstream portion of the filter chamber with the at least one exhaust port.

[0055] Advantageously, the first and second annular walls are connected by at least one connecting wall extending between the first and second annular walls in a radial direction relative to the rotation axis of the electric motor.

[0056] Advantageously, the connecting wall extends to the bottom of the filter chamber, preferably to the side of the suction unit casing facing the access opening.

[0057] This configuration makes it possible to optimise the internal volume of the filter chamber and makes it easier to demould when the filter unit housing is obtained by plastic injection moulding.

[0058] Advantageously, the connecting wall is an annular, disc-shaped wall comprising at least one air inlet on the filter chamber in pneumatic communication with an air outlet on the suction unit.

[0059] Preferably, the first annular wall has no openings on its outer side.

[0060] Advantageously, the first annular wall, the second annular wall and the at least one connecting wall are manufactured in one piece, for example obtained by plastic injection molding, and therefore the suction unit casing remains easy to manufacture, even though it combines several structures previously described.

[0061] Advantageously, the removable filter is annular in shape and preferably comprises a pleated filter medium arranged in an annular shape.

[0062] The annular filter, preferably pleated, makes it possible to optimize the filtering surface and filtering capacity while optimizing the volume of the vacuum device, this is especially true when the annular filter is arranged around a suction unit that is generally cylindrical in shape.

[0063] Advantageously, the removable filter comprises annular end disks attached to the axial ends of the pleated filter media.

[0064] Advantageously, the annular end disc is gas-tight.

[0065] Advantageously, when the removable filter is placed in the filter chamber, the first annular end disc closes the access opening.

[0066] This arrangement therefore uses an annular end disc on the filter to close the access opening, thus avoiding the need for an intermediate part to close the filter chamber, and the resulting handheld vacuum cleaner has a simpler construction.

[0067] Advantageously, the first annular end disc is provided with gripping means, such as a pull tab or annular gripping flange, projecting axially from the first end disc, to allow a user to more easily remove the removable filter. In addition, incorporating the gripping means directly into the first annular end disc further simplifies the construction of the handheld vacuum cleaner. The gripping means is preferably from a plastic injection moulding together with the first annular end disc.

[0068] Advantageously, the first annular end disc is transparent, allowing a user to visually check the cleanliness or clogging of the removable filter without having to remove the removable filter from the filter housing to know if the removable filter needs to be cleaned.

[0069] Advantageously, the removable filter is within the filter chamber and defines an upstream portion and a downstream portion of the filter chamber.

[0070] Advantageously, the handheld vacuum cleaner comprises at least a first gasket radially disposed between the first wall and the first annular end disc, the first gasket preferably being attached to a removable filter.

[0071] Preferably, the handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a second gasket radially disposed between the second annular end disc and the second annular wall, the second gasket preferably being attached to a removable filter.

[0072] Preferably, the handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a third gasket radially disposed between the first annular end disc and the second annular wall, the third gasket preferably being attached to a removable filter.

[0073] Preferably, the handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a fourth gasket disposed radially between the second annular end disc and the first annular wall, the fourth gasket preferably being attached to a removable filter.

[0074] A first gasket and / or a third gasket on one side of the removable filter and a second gasket and / or a fourth gasket on the other side of the removable filter allow for separating an upstream portion of the filter chamber from a downstream portion, except for the filter media void.

[0075] The first and third gaskets enable the first annular disc to seal the filter chamber.

[0076] The following description highlights the features and advantages of the present invention. This description is based on the following figures. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0077] [Figure 1] 1 is a general view of a handheld vacuum cleaner according to certain embodiments; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 shows the handheld vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 in a longitudinal section. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 shows the handheld vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 in a three-quarter front perspective view, excluding the removable tank and separator. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of the rear part of the handheld vacuum cleaner in FIG. 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 shows the handheld vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 in a three-quarter front perspective view, excluding the removable tank and separator, and with the removable filter partially removed from the filter chamber. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the rear of the handheld vacuum cleaner of FIG. 5. [Figure 7]FIG. 2 shows the handheld vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 in a three-quarter front perspective view with the removable filter completely removed from the filter chamber, excluding the removable tank and separator. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a partial cross-sectional view of the rear part of the handheld vacuum cleaner in FIG. 7. [Figure 9] FIG. 2 is a three-quarter front perspective view of a suction unit casing of the handheld vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1; [Figure 10] FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view of a suction unit casing in FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0078] In the remainder of this specification, handheld vacuum cleaners will be referred to as vacuum cleaners.

[0079] 1-10 show a vacuum cleaner 1 comprising a vacuum cleaner housing 2, a handle 3 connected to the vacuum cleaner housing 2, an intake head 4 through which outside air may be drawn by the vacuum cleaner 1, and a number of air outlets 5 through which cleaned air may flow out of the vacuum cleaner 1. The vacuum cleaner 1 further comprises an air flow circuit 6 extending between the intake head 4 and the outlets 5. The vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a suction unit 7 mounted on the air flow circuit 6. The suction unit 7 comprises an electric motor 7.1 and a fan 7.2 (shown in Figs. 2, 4, 6) coupled to the electric motor 7.1 to generate an air flow in the air flow circuit 6 from the intake head 4 to the outlets 5. The handle 3 may be manufactured integrally with the vacuum cleaner housing 2 or may be attached to the vacuum cleaner housing 2.

[0080] The vacuum cleaner 1 also comprises a waste separation device 8 mounted on the upstream side 6.1 of the air flow circuit 6 of the suction unit 7. The air flow generated by the suction unit 7 passes through the waste separation device 8 when the vacuum cleaner 1 is operated. The vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a tank 9, also called a waste storage container, for receiving and accumulating the waste separated by the waste separation device 8, which is removably attached to the vacuum cleaner housing 2. The waste separation device 8 is advantageously arranged in the removable tank 9. In this case, the removable tank 9 forms a separation chamber. The waste separation device 8 can be removed from the removable tank 9, facilitating the emptying of the contents of the removable tank 9 when the removable tank 9 is removed from the vacuum cleaner housing 2. The suction head 4 is connected to the separation chamber, which corresponds to the interior of the removable tank 9, by an intake duct 4.1 (shown in FIG. 2).

[0081] The vacuum cleaner 1 preferably comprises a battery pack 10 arranged at the bottom of the vacuum cleaner 1. A bottom surface 10.1 of the battery pack 10 allows the vacuum cleaner 1 to be placed on a horizontal surface when the vacuum cleaner 1 is not in use (see figure 2). A handle 3 extends between the battery pack 10 and the vacuum cleaner housing 2, advantageously to the rear 13 of the vacuum cleaner.

[0082] The vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a switch 11 for operating the vacuum cleaner, which in particular controls the operation of the suction unit 7 when switched on by the user.

[0083] The electric motor 7.1 comprises an output shaft 7.3 (shown in figures 2, 4, 6 and 8) having a rotation axis X. The output shaft 7.3 is coupled to a fan 7.2.

[0084] Advantageously, and as shown in Figures 1-10, the waste separating device 8, the fan 7.2 and the electric motor 7.1 are aligned. More specifically, the waste separating device 8, the fan 7.2 and the electric motor 7.1 are aligned and centred on the axis of rotation X of the electric motor 7.1. In this configuration, the axis of rotation X is the main axis of the vacuum cleaner 1.

[0085] The suction unit 7 is at the rear 13 of the vacuum cleaner 1 and the waste separation device 8 is arranged in front of the suction unit 7. Figures 4 and 6 show the rear 13 of the vacuum cleaner 1. In the embodiment shown in the figures, a suction head 4 of the vacuum cleaner 1 forms the front end of the handheld vacuum cleaner 1. This suction head 4 advantageously projects forward from the remainder of the handheld vacuum cleaner 1, in particular with respect to the removable tank 9.

[0086] The vacuum cleaner 1 further comprises a suction unit casing 12 which at least partially surrounds the suction unit 7. More specifically, the suction unit casing 12 comprises a first wall 12.3 which at least partially covers the suction unit 7.

[0087] The suction unit casing 12 is visible in Figures 2-10, more particularly in Figures 9 and 10. The suction unit casing 12 serves inter alia to position and hold the suction unit 7 within the vacuum cleaner 1 and to protect the suction unit 7.

[0088] As shown in the figure, the suction unit 7 may comprise an intermediate casing 7.4 arranged radially inside the suction unit casing 12 relative to the rotation axis X of the electric motor 7.1.

[0089] The suction unit casing 12 is in pneumatic communication with the suction unit 7 and comprises an air inlet 12.1 and an air outlet 12.2 which are arranged on either side of the suction unit 7 in the direction of the rotation axis X. The air inlet 12.1 communicates with the upstream part 6.1 of the air flow circuit 6 and the air outlet 12.2 communicates with the downstream part of the air flow circuit 6. That is to say, the upstream part 6.1 of the air flow circuit 6 is located upstream of the suction unit 7 and extends between the suction head 4 and the suction unit 7. The downstream part 6.2 of the air flow circuit 6 is located downstream of the suction unit 7 and extends between the suction unit 7 and the exhaust port 5.

[0090] In the upstream part 6.1 of the air flow circuit 6 a waste separator 8 is arranged.

[0091] 1-10, the separating device 8 is a cyclone separator, advantageously with a main shaft coaxial with the axis of rotation X of the output shaft 7.3 of the electric motor 7.1. In an alternative embodiment not shown, the waste separating device could be made of a filter comprising a porous filter medium to allow air to pass and prevent waste from passing through, without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0092] In order to limit the amount of dust sucked into the suction unit 7, the vacuum cleaner 1 may, in addition to the waste separating device 8, comprise an upstream filter 13 (see FIG. 2) arranged in the air flow circuit between the waste separating device 8 and the suction unit 7. This upstream filter 13 is preferably removable, frusto-conical in shape and accommodated in the centre of the cyclonic separating device.

[0093] In order to limit or prevent dust from escaping from the air outlet 5 to the outside of the vacuum cleaner 1, the vacuum cleaner 1 comprises, in addition to the waste separation device 8, a removable downstream filter 14, which is arranged in a filter chamber 15. The removable filter 14 and the filter chamber 15 are arranged downstream of the suction unit 7, more precisely they are arranged in the air flow circuit between the suction unit 7 and the air outlet 5. The filter chamber 15 and the removable filter 14 are arranged in the air flow circuit 6 such that the air flow generated by the suction unit 7 passes through them when the vacuum cleaner 1 is operated.

[0094] In the embodiment shown in the figures, the filter chamber 15 and the removable filter 14 are annular in shape and extend around the periphery of the suction unit 7. The filter chamber 15 and the removable filter 14 are preferably centred on the axis of rotation X. Advantageously, the filter chamber 15 is entirely contained within the vacuum cleaner housing 2.

[0095] As shown in Figures 4, 6, 8, 9 and 10, the suction unit casing 12 comprises a second wall 12.4 surrounding the first wall 12.3. The second wall 12.4 is formed apart from the first wall 12.3 and together with the first wall 12.3 partially defines a filter chamber 15. The filter chamber 15 extends between the first wall 12.3 and the second wall 12.4.

[0096] The first wall 12.3 and the second wall 12.4 are advantageously of annular shape coaxial with the axis of rotation X of the output shaft 7.3 of the electric motor 7.1. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the first wall 12.3 and the second wall 12.4 are more particularly of tubular shape. In an alternative embodiment not shown, the first wall 12.3 and the second wall 12.4 could be substantially frusto-conical.

[0097] In another alternative embodiment, not shown, the first and second walls are partly annular in shape around the rotation axis of the electric motor, and the first and second walls define a partly annular filter chamber around the suction unit. According to this alternative, the filter chamber could for example be in the shape of a part of a ring, or the filter chamber could have a "C"-shaped cross section (unclosed ring).

[0098] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first wall 12.3 and the second wall 12.4 are joined by a connecting wall 12.5. Advantageously, the connecting wall 12.5 extends between the first wall 12.3 and the second wall 12.4 in a radial direction relative to the rotation axis X of the electric motor 7.1.

[0099] The first wall 12.3, the second wall 12.4 and the connecting wall 12.5 define a filter chamber 15 which is annular in shape and extends around the suction unit 7. The removable filter 14 is also annular in shape and matches the annular shape of the filter chamber 15. The removable filter 14 preferably comprises a pleated filter medium 14.1 arranged in an annular shape (see Figures 5, 6, 7 and 8).

[0100] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the first wall 12.3, the second wall 12.4 and the connecting wall 12.5 are advantageously made in one piece, preferably obtained by plastic injection moulding.

[0101] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the connecting wall 12.5 is in the form of an annular disk. In one alternative described above, where the first and second walls are partly annular in shape around the rotation axis of the electric motor, the connecting wall is also partly annular in shape. In this alternative embodiment, the connecting wall is in the shape of a portion of a disk or has, for example, a substantially rectangular or trapezoidal shape or a "C" shape.

[0102] In another alternative embodiment (not shown), the first wall and the second wall could be connected by a connecting arm extending radially between the first and second walls. According to this alternative, the first wall, the second wall and the connecting arm are advantageously made in one piece, preferably obtained by plastic injection moulding.

[0103] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the filter chamber 15 comprises an access opening 15.1 to the removable filter 14 in order to allow a user to access the removable filter 14 and to remove the removable filter 14 from the vacuum cleaner 1 when the removable tank 9 is removed from the vacuum cleaner housing 2. The access opening 15.1 is formed in the vacuum cleaner housing 2 and faces the removable tank 9 when the removable tank 9 is mounted in the vacuum cleaner housing 2. The removable filter 14 is thus made inaccessible to the user when the removable tank 9 is attached to the vacuum cleaner housing 2. More specifically, the access opening 15.1 is formed in the suction unit casing 12. The access opening 15.1 is formed in the side of the suction unit casing 12 facing the connecting wall 12.5.

[0104] The filter chamber 15 is thus defined by the walls 12.3, 12.4, 12.5 of the suction unit casing 12, which on a half-section, for example in the half-section in Fig. 10, essentially form a "U". This U-shape is shown in Fig. 10 by a dotted line and is referenced as 15.2.

[0105] The access opening 15.1 faces the removable tank 9 when the removable tank is attached to the vacuum cleaner housing 2 and when the removable tank 9 is removed from the vacuum cleaner housing 2 the removable filter 14 can be removed through the access opening towards the front of the vacuum cleaner 1.

[0106] The removable filter 14 comprises a first annular end disk 14.2 attached to a first axial end 14.3 of the pleated filter medium 14.1 and a second annular end disk 14.4 attached to a second axial end 14.5 of the pleated filter medium 14.1 (see Figures 6 and 8).

[0107] The annular end discs 14.2 and 14.4 are air tight and are air tightly attached to the axial ends 14.3 and 14.5 of the pleated filter medium 14.1.

[0108] The first annular end disc 14.2 closes the access opening 15.1 when the removable filter 14 is placed in the filter chamber 15.

[0109] The first annular end disc 14.2 is provided with gripping means 14.6, such as a pull tab or annular gripping flange, projecting axially from the first annular end disc 14.2.

[0110] The removable filter 14 defines within the filter chamber 15 an upstream portion 15.4 and a downstream portion 15.5 of the filter chamber 15 (see FIG. 3).

[0111] The vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a first gasket 14.7 arranged radially between the first wall portion 12.3 and the first annular end disc 14.2.

[0112] The handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a second gasket 14.8 radially disposed between the second annular end disc 14.4 and the second annular wall 12.4. The first gasket 14.7 and the second gasket 14.8 are preferably attached to the removable filter 14, e.g. seated in an annular groove in the removable filter 14.

[0113] The first and second gaskets 14.7, 14.8 make it possible to separate the upstream portion 15.4 of the filter chamber 15 from the downstream portion 15.4, except for the holes in the pleated filter medium 14.1.

[0114] The vacuum cleaner 1 may include a third gasket disposed radially between the first annular end disc and the second annular wall. The third gasket is preferably attached to a removable filter.

[0115] The handheld vacuum cleaner may include a fourth gasket radially disposed between the second annular end disk and the first annular wall. The fourth gasket is preferably attached to a removable filter.

[0116] The filter chamber 15 comprises at least one air inlet 15.3 formed in the connecting wall 12.5. As shown in Fig. 9, advantageously, a plurality of air inlets 15.3 are formed in the connecting wall 12.5. The air inlets 15.3 are in pneumatic communication with the air outlet 12.2 and the suction unit 7. The filter chamber 15 comprises at least one air outlet formed in the second wall 12.4. Advantageously, the filter chamber 15 comprises a plurality of air outlets formed on the second wall 12.4.

[0117] Advantageously, and as shown in the figures, the two parts of the second wall 12.4 form the two walls 2.1 and 2.2 of the vacuum cleaner housing 2. An exhaust port 5 is cut into the two parts of the second wall 12.4 which form the two walls 2.1 and 2.2 of the vacuum cleaner housing 2. Advantageously, the air outlet in the filter chamber 15 is the exhaust port 5. The walls 2.1 and 2.2 are advantageously arranged symmetrically on either side of the vacuum cleaner 1.

[0118] The first wall 12.3 preferably has no openings in its sides and forms a continuous surface that is substantially cylindrical or frusto-conical.

[0119] The second wall 12.4 is arranged between the removable tank 9 and the rear part 2.3 of the vacuum cleaner housing 2, in a direction parallel to the rotation axis X of the electric motor 7.1.

[0120] Advantageously, when the removable tank 9 is attached to the vacuum cleaner housing, the removable tank 9 is positioned relative to the filter housing via a connection interface 12.8 of the vacuum cleaner housing 2. The connection interface 12.8 defines an interface plane Pi. The access opening 15.1 is formed at the connection interface 12.8 of the vacuum cleaner housing 2 or in an offset plane Pd that is perpendicular to the rotation axis X and offset relative to the interface plane Pi towards the interior of the vacuum cleaner housing 2.

[0121] The offset plane Pd is offset relative to the interface plane by a distance D, measured along the direction of the rotation axis X, that is less than one centimeter.

[0122] The connection interface comprises a contact surface 12.8 which is substantially annular. The access opening 15.1 and the filter chamber 15 are arranged radially within the vacuum cleaner housing 2, inside the contact surface 12.8.

[0123] The removable tank 9 is reversibly attached to the vacuum cleaner housing 2. The removable tank 9 can be attached to the vacuum cleaner housing 2 in various ways, in particular by a snap-on fitting, by a bayonet-type fitting, by a screw-in fitting or, as shown for example in Figure 1, by a notch 19 and a locking latch 20.

[0124] The procedure for removing the removable filter 14 from the vacuum cleaner housing 2 is described below.

[0125] Figures 1 and 2 show the vacuum cleaner 1 in an operational state, in which the removable filter 14 is in place in the filter chamber 15 and the removable tank 9 is attached to the vacuum cleaner housing 2.

[0126] To remove the removable filter 14, given the aforementioned operating conditions, the user first detaches the removable tank 9 from the vacuum cleaner housing 2 by unlocking the locking latch 20 and disengaging the removable tank 9 from the notch 19. Once the removable tank 9 has been detached and removed from the vacuum cleaner housing 2, the removable filter 14 becomes accessible through the access opening 15.1. Indeed, as shown in figures 3 and 4, advantageously the first annular disc 14.2 with the gripping means 14.6 is visible and accessible by the user who can then grip the removable filter 14 by means of the gripping means 14.6. This first intermediate step for removing the removable filter 14 is shown in figures 3 and 4.

[0127] From the first intermediate step of removing the removable filter 14 shown in figures 3 and 4, the user grips the removable filter 14 by the gripping means 14.6, which in this case is an annular flange, in order to remove the removable filter 14 through the access opening 15.1. The user pulls on the removable filter 14, which slides towards the front of the vacuum cleaner 1 in a direction parallel to the rotation axis X of the electric motor 7.1. More precisely, when the user holds the vacuum cleaner 1 with a first hand by the handle 3 and pulls on the removable filter 14 with a second hand by the gripping means 14.6, the two hands of the user are substantially facing each other and apply a pulling force in opposite directions. Figures 5 and 6 show a second intermediate step, in which the removable filter 14 is partially removed from the filter chamber 15.

[0128] From the second intermediate step of removing the removable filter 14, shown in Figures 4 and 5, the user continues removing the removable filter 14 until the removable filter 14 is completely removed, the final step of completely removing the removable filter 14 being shown in Figures 7 and 8.

[0129] Thus, the present invention allows easy access to the removable filter 14 once the removable tank 9 is detached from the vacuum cleaner housing 2. Thus, according to the present invention, once the removable tank 9 is detached, it is not necessary to remove or displace a specific additional lid or any other intermediate part in order to access the removable filter 14.

[0130] As explained above, once the removable tank 9 has been decoupled and removed from the vacuum cleaner housing 2, the removable filter 14 becomes visible and accessible and may be easily removed from the vacuum cleaner housing 2 by sliding the removable filter 14 towards the front of the vacuum cleaner 1. Additionally, as also explained above, to remove the removable filter, the user has their hands facing each other to apply opposing pulling forces. This is a natural and ergonomic hand position for the user to remove the removable filter.

[0131] Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the embodiment described and shown, since this embodiment is provided only as an example: modifications can still be made, particularly with regard to the arrangement of the various elements or by substituting technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

[0132] For example, in the embodiment shown in Figures 1-10, the access opening 15.1 facing the removable tank 9 provides access to a removable filter 14 arranged downstream of the suction unit 7. In alternative embodiments, and without departing from the scope of the invention, the access opening 15.1 could provide access to a removable filter as well as to a filter chamber arranged upstream of the suction unit 7.

[0133] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-10, the filter chamber 15 is entirely contained within the vacuum cleaner housing 2. In alternative embodiments, without departing from the scope of the invention, the filter chamber may be formed partly within the vacuum cleaner housing and partly within the removable tank, such that when the removable tank is removed the removable filter will protrude axially beyond the vacuum cleaner housing.

[0134] In the embodiment shown in Figures 1-10 the filter chamber 15 is formed within the suction unit casing 12. In alternative embodiments the filter chamber may be formed in parts of the vacuum cleaner other than the suction unit casing, or between different parts of the vacuum cleaner, without departing from the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A handheld vacuum cleaner (1), comprising: A vacuum cleaner housing (2), a handle (3) connected to the vacuum cleaner housing (2); a suction head (4) through which outside air can be drawn by the handheld vacuum cleaner (1); at least one exhaust port (5) through which cleaned air may exit the handheld vacuum cleaner (1); an air flow circuit (6) extending between the intake head (4) and the exhaust port (5); a suction unit (7) mounted in the air flow circuit (6), the suction unit (7) comprising an electric motor (7.1) and a fan (7.2) coupled to the electric motor (7.1) for generating an air flow in the air flow circuit (6) from the suction head (4) to the exhaust (5); a waste separator (8) mounted in the air flow circuit (6) upstream of the suction unit (7) and through which an air flow generated by the fan (7.2) passes when the handheld vacuum cleaner (1) is operated; a removable tank (9) for receiving waste separated by the waste separation device (8), said removable tank (9) being removably attached to the vacuum cleaner housing (2); a removable filter (14) arranged in the air flow circuit (6), the removable filter (14) being accommodated in a filter chamber (15) of the handheld vacuum cleaner (1), the filter chamber (15) being at least partially formed in the vacuum cleaner housing (2) and at least partially arranged between the suction unit (7) and a wall of the vacuum cleaner housing (2). The filter chamber (15) comprises an access opening (15.1) formed in the handheld vacuum cleaner (1) for accessing the removable filter (14), the removable filter (14) can be accessed when the removable tank (9) is removed from the vacuum cleaner housing (2), and when the removable tank (9) is attached to the vacuum cleaner housing (2), the removable tank (9) is positioned relative to the vacuum cleaner housing (2) to prevent access to the removable filter (14) via the access opening (15.1).

2. 2. A handheld vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the access opening (15.1) is formed in the vacuum cleaner housing (2) and faces the removable tank (9) when the removable tank (9) is attached to the vacuum cleaner housing (2).

3. 2. A handheld vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the suction head (4) forms a front part of the handheld vacuum cleaner (1), and the access opening (15.1) and the removable tank (9) are arranged relative to each other such that, when the removable tank (9) is removed from the vacuum cleaner housing (2), the removable filter (14) can be removed from the front part of the handheld vacuum cleaner (1) via the access opening (15.1).

4. A handheld vacuum cleaner (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the filter chamber (15) is entirely contained within the vacuum cleaner housing (2) and is located between the suction unit (7) and a wall of the vacuum cleaner housing (2).

5. A handheld vacuum cleaner (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the removable filter (14) and the filter chamber (15) extend at least partially around the suction unit (7).

6. A handheld vacuum cleaner (1) as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the removable filter (14) and the filter chamber (15) are generally annular in shape and extend around the suction unit (7).

7. 7. A handheld vacuum cleaner (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the electric motor (7.1) is provided with an output shaft (7.3) having an axis of rotation (X), the output shaft (7.3) being coupled to the fan (7.2), and the removable filter (14), the filter chamber (15) and the access opening (15.1) are annular in shape and centred on the axis of rotation (X).

8. A handheld vacuum cleaner (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the waste separating device (8), the fan (7.2) and the electric motor (7.1) are essentially aligned.

9. 8. A handheld vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the waste separating device (8) is a cyclone separator having a main shaft which is coaxial with the axis of rotation (X) of the output shaft (7.3) of the electric motor (7.1).

10. A handheld vacuum cleaner (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the removable filter (14) is arranged in the air flow circuit (6) between the suction unit (7) and the exhaust port (5).

11. A handheld vacuum cleaner (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the handheld vacuum cleaner (1) comprises a suction unit casing (12) which at least partially surrounds the suction unit (7).

12. 12. The handheld vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the suction unit casing (12) comprises a first wall portion (12.3) and a second wall portion (12.4) formed in an annular shape, the first annular wall portion (12.3) at least partially surrounding the suction unit (7), the second annular wall portion (12.4) at least partially surrounding the first annular wall portion (12.3), the second annular wall portion (12.4) being formed concentrically with the first annular wall portion (12.3) and spaced apart from the first annular wall portion (12.3) to define an annular space between the first annular wall portion (12.3) and the second annular wall portion (12.4), the annular space forming the filter chamber (15) in which the removable filter (14) is accommodated.

13. A handheld vacuum cleaner (1) as claimed in claim 12, characterized in that the second annular wall (12.4) of the suction unit casing (12) forms at least one wall of the vacuum cleaner housing (2.1, 2.2).

14. 14. The handheld vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 13, characterized in that the second annular wall (12.4) comprises the at least one exhaust opening (5).

15. 15. A handheld vacuum cleaner (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, characterized in that the first annular wall (12.3) and the second annular wall (12.4) are connected by at least one connecting wall (12.5) extending radially between the first annular wall (12.3) and the second annular wall (12.4) with respect to the axis of rotation (X) of the electric motor (7.1).

16. A handheld vacuum cleaner (1) as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that the connecting wall (12.5) extends to the bottom of the filter chamber (15) on the side of the suction unit casing (12) facing the access opening (15.1).

17. A handheld vacuum cleaner (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the removable filter (14) is annular in shape and comprises a pleated filter material (14.1) arranged in an annular shape.

18. 18. A handheld vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 17, characterized in that the removable filter (14) comprises annular end discs (14.2, 14.4) attached to the axial ends (14.3, 14.5) of the pleated filter material (14.1).

19. A handheld vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that when the removable filter (14) is placed in the filter chamber (15), a first annular end disc (14.2) closes the access opening (15.1).

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