Vacuum cleaner

Abstract

A vacuum cleaner is described that includes a non-cyclonic separation system and a cyclonic separation system. The vacuum cleaner may be a handheld vacuum cleaner. The cyclonic separation system may be positioned vertically above the non-cyclonic separation system, and / or the vacuum cleaner may include a suction motor positioned vertically above the cyclonic separation system. The vacuum cleaner may include a chamber for collecting dirt separated by a non-cyclonic separation system, and a further chamber for collecting dirt separated by a cyclonic separation system. One of the chambers may surround the other of the chambers, and / or one of the chambers may be positioned within or alongside the other of the chambers. The cyclonic separation system may be positioned downstream of the non-cyclonic separation system. The vacuum cleaner may include one or more filters positioned downstream of the cyclonic separation system and upstream and / or downstream of a suction motor of the vacuum cleaner.

Description

Background Art

[0001] A vacuum cleaner may include one or more separation systems to separate dirt from an airflow drawn by the vacuum cleaner. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0002] FIG1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner;

[0003] Figure 2 is a perspective view of the main unit of the vacuum cleaner;

[0004] Figure 3 An exploded view of the main unit;

[0005] Figure 4 is an exploded view of the container assembly of the main unit;

[0006] Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of the container assembly;

[0007] Figure 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a portion of a container assembly;

[0008] Figure 7 is a perspective view of an inlet valve assembly forming part of a container assembly;

[0009] Figure 8 is a perspective view of a portion of a container assembly with an inlet valve member of the inlet valve assembly in (a) a closed position and (b) an open position;

[0010] Fig. 9 is an exploded view of the rod interlock mechanism of the container assembly;

[0011] Fig.10 is a front perspective view of a container assembly;

[0012] Fig.11 is with Fig.10 the same front perspective view with the container cover forming part of the container assembly omitted and the lever interlock mechanism in a first configuration;

[0013] Fig.12 is with Fig.11 the same front perspective view with the lever interlock mechanism in a second configuration;

[0014] Fig.13 is with Fig.11 and Fig.12 the same front perspective view with the lever interlock mechanism in a third configuration;

[0015] Fig.14 is a perspective view of a section through a portion of a container assembly with a lever interlock slider forming part of a lever interlock assembly in a second position;

[0016] Fig.15 is with Fig.14 The same perspective view with the lever interlock slider in the third position;

[0017] Fig.16 is a perspective view of a container body of a container assembly;

[0018] Fig.17 is a top plan view of the container body;

[0019] Fig.18 is a front perspective view of the container assembly with the base of the container assembly in an open position;

[0020] Fig.19 is a perspective view of a container closure mechanism forming part of a container assembly;

[0021] Fig. 20 is a side view of a base of a container assembly;

[0022] Fig.21 is a plan cross-sectional view through a portion of a container assembly;

[0023] Fig. 22 is a front perspective view of the primary separation system of the main unit;

[0024] Fig.23 is a rear perspective view of the primary separation system;

[0025] Fig.24 is a top plan view of the primary separation system;

[0026] Fig.25 is a bottom plan view of the primary separation system;

[0027] Fig.26 is a top plan view of a primary separation system with components of an electrical wiring harness and a dirt detection assembly omitted;

[0028] Fig. 27 yes Fig.26 Cross-sectional slice of the primary separation system in plane A--A;

[0029] Fig.28 yes Fig.26 Cross-sectional slice of the primary separation system in plane B--B;

[0030] Fig.29 yes Fig.26 Cross-sectional slice of the primary separation system in plane C--C;

[0031] Fig.30 yes Fig.26 Cross-sectional slice of the primary separation system in the plane D--D;

[0032] Fig.31 is a perspective view of a primary filter forming part of a primary separation system;

[0033] Fig.32 is a top plan view of the primary filter;

[0034] Fig.33 is a perspective view of an auxiliary filter forming part of a primary separation system;

[0035] Fig.34 is an exploded view of a dirt detection assembly of a primary separation system;

[0036] Fig.35 is a first perspective assembly view of the compaction assembly;

[0037] Fig.36 is a second perspective assembly view of the compaction assembly;

[0038] Fig.37 is an exploded view of the compaction assembly of the main unit;

[0039] Fig.38 is a front perspective view of the slide assembly of the main unit;

[0040] Fig.39 is a rear perspective view of the chute assembly;

[0041] Fig.40 is an exploded view of the chute assembly;

[0042] Fig.41 An exploded view of the secondary separation system for the main unit;

[0043] Fig.42 is an exploded view of a sub-assembly of the secondary separation system;

[0044] Fig.43 is a cross-section through the secondary separation system;

[0045] Fig.44 is a schematic diagram of a valve actuator assembly of a secondary separation system;

[0046] Fig.45 It is a perspective view of the cone group of the secondary separation system;

[0047] Fig.46 is with Fig. 27 The same cross-sectional view with the valve assembly of the secondary separation system in (a) a first position and (b) a second position;

[0048] Fig.47 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a motor assembly of a main unit;

[0049] Fig.48 is a front perspective view of a housing and handle assembly of the main unit;

[0050] Fig.49 is a first cross-sectional view through the housing and handle assembly taken along a central longitudinal axis of the housing and handle assembly;

[0051] Fig.50 is a second cross-sectional view through the housing and handle assembly taken orthogonally along a central longitudinal axis of the housing and handle assembly;

[0052] Fig.51 is a side view of a handle portion of the housing and handle assembly;

[0053] Fig.52 is a cross-sectional side view of the housing and handle assembly;

[0054] Fig.53 A side view of the battery assembly of the main unit.

[0055] Fig.54 is a cross-sectional side view of a battery assembly;

[0056] Fig.55 is an exploded view of the filter assembly of the housing portion;

[0057] Fig.56 is a perspective view of the filter assembly;

[0058] Fig.57 is a first cross-sectional view of a filter assembly;

[0059] Fig.58 is an exploded view of the cap assembly of the filter assembly;

[0060] Fig.59 is an exploded view of a pre-filter subassembly of a filter assembly;

[0061] Fig.60 is an exploded view of a post-filter subassembly of the filter assembly;

[0062] Fig.61 is a second cross-sectional view of the filter assembly;

[0063] Fig.62 is a perspective view of the wand of a vacuum cleaner;

[0064] Fig.63 is an exploded view of the rod;

[0065] Fig.64 is a cross-sectional view through a first connecting cuff portion of the rod;

[0066] Fig.65 is a cross-sectional view of a second connecting cuff portion through the rod;

[0067] Fig.66 is a first partial perspective plan view of the second connecting cuff portion and the nozzle, wherein the outer wall and the second connecting cuff portion housing have been removed;

[0068] Fig.67 is a second partial perspective plan view of the second connecting cuff portion and the nozzle, wherein the outer wall and the second connecting cuff portion housing have been removed;

[0069] Fig.68 is a perspective view of a cleaner head of a vacuum cleaner;

[0070] Fig.69 is a perspective view of the neck portion of the vacuum cleaner head;

[0071] Fig.70 is a cross-sectional view through a portion of the main unit taken along a first plane orthogonal to a central longitudinal axis of the main unit, illustrating an airflow path through the main unit; and

[0072] Fig.71 is a cross-sectional view through the main unit taken along the central longitudinal axis of the main unit, illustrating the airflow path through the main unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0073] Figure 1 A vacuum cleaner 1 is shown. The vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a main unit 10, a rod 1000 and a cleaner head 1100. The vacuum cleaner 1 is often referred to as a stick vacuum cleaner. The rod 1000 and the cleaner head 1100 can be removed from the main unit 10 and can then be used as a standalone handheld vacuum cleaner, such as Figure 2 shown.

[0074] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The main unit 10 is shown separately in the figure, which includes a container assembly 100, a primary separation system 200, a compaction assembly 300, a chute assembly 350, a secondary separation system 400, a suction motor 500, a shell and handle assembly 600, a PCB assembly 627, a user interface 632, a filter assembly 604 and a battery assembly 800.

[0075] Figures 4 to 21 Container assembly 100 is shown. Container assembly 100 includes container base 102, container base cover 104, cuff seal 106, container base seal 107, dirt collection chamber seal 108, container body 110, container closure buckle 112, stem interlock mechanism 120, and inlet valve assembly 144.

[0076] The container base 102 includes a base plate 116 and a base nozzle 118 .

[0077] The base plate 116 is generally circular and includes a base plate aperture 122 and a base hinge portion 124. The base plate aperture 122 is shaped and sized to receive the electrical connector 238 of the primary separation system 200 therethrough. The base hinge portion 124 defines a first half of the hinge connection between the container base 102 and the container body 110. When the main unit 10 is in a horizontal orientation, the base hinge portion 124 is positioned on the upper side of the base plate 116. The base hinge portion 124 defines a hinge axis 123.

[0078] The lower region of the base plate 116 includes a container push rod engagement projection 125. The container push rod engagement projection 125 extends from the base plate 116 such that when the container base 102 is in the closed position, the container push rod engagement projection 125 extends below the container body 110. The container push rod engagement projection 125 includes a container hook aperture 126 through which the hook 188 of the container body 110 extends when the container base 102 is in the closed position, as described in more detail below.

[0079] The base nozzle 118 extends through the base plate 116 and includes a main portion extending from a first side of the base plate 116 in a direction away from the container body 110. The base nozzle 118 is hollow in form and includes an airflow inlet 134 at one end through which airflow enters the interior of the container assembly 100 during use when the container base 102 is in a closed position. In some examples, the base nozzle 118 may be omitted and the airflow inlet 134 may be defined by an orifice formed in the container base 102. The base nozzle 118 has a generally circular cross-sectional profile when viewed in a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis 119 of the base nozzle 118. The longitudinal axis 119 of the base nozzle 118 defines a central axis along which airflow enters the container assembly 100 during use, as will be discussed further below.

[0080] The distal end 136 of the base nozzle 118, which is away from the base plate 116, is chamfered and includes a flat portion 138 and an angled portion 140. The flat portion 138 extends in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 119 of the base nozzle 118 and is therefore generally parallel to the base plate 116. The angled portion 140 is longer than the flat portion 138 and extends rearwardly from the flat portion 138 in a plane that is angled relative to the longitudinal axis 119 of the base nozzle 118. In this example, the angled portion 140 extends in a plane that forms an acute angle of about 45 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis 119 of the base nozzle 118.

[0081] The base nozzle 118 includes a plurality of exhaust holes 141 extending through the wall of the base nozzle 118. The exhaust holes 141 are located toward the distal end 136 of the base nozzle 118, and in this example, the exhaust holes 141 are divided into three groups. The first group is located at the top of the base nozzle 118, and the other two groups are located on opposite sides of the base nozzle 118. The bottom of the base nozzle 118 has no exhaust holes.

[0082] The outer surface of the base nozzle 118 includes four tapered ribs 142. The four tapered ribs 142 are each shaped and sized to be received within a corresponding channel formed on the inner surface of the cuff 1006 of the wand 1000 when attached to the main unit 10, as will be discussed further below.

[0083] The base nozzle 118 includes an inlet valve stop 143 located inside the base nozzle 118 near the end of the base plate 116. The inlet valve stop 143 takes the form of a protrusion that protrudes upward from the bottom of the inner surface of the base nozzle 118. In this example, the inlet valve stop 143 is wedge-shaped, and its cross-section is similar to a right triangle. Therefore, the inlet valve stop 143 is ramped and its height gradually increases in the direction toward the proximal end of the base nozzle 118. As discussed further below, the inlet valve stop 143 is used to stop or limit the movement of the inlet valve member 146. The ramp profile of the inlet valve stop 143 helps to reduce any interference caused by the inlet valve stop 143 to the airflow moving through the base nozzle 118.

[0084] The inlet valve assembly 144 is attached to the base plate 116. More specifically, the inlet valve assembly 144 is attached to the second side of the base plate 116 at a location above the base nozzle 118.

[0085] The inlet valve assembly 144 includes an inlet valve member 146 , a fabric hinge 148 , and an inlet valve guard 150 .

[0086] The inlet valve member 146 is attached to the inlet valve guard 150 by a fabric hinge 148, so that the inlet valve member 146 can move relative to the inlet valve guard 150. More specifically, the inlet valve member pivots via the fabric hinge 148 between a closed position and an open position, in which the airflow inlet 134 is blocked by the inlet valve member 146, as shown in FIG. Figure 8 (a), in the open position, the air flow inlet 134 is not blocked by the inlet valve member 146. Figure 8 (b) as shown.

[0087] The shape of the inlet valve member 146 is designed so that when in the open position, the inlet valve member 146 shapes the airflow entering the container body 110 through the airflow inlet 134. More specifically, the inlet valve member 146 shapes the airflow so that the profile of the airflow better corresponds to the surface of the primary filter 204 and the first core portion 212 of the primary separation system 200, as described in more detail below. To this end, the inlet valve member 146 is convex downward. The depth of the convex surface of the inlet valve member 146 increases from the first upstream end of the inlet valve member 146 (which is attached to the fabric hinge 148) to the second downstream end. When in the open position, the inlet valve member 146 is radially spaced from the longitudinal axis 119 of the base nozzle 118. The convex surface of the inlet valve member 146 extends toward the axis 119, and the depth of the convex surface increases from the upstream end to the downstream end; this may be in Figure 6 Thus, the radial distance between the upstream end of the inlet valve member 146 and the longitudinal axis 119 of the base nozzle 118 is greater than the radial distance between the downstream end and the longitudinal axis 119. When the inlet valve member 146 is in the open position, the inlet valve member 146 deflects the upper portion of the airflow 110 in a downward direction, so that the airflow entering the container chamber 105 forms a generally U-shaped air column.

[0088] The fabric hinge 148 is attached to both the inlet valve member 146 and the inlet valve guard 150. The fabric hinge 148 enables the inlet valve member 146 to move from a closed position to an open position relative to the inlet valve guard 150. By adopting the fabric hinge 148, the force required to move the inlet valve member 146 to the open position is relatively low. Therefore, the inlet valve member 146 moves to the open position in response to the relatively low flow rate moving through the base nozzle 118. More precisely, the inlet valve member 146 moves in response to the suction force generated by the suction motor 500. This suction force will produce a pressure difference on the inlet valve member 146, thereby causing the air on the upstream side of the inlet valve member 146 to push the inlet valve member 146 and move the inlet valve member 146 to the open position. The inlet valve member 146 pivots about a horizontal axis. Therefore, the inlet valve member 146 moves in an upward direction to the open position. When the suction force is eliminated, the inlet valve member 146 returns to the closed position under the action of gravity. It can therefore be said that the inlet valve member 146 is biased to a closed position and moves to an open position in response to the suction force generated by the suction motor 500. In this example, the fabric hinge 148 is formed from nylon, but other fabrics or materials that provide low hinge torque may also be used.

[0089] The inlet valve guard 150 is in the shape of a concave cover that covers the inlet valve member 146. The inlet valve guard 150 includes an abutment portion 151 that engages with a corresponding abutment portion 147 on the inlet valve member 146 when the inlet valve member 146 is in the open position. This prevents excessive rotation of the inlet valve member 146, which may otherwise cause the inlet valve member 146 to become stuck in the inlet valve guard 150.

[0090] When the inlet valve member 146 is in the closed position, as shown Figure 8 As shown in (a), the inlet valve member 146 abuts the inlet valve stop 143. This prevents the inlet valve member 146 from potentially getting stuck in the base nozzle 118 when returning to the closed position.

[0091] Figures 9 to 11 The rod interlock mechanism 120 is shown. The rod interlock mechanism 120 includes a rod interlock actuator 152, a rod interlock slider 154, and a rod interlock spring 155.

[0092] The lever interlock actuator 152 includes a lever abutment portion 156, a pivot pin 157, and a pair of push arms 158. The lever interlock actuator 152 is pivotally mounted to the base plate 116 by means of the pivot pin 157, which is received in a recess in the base plate 116, such as Fig.11 The rod abutment portion 156 extends through the opening 1701 in the container base cover 104, which can be Fig.10 The lever interlock actuator 152 pivots relative to the base plate 116 about an axis parallel to the hinge axis 123 .

[0093] The push arm 158 is received in a corresponding recess 180 of the lever interlock slider 154. In response to the pivoting of the lever interlock actuator 152, the push arm 158 engages the lever interlock slider 154, causing the lever interlock slider 154 to move or translate in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis of the lever interlock actuator 152; the movement direction of the lever interlock slider 154 is determined by Fig.11 Therefore, the movements of the rod interlock actuator 152 and the rod interlock slider 154 are coupled, that is, the movement of one of the rod interlock actuator 152 and the rod interlock slider 154 causes the movement of the other.

[0094] The rod interlock slider 154 includes a pair of arms 164 attached to a base portion 166. The arms 164 are generally elongated in shape and extend upwardly from opposite ends of the base portion. The free end (i.e., the end away from the base portion) of each arm 164 includes a notch 180 for receiving a corresponding push arm 158 of the rod interlock actuator 152. The arms 164 extend upwardly on opposite sides of the base nozzle 118.

[0095] The base portion 166 includes a hook 168 for selectively engaging the container body 110. The base portion 166 also includes a recess or pocket 187 for receiving one end of the lever interlock spring 155. The base plate 116 includes a similar recess or pocket 127 that receives the opposite end of the lever interlock spring 155. Thus, the lever interlock spring 155 is retained between the base plate 116 and the lever interlock slider 154.

[0096] The stem interlock mechanism 120 has three configurations. In a first configuration, when the container base 102 is in the open position, the stem interlock mechanism 120 prevents the stem 1000 or other accessory from being attached to the base spout 118. In a second configuration, when the container base 102 is in the closed position, the stem interlock mechanism 120 allows the stem 1000 or other accessory to be attached to the base spout 118. And in a third configuration, when the stem 1000 or other accessory is attached to the base spout 118, the stem interlock mechanism 120 prevents the container base 102 from moving from the closed position to the open position.

[0097] Fig.11 A first configuration of the rod interlock mechanism 120 is shown. When the container base 102 is in the open position, the rod interlock mechanism 120 adopts the first configuration. The rod interlock spring 155 is retained between the base plate 116 and the rod interlock slider 154. When the container base 102 is in the open position, the rod interlock spring 155 biases the rod interlock slider 154 to the first position, thereby biasing the rod interlock actuator 152 to the first position. In this example, the rod interlock spring 155 biases the rod interlock slider 154 in a downward direction. Therefore, the first position of the rod interlock slider 154 can be regarded as the lowermost position. On the other hand, the rod interlock actuator 152 pivots to the uppermost position of its first position. As described above, the rod interlock actuator 152 extends through the opening 1701 in the container base cover 104. When a rod 1000 or other accessory is inserted onto the base nozzle 118 for attachment, the rod interlock actuator 152 abuts the rod 1000 or accessory to prevent the rod 1000 or accessory from further travel along the base nozzle 118 , thereby preventing the rod 1000 or accessory from attaching to the base nozzle 118 .

[0098] Fig.12 and 14A second configuration of the rod interlock mechanism 120 is shown. In response to moving the container base 102 to the closed position, the rod interlock mechanism 120 moves from the first configuration to the second configuration. More specifically, when the container base 102 moves to the closed position, the container body 110 engages the base portion 166 of the rod interlock slider 154 and moves the rod interlock slider 154 from its first position to its second position against the biasing force of the rod interlock spring 155. In response, the rod interlock actuator 152 pivots from its first position to its second position. In this particular example, the rod interlock slider 154 translates upward from its first position to its second position, and the rod interlock actuator 152 pivots downward from its first position to its second position. When the rod 1000 or other accessory is inserted onto the base nozzle 118 for connection, the rod 1000 or accessory engages the rod interlock actuator 152. Because it is in the lowered second position, the lever interlock actuator 152 no longer prevents the lever 1000 or accessory from being attached to the base nozzle 118. Instead, upon engaging the lever interlock actuator 152, further travel of the lever 1000 or accessory along the base nozzle 118 causes the lever interlock actuator 152 to pivot downward from its second position to the third position against the biasing force of the lever interlock spring 155. In response, the lever interlock slider 154 translates from its second position to the third position. In this particular example, the lever interlock actuator 152 pivots downward from its second position to its third position, and the lever interlock slider 154 translates upward from its second position to its third position. Fig.14 The position of the rod interlock slider 154 in the second section is shown, and Fig.15 The position of the lever interlock slider 154 in the third position is shown.

[0099] Fig.13 and 15 A third configuration of the lever interlock mechanism 120 is shown. In the third configuration, the lever interlock actuator 152 and the lever interlock slider 154 are in their third positions. When the lever interlock slider 154 is in its third position, the base portion of the lever interlock slider 154 engages with the container body 110 to prevent the container base 102 from moving from the closed position. More specifically, the hook 168 of the lever interlock slider 154 engages with the hook 188 of the container body 110 to prevent the container base 102 from moving from the closed position. Therefore, it is impossible to open the container assembly 100 when the lever 1000 or other accessory is attached to the base spout 118.

[0100] When the lever 1000 or accessory is subsequently separated from the base nozzle 118, the lever interlock mechanism 120 moves from the third configuration to the second configuration. Specifically, the lever interlock actuator 152 moves from its third position to its second position under the biasing force of the lever interlock spring 155. In response, the lever interlock slider 154 moves from its third position to its second position. As a result, the hook 168 of the lever interlock slider 154 disengages from the hook 188 of the container body 110, and the container base 102 is thus free to move from the closed position to the open position.

[0101] When the container base 102 is subsequently moved from the closed position to the open position, the lever interlock mechanism 120 moves from the second configuration to the first configuration. Specifically, the lever interlock slider 154 is no longer engaged with the container body 110, and thus the lever interlock slider 154 moves from its second position to its first position under the biasing force of the lever interlock spring 155. In response, the lever interlock actuator 152 moves from its second position to its first position, thereby preventing the lever 1000 or other accessories from being attached to the base nozzle 118.

[0102] The container base cover 104 includes a first portion 170 that is located above and covers the base plate 116 and the rod interlock mechanism 120, and a second portion 172 that is located above and covers a portion of the base nozzle 118. The first portion 170 includes a first opening 1701 through which the rod interlock actuator 152 extends, and a second opening 1702 through which the electrical connector 238 extends, as shown in FIG. Fig.10 The second portion 172 includes an opening 1721 through which the stem catch 1022 of the stem 1000 can extend to engage with the locking projection 135 on the base nozzle 118, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0103] The cuff seal 106 is annular, surrounds the base nozzle 118, and is located between the base nozzle 118 and the second portion 172 of the container base cover 104. Therefore, the second portion 172 of the container base cover 104 covers and protects the cuff seal 106.

[0104] The container base seal 107 is annular and is secured to the second side of the base plate 116. When the container base 102 is in a closed position (described in detail below), the container base seal 107 forms an airtight seal against the container body 110. In this particular example, the container base seal 107 includes a pair of lip seals that seal against the inner surface of the container body 110.

[0105] The dirt collection chamber seal 108 includes a first seal 131, a second seal 132, and a third seal 133. The first and second seals 131, 132 form an airtight seal against the walls of the first and second dirt collection chambers 228, 230, as described below. In this example, the ends of the first and second dirt collection chambers 228, 230 are shaped as a circle segment, and therefore the first and second seals 131, 132 are also shaped as a circle segment. The third seal 133 forms an airtight seal against an electrical connector 238 extending through the container base 102. The electrical connector 238 is approximately rectangular in shape, and therefore the third seal 133 is similarly rectangular in shape. In this example, the first and second seals 131, 132 each include a lip seal that seals against the inner surface of the corresponding dirt collection chamber 228, 230, and the third seal 133 includes a lip seal that seals against the outer surface of the electrical connector 238.

[0106] Reference now Fig.16 and 17 , the container body 110 includes a container shell 174, a container hinge portion 175, a pair of guide rails 176, first and second channels 178, 179, and a container base hook 188. In this example, the container shell 174, the container hinge portion 175, the guide rails 176, the channels 178, 179, and the container base hook 188 are all integrally formed.

[0107] The container shell 174 is generally cylindrical and includes an opening 184 located toward the second end 182 of the container shell 174. In this example, the opening 184 is located on the upper side of the container shell 174. When the container assembly 100 is attached to the primary separation system 200, the opening in the container shell 174 receives the container release catch 252. The user can then release and remove the container assembly 100 by pressing the container release catch 252.

[0108] The container hinge portion 175 is located at the first end 181 of the container shell 174 and defines the second half of the hinge connection between the container base 102 and the container body 110. More specifically, the container hinge portion 175 and the base hinge portion 124 are held together by the hinge pin 114 to form a hinge connection. When the vacuum cleaner 1 is in a horizontal orientation, the container hinge portion 175 is located on the upper side of the container shell 174. The container base 102 can move relative to the container body 110 about the hinge axis 123. The container base 102 can be moved in a horizontal orientation. Fig.10 The closed position shown and Fig.18 In this example, the container assembly 100 includes a torsion spring 115 that surrounds the hinge pin 114 and biases the container base 102 to the open position.

[0109] The guide rails 176 are located on the outer surface of the container shell 174. In this example, the guide rails 176 are located on the underside of the container shell 174 and extend along the main length of the container shell 174. The guide rails 176 are used to attach the container assembly 100 to the chute assembly 350, which will be described in more detail below.

[0110] The channels 178, 179 are located at the first end 181 of the container shell 174 on opposite sides of the container hinge portion 175. Each channel 178, 179 is formed by a pair of parallel protrusions or tracks 198, 199 extending partially around the container shell 174. As described below, the channels 178, 179 receive and retain the container closure buckle 112.

[0111] The container base hook 188 extends from the first end 181 of the container shell 174. When the container base 102 is in the closed position, the container base hook 188 extends through the container hook aperture 126 in the base plate 116. As described above, the lever interlock slider 154 selectively engages the container base hook 188 to prevent and allow movement of the container 102 from the closed position.

[0112] Reference now Figures 19 to 21 , the container closure buckle 112 includes a first buckle 190 and a second buckle 192 and a tension spring 193. Each buckle 190, 192 is generally arc-shaped or C-shaped and is located in a corresponding channel 178, 179 of the container body 110. Each buckle 190, 192 is attached to the container body 110 at a first end. In this example, the first end of each buckle 190, 192 is attached to the base hinge portion 175 of the container body 110. Then, each buckle body 190, 192 is attached to the tension spring 193 at the opposite second end. Therefore, the tension spring 193 extends between the two buckles 190, 192. The tension spring biases the second ends of the buckles 190, 192 together. Therefore, the buckles 190, 192 are clamped around the first end 181 of the container body 110.

[0113] The width of each buckle 190, 192 is such that the buckle 190, 192 extends beyond the first end 181 of the container body 110. Each buckle 190, 192 includes a pair of protrusions 194, 195 disposed on the inner surface of the arcuate portion of the buckle 190, 192. Fig.21 As shown, the retaining rings 190, 192 are retained in the corresponding channels 178, 179 of the container body 110 by the protrusions or tracks 198, 199. Then, the movement of the retaining rings 190, 192 in the axial direction (i.e., in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container assembly 100) is blocked by the tracks 198, 199 of the container body 110. Specifically, each retaining ring 190, 192 moves in a first direction (in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the container assembly 100). Fig.21The axial movement of the retaining rings 190, 192 in the opposite second direction (in the left) causes the first protrusions 194 of the retaining rings 190, 192 to abut against the second track 199 of the container body 110, and each retaining ring 190, 192 moves in the opposite second direction (in the left). Fig.21 Axial movement of the retaining rings 190 , 192 (to the right) causes the ends of the retaining rings 190 , 192 to abut against the first track 198 of the container body 110 .

[0114] The second protrusion 195 of each buckle 190, 192 is disposed on the portion of the buckle 190, 192 that extends beyond the first end 181 of the container body 110. The second protrusion 195 of the buckle 190, 192 then engages with a pair of protrusions 128 on the container base 102 when the container base 102 is in the closed position. Fig. 20 Only one of the pair of protrusions 128 is shown, which engages with the second buckle 192. The corresponding protrusion 128 is provided on the opposite side of the container base 102 and can be Fig.21 Seen in.

[0115] The container base 102 includes a pair of protrusions 128, each of which extends circumferentially around only a portion of the base plate 116 of the container base 102. Similarly, the second protrusion 195 of each buckle 190, 192 extends circumferentially around only a portion of the buckle 190, 192. When the container base 102 is in the closed position, as shown in FIG. Fig.21 As shown, the second protrusion 195 of the first catch 190 engages with one of the pair of protrusions 128 of the container base 102, and the second protrusion 195 of the second catch 192 engages with the other of the pair of protrusions 128. Thus, the container base 102 is prevented from moving from the closed position to the open position.

[0116] The container closure buckle 112 has a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration. Fig.18 , 19 21 show the retracted configuration of the container closure buckle 112. When the container base 102 is in the closed position and the container closure buckle 112 is in the retracted configuration, the container closure buckle 112 holds the container base 102 in the closed position. To release the container base 102 from the closed position, the container closure buckle 112 moves to the expanded configuration.

[0117] In order to move the container closure buckle 112 to the expanded configuration, the container push rod 356 (which forms part of the slide assembly 350 and will be described in more detail below) is pushed in the direction of the container base 102. The end of the container push rod 356 extends into the gap 196 between the two buckles 190, 192. The end of the container push rod 256 is wedge-shaped. Therefore, when the container push rod 356 is pushed toward the container base 102, the container push rod 356 engages the two buckles 190, 192 and pushes the two buckles apart against the biasing force of the tension spring 193. When the buckles 190, 192 are pushed apart, each buckle 190, 192 bends or pivots outwardly about the first end attached to the container body 110. When the buckles 190, 192 pivot, the second protrusion 195 of the buckles 190, 192 disengages or disengages from the protrusion 128 of the container base 102. Thus, the container base 102 is no longer retained by the container closure ring 112 and is free to move to the open position.

[0118] The first protrusion 194 of the buckle 190, 192 and the track 198, 199 of the container body 110 have a greater circumferential extension. Therefore, when the second protrusion 195 of the buckle 190, 192 disengages from the protrusion 128 of the container base 110, the first protrusion 194 continues to engage with the protrusion 199 of the container body 110. Therefore, each buckle 190, 192 continues to remain in the channel 178, 179 of the container body 110.

[0119] In the expanded configuration, the clasps 190, 192 of the container closure clasp 112 are separated from one another. More specifically, the second ends of the clasps 190, 192 move apart while the first ends of the clasps 190, 192 remain in a fixed position. While moving apart, the clasps 190, 192 effectively expand in an outward direction away from the container body 110 and the container base 102. The clasps 190, 192 may be collectively referred to as a band or C-clip around the ends of the container body 110 and the container base 102. The diameter of the band or C-clip then expands in the expanded configuration and contracts in the contracted configuration. It can therefore be said that the clasps 190, 192 have a first equivalent diameter in the contracted configuration and a second, larger equivalent diameter in the second configuration.

[0120] The protrusion 128 of the container base 110 is sloped; this can be seen from Fig.21193. When the container closure buckle 112 is in the retracted configuration and the container base 102 moves from the open position to the closed position, the ramped surface of the protrusion 128 contacts the second protrusion 195 of the buckles 190, 192. As the container base 110 continues to move to the closed position, the second protrusion 195 of the buckles 190, 192 rides on the ramped surface of the protrusion 128 of the container base 110. This causes the buckles 190, 192 to pivot outwardly about the first end attached to the container body 110. As a result, the two buckles 190, 192 are pushed apart, and the pushing force for moving the container base 110 is opposite to the biasing force of the extension spring 193. Finally, when the container base 110 completes the movement to the closed position, the second protrusion 195 of the buckles 190, 192 rides over the top of the protrusion 128 of the container base 110. The biasing force of the extension spring 193 then causes the two buckles 190, 192 to buckle down onto the protrusion 128 of the container base 110. As a result, the container base 110 is again retained in the closed position by the container closure buckle 112. Thus, during the closing of the container base 102, the ramped surface of the protrusion 128 of the container base 102 enables the container closure buckle 112 to move from the retracted configuration to the expanded configuration.

[0121] In some examples, each retaining ring 190, 192 may include a roller, a bearing, or a low-friction bushing with which the end of the container push rod 356 engages. This can reduce friction and thus reduce wear of the retaining rings 190, 192 and / or the container push rod 356.

[0122] The container base 102 and the container body 110 together define an interior chamber 105 of the container assembly 100. As described in more detail below, in use, an airflow enters the chamber 105 via the airflow inlet 134. Dirt entrained in the airflow is subsequently separated by the primary separation system 200 and retained within the chamber 105 of the container assembly 100. The chamber 105 is then emptied by moving the container base 102 to the open position.

[0123] Figures 22 to 33 2 shows a primary separation system 200, which includes a core 202, a primary filter 204, first and second auxiliary filters 206, 208, a dirt detection assembly 210, an electrical connector 238, an electrical harness 239, a container body seal 250, and a container release catch 252. The primary separation system 200 is a non-cyclonic separation system, as will be described in more detail below.

[0124] The core 202 includes a first core portion 212 and a second core portion 214. The first core portion 212 is located within the chamber 105 of the container assembly 100, and the second core portion 214 closes the open end of the container assembly 100.

[0125] The first core section 212 is roughly U-shaped along its length. The cross-sectional shape of the first core section 212 is substantially uniform along its length. The outer profile of the first core section 212 can be said to include a concave portion and a convex portion. The concave portion limits the groove or airflow channel 220 extending along the length of the first core section 211. The first core section 212 can be considered to include a first arm 217 and a second arm 218, and each arm is arcuate and forms a half of the U-shaped core 212.

[0126] The first core portion 212 is located within the container assembly 100 and extends from the first end 181 to the second end 182 of the container body 110. The first core portion 212 is located within the container assembly 100 such that the chamber 105 of the container assembly 100 completely surrounds the first core portion 212. The first core portion 212 extends in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 119 of the base nozzle 118. Therefore, the cross-section of the first core portion 212 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 119 is generally U-shaped. The first core portion 212 partially extends around the longitudinal axis 119 of the base nozzle 118; this can be Fig.30 It can be seen that Fig.30 The location of the longitudinal axis 119 is shown. The first and second arms 217, 218 extend upwardly, so to speak, on opposite sides of the longitudinal axis 119. The airflow channel 220 of the first core portion 212 then extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 119. Furthermore, the longitudinal axis 119 extends through the airflow channel 220.

[0127] The first core section 212 has a first end 222 and a second end 224, the first end being proximal to the container base 102 and thus proximal to the airflow inlet 134 defined by the base nozzle 118, and the second end being distal to the container base 102 and thus distal to the airflow inlet 134. The first core section 212 is generally hollow in form and includes an inner wall 225 or partition that divides the interior of the first core section 212. More specifically, the inner wall 225 defines a primary outlet passage 226, a first dirt collection chamber 228, a second dirt collection chamber 230, a concealed passage 232, a first auxiliary outlet passage 234, and a second auxiliary outlet passage 236.

[0128] The primary outlet passage 226 spans the first arm 217 and the second arm 218 of the first core portion 212. The primary outlet passage 226 is located at a radially inner region of the first arm 217 and the second arm 218 of the first core portion 212 and is positioned below the primary filter 204. The primary outlet passage 226 begins midway along the axial length of the first core portion 212 (measured from the first end 222 of the first core portion 212) and extends to the second end 224 of the first core portion 212.

[0129] The first dirt collection chamber 228 is located within the first arm 217 of the first core portion 212. The first dirt collection chamber 228 extends along the entire length of the first core portion 212 and surrounds a portion of the primary outlet passage 226. The first dirt collection chamber 228 shares common walls with the primary outlet passage 226, the first auxiliary outlet passage, and the concealed passage 232 at various points along the length of the first dirt collection chamber 228. The end of the first dirt collection chamber 228 located at the second end 224 of the first core portion 212 is in fluid communication with the dirt outlet of the first subset 474 of the cyclone bodies 464 of the secondary separation stage 400, as will be discussed in more detail below. The opposite end of the first dirt collection chamber 228 at the first end 222 of the first core portion 212 is open. When the container base 102 is in the closed position, the base plate 116 and the dirt collection chamber seal 108 (more specifically, the first seal 131) close and seal the end of the first dirt collection chamber 228.

[0130] The second dirt collection chamber 230 is located within the second arm 218 of the first core portion 212. The second dirt collection chamber 230 extends along the entire length of the first core portion 212 and surrounds a portion of the primary outlet passage 226. The second dirt collection chamber 230 shares common walls with the primary outlet passage 226, the second auxiliary outlet passage 236, and the concealed passage 232 at various points along the length of the second dirt collection chamber 230. The end of the second dirt collection chamber 230 at the second end 224 of the first core portion 212 is in fluid communication with the dirt outlet of the second subset 476 of the cyclone bodies 464 of the secondary separation stage 400, as will be discussed in more detail below. The opposite end of the second dirt collection chamber 230 at the first end 222 of the first core portion 212 is open. When the container base 102 is in the closed position, the base plate 116 and the dirt collection chamber seal 108 (more specifically, the second seal 132) close and seal the end of the second dirt collection chamber 230.

[0131] The hidden passage 232 is hollow and accommodates the wiring harness 239 and the dirt detection assembly 210. To better illustrate the hidden passage, Figures 26 to 302 and 3. The components of the wire harness 239 and the dirt detection assembly 210 are omitted. The hidden passage 232 is located between the first and second dirt collection chambers 228, 230 within the generally U-shaped cross-section of the first core portion 212 and below the primary outlet passage 226. The hidden passage 232 extends along the entire length of the first core portion 212. The end of the hidden passage 232 at the first end 222 of the first core portion 212 is closed by an electrical connector 238, which is connected to the corresponding electrical connector 1026 of the rod 1000 to provide power and communication signals from the main unit 10 to the rod 1000 and the cleaner head 1100. The wire harness 239 includes a first portion extending between the electrical connector 238 and the circuit board 290 of the dirt detection assembly 210 and a second portion extending from the circuit board 290 to the housing and handle assembly 600.

[0132] The first auxiliary outlet channel 234 is located within the first arm 217 of the first core portion 212. The first auxiliary outlet channel 234 is located below the first dirt collection chamber 228 and extends from the first end 222 of the first core portion 212 along a portion of the first core portion 212. The first auxiliary outlet channel 234 is closed at both ends, that is, the channel 234 is closed at the first end 22 of the first core portion 212 and is closed at the opposite end. The first auxiliary outlet channel 234 is located in a radially outer region of the first core portion 212. The first auxiliary outlet channel 234 is in fluid communication with the primary outlet channel 226 via a first connecting channel 240, which extends through the first dirt collection chamber 228.

[0133] The second auxiliary outlet channel 236 is located within the second arm 218 of the first core portion 212. The second auxiliary outlet channel 236 is located below the second dirt collection chamber 230 and extends from the first end 222 of the first core portion 212 along a portion of the first core portion 212. The second auxiliary outlet channel 236 is closed at both ends, that is, the channel 236 is closed at the first end 222 of the first core portion 212 and is closed at the opposite end. The second auxiliary outlet channel 236 is located at a radially outer region of the first core portion 212. The second auxiliary outlet channel 236 is in fluid communication with the primary outlet channel 226 via a second connecting channel 242, which extends through the second dirt collection chamber 230. The first and second auxiliary outlet channels 234, 236 are located on opposite sides of the hidden channel 232.

[0134] The second core portion 214 is generally cylindrical and includes a side wall 243 and an end wall 244. The second core portion 214 is located at the second end 224 of the first core portion 212, and the end wall 244 is adjacent to the second end 224. In this example, the second core portion 214 is formed integrally with the first core portion 212. The outer diameter of the second core portion 214 is greater than the outer diameter of the first core portion 212. Therefore, the end wall 244 extends radially outward beyond the second end 224 of the first core portion 212.

[0135] The end wall 244 closes the end of the airflow channel 220 of the first core portion 212. Therefore, the airflow channel 220 is open at the first end 222 of the first core portion 212 and is closed by the end wall 244 at the second end 224 of the first core portion 212.

[0136] The second core section 214 includes an annular channel and a snap recess formed on the outside of the side wall 243. The container body seal 250 is located in the annular channel 246, and the container release snap 252 is located in the snap recess. The second core section 214 also includes an inner wall 255 or a partition that divides the interior of the second core section 214. More specifically, the inner wall 255 defines an outlet channel 256, a first dirt transfer channel 258, a second dirt transfer channel 260, and a hidden channel 262.

[0137] The outlet passage 256 is generally cylindrical and is centrally located within the second core section 214. The outlet passage 256 is in fluid communication with the primary outlet passage 226 of the first core section 212. Thus, the outlet passage 256 can be considered an extension of the primary outlet passage 226. The end of the outlet passage 256 defines an air outlet of the primary separation system 200.

[0138] The first and second dirt transfer passages 258, 260 are generally C-shaped, located on opposite sides of the outlet passage 256, and extend around a major portion of the outlet passage 256. One end of the first dirt transfer passage 258 is in fluid communication with the first dirt collection chamber 228, and the opposite end is in fluid communication with the dirt outlet of the first subset 474 of the cyclone bodies 464 of the secondary separation stage 400. The first dirt transfer passage 258 serves as a conduit through which dirt from the first subset 474 of the cyclone bodies 464 is transferred to the first dirt collection chamber 228. Similarly, one end of the second dirt transfer passage 260 is in fluid communication with the second dirt collection chamber 230, and the opposite end is in fluid communication with the dirt outlet of the second subset 476 of the cyclone bodies 464 of the second separation stage 400. The second dirt transfer passage 260 then transfers dirt from the second subset 476 of the cyclone bodies 464 to the second dirt collection chamber 230.

[0139] When the main unit 10 is positioned in a horizontal orientation, the hidden passage 262 is located below the outlet passage 256. The hidden passage 262 and the waste transfer passages 258, 260 together surround the outlet passage 256. The hidden passage 262 communicates with the hidden passage 232 of the first core section 212 and can be considered an extension of the hidden passage 232 of the first core section 212. Therefore, the hidden passage 262 accommodates the wire harness 239.

[0140] Fig.31 and 32 204 is shown separately in the figure. The cross section of the primary filter 204 is generally U-shaped, and corresponds in shape to the profile of the concave portion of the first core portion 212. The primary filter 204 is attached to the core 202, and more specifically to the concave portion of the first core portion 212. In this example, the core 202 is overmolded onto the primary filter 204, and the primary filter 204 includes features (e.g., flange 266 and oversized holes 268) that help provide good fixation between the core 202 and the primary filter 204. The primary filter 204 provides a continuation of the profile of the concave portion of the first core portion 212. Therefore, the first core portion 212 and the primary filter 204 jointly define a concave outer surface, and the outer surface defines the airflow channel 220.

[0141] The primary filter 204 is formed of metal and includes a perforated area or mesh 270 having a plurality of holes. The hole size (i.e., diameter or equivalent diameter) of the holes of the mesh 270 is between 0.2 mm and 0.5 mm, and the open area of ​​the mesh is between 20% and 35%. Further, the ratio of the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow inlet 134 to the total open area of ​​the mesh is between 0.4 and 0.6. That is, the cross-sectional area of ​​the airflow inlet 134 is between two-fifths and three-fifths of the total open area of ​​the primary filter 204.

[0142] For the sake of clarity, Net 270 Fig.31 and 32 270 is shown as a shaded area. The cross-section of the net 270 is U-shaped. The width of the net 270 tapers along the length of the net 270. That is, the width of the net 270 decreases along a portion of the length of the primary filter 204. Since the cross-section of the net 270 is U-shaped, the width of the net 270 should be understood as the arc length of the net 270, rather than, for example, the width of the air flow channel 220 which is constant along the length of the primary filter 204. Since the net 270 tapers along the length of the primary filter 204, the opening area of ​​the primary filter 204 decreases along its length. The primary filter 204 includes a notch 272 at one end, which accommodates the dirt detection assembly 210.

[0143] Similar to the first core portion 212, the primary filter 204 has a length extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 119 of the base nozzle 118. Therefore, the cross-section of the primary filter 204 in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 119 is generally U-shaped. The primary filter 204 extends partially around the longitudinal axis 119 of the base nozzle 118. The primary filter 204 is radially spaced from the longitudinal axis 119 along the length of the primary filter. In this example, the radial distance between the longitudinal axis 119 and the upstream outer surface of the primary filter 204 is between 0.7 and 1.2 times the radius of the airflow inlet 134. That is, if the effective radius of the airflow inlet 124 is R1, and the radial distance between the longitudinal axis 119 and the primary filter 204 is R2, the ratio R2 / R1 is between 0.7 and 1.2.

[0144] As described above, the opening area of ​​the primary filter 204 decreases along a portion of the length of the primary filter 204. More specifically, the opening area of ​​the primary filter 204 decreases in a direction away from the open end of the airflow passage 220 and toward the closed end of the airflow passage 220. Therefore, the opening area of ​​the primary filter 204 decreases in a direction away from the airflow inlet 134.

[0145] The primary filter 204 covers the opening or entrance of the primary outlet passage 226. As described in more detail below, airflow entering the chamber 105 flows along the airflow passage 220 and over the primary filter 204. Then, a first portion of the airflow passes through the primary filter 204 and flows along the primary outlet passage 226.

[0146] An insert 274 is located in the primary outlet passage 226. The insert 274 is shaped to correspond to and is located below the peripheral edge of the portion of the mesh 270 of the primary filter 204. In this example, the insert 274 is shaped and located below the peripheral edge of the mesh 270 located toward the second end 224 of the first core portion 212, i.e., the edge of the mesh 270 farthest from the airflow inlet 134. The insert 274 is located below the peripheral edge and serves to restrict airflow through the peripheral edge, where the flow rate through the primary filter 204 may otherwise be relatively high.

[0147] Fig.33208. The first and second auxiliary filters 206, 208 are shown separately in FIG. Each auxiliary filter 206, 208 includes a mesh 276 attached to a surrounding frame 277. The cross-section of each auxiliary filter 206, 208 is generally arc-shaped, and its shape corresponds to the profile of the convex portion of the first core portion 212. The auxiliary filters 206, 208 are attached to the core 202, and more specifically to the convex portion 216 of the first core portion 212. In this example, the first core portion 212 and the frame 277 of each auxiliary filter 206, 208 include interlocking features to attach the auxiliary filters 206, 208 to the first core portion 212. The first auxiliary filter 206 covers the opening or inlet of the first auxiliary outlet channel 234, and the second auxiliary filter 208 covers the opening or inlet of the second auxiliary outlet channel 236.

[0148] The mesh of the auxiliary filters 206 and 208 is formed of metal. The pore size of the mesh holes is between 0.2 mm and 0.5 mm, and the open area of ​​the mesh is between 20% and 35%. The combined total open area of ​​the auxiliary filters 206 and 208 is smaller than the total open area of ​​the primary filter 204.

[0149] In use, the airflow entering the chamber 105 flows along the airflow channel 220 and passes over the primary filter 204. Then, a first portion of the airflow passes through the primary filter 204. When the second portion of the airflow reaches the closed end of the airflow channel 220, it leaves the airflow channel 220 and returns along the chamber 105 of the container assembly 100. Then, the second portion of the airflow passes through the auxiliary filters 206, 208 and flows along the auxiliary outlet channels 234, 236. The first portion accounts for between 65% and 85% of the airflow, and the second portion accounts for between 15% and 35% of the airflow. In this particular example, the first portion accounts for about 75% of the airflow.

[0150] Fig.34 An exploded view of the dirt detection assembly 210 is shown in isolation in FIG. 2 , which includes an impact area 280 forming part of the core 202 , a piezoelectric acoustic sensor 282 , a pressure plate 284 , a spring 286 , a cap 288 , and a dirt detection assembly circuit board 290 .

[0151] The impact area 280 is formed as a part of the surface of the first core part 212. The shape and size of the impact area 280 are designed to match in the recess 272 of the primary filter 204, while also extending the recess 272 toward the airflow inlet 134. Therefore, the primary filter 204 partially extends along the side of the impact area 280. The piezoelectric acoustic sensor 282, the pressure plate 284, the spring 286 and the cap 288 are located below the impact area 280 and are located in the hidden channel 232 of the first core part 212 together with the dirt detection component circuit board 290. The components of the dirt detection component 210 enable the dirt that impacts on the impact area 280 to be detected, and in some examples, the vacuum cleaner 1 can be automatically controlled in response to the detected dirt. In an alternative embodiment, a separate impact plate can form the impact area. The impact plate can be mounted to the upper surface of the first core by a vibration isolation component.

[0152] Figures 35 to 37 The compacting assembly 300 is shown separately. The compacting assembly 300 can be considered as a compacting mechanism. The compacting assembly 300 includes a compacting plate subassembly 302, a core wiping member 304 (which can be considered as a filter wiping member), a container wiping member 306, a first compacting roller 308 and a second compacting roller 310, and a compacting handle assembly 312. The compacting assembly 300 or its various components can be considered to form a wiping mechanism, in which case the wiping mechanism is configured to wipe the inner surface of the container body 110, the primary net 204, the first auxiliary net 206 and the second auxiliary net 208 in response to a single actuation of the wiping mechanism. However, it should be understood that in other examples, there can be separate compacting assemblies 300 and wiping mechanisms.

[0153] The compaction plate subassembly 302 includes a front plate 314, an intermediate plate 316, and a rear plate 318. At least one plate of the compaction plate subassembly 302 can be considered a plate of the wiping mechanism and / or a compaction plate of the compaction assembly 300, and each of these plates is slidably mounted substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chamber 105 (in this case, it is coaxial with the central longitudinal axis 119 of the base nozzle 118). The front plate 314 includes a compaction body 320, a front plate through hole 322, and a front flange 324. The compaction body 320 is generally circular and defines a generally flat compaction surface. The diameter of the compaction body 320 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the container body 110. The front plate through hole 322 is generally U-shaped, and its shape and size are designed to slidably receive the first core portion 212 of the primary separation system 200. The front plate through hole 322 is formed in the compaction plate 320. The front flange 324 is generally U-shaped and is bent around the base of the generally U-shaped front plate through hole 322. The front flange 324 extends only midway along the arms of the generally U-shaped front plate through hole 322. The front flange 324 extends from the compaction body 320 so that the front flange 324 is located on the side of the compaction plate subassembly 302 opposite the first compaction roller 308 and the second compaction roller 310. The front flange 324 is integrally formed with the compaction body 320 and extends from the compaction body. In an alternative embodiment, the front flange 324 may be omitted.

[0154] The intermediate plate 316 has substantially the same form as the compacted body 320 and is located on the side of the compacted body 320 opposite the front flange 324 .

[0155] The rear plate 318 has substantially the same form as the middle plate 316 and also includes rod receiving apertures 326. The rear plate 318 is located on the opposite side of the middle plate 316 from the front plate 314, and the rod receiving apertures 326 face away from the front plate 314. Each rod receiving aperture 326 is shaped and sized to receive a corresponding one of the first compacting roller 308 and the second compacting roller 310.

[0156] The rear plate 318 , the middle plate 316 , and the front plate 314 each include a rod receiving aperture shaped and sized to receive a corresponding one of the first compacting roller 308 and the second compacting roller 310 .

[0157] The core wiping member 304 is generally U-shaped, and its shape and size correspond to the periphery of the front plate through hole 322, and correspond to the periphery of the first core portion 212 of the primary separation system 200. The core wiping member 304 is formed by an elastically deformable material such as rubber, and is mounted to the intermediate plate 316 around the periphery of the through hole of the intermediate plate 316, so that the periphery of the core wiping member 304 is angled toward the front plate through hole. In other words, the core wiping member 304 extends from the periphery toward the airflow inlet 134, toward the central longitudinal axis of the chamber 105 at an inclined angle. In this example, the core wiping member 304 is installed along the entire periphery of the front plate through hole 322, but in other cases, the core wiping member 304 can also be installed along a portion of the periphery instead of all. In an alternative embodiment, the core wiping member is mounted to the front plate 314 around the periphery of the front plate through hole 322, so that the periphery of the core wiping member 304 is angled toward the front plate through hole 322.

[0158] The container wiping member 306 is generally annular in shape and size corresponding to the outer periphery of the front plate 314. The container wiping member 306 is made of an elastically deformable material such as rubber and is mounted to the front plate 314 around the periphery of the front plate 314 so that the outer edge of the container wiping member 306 is angled away from the front plate 314. In other words, the container wiping member 306 extends at an oblique angle from the outer periphery toward the airflow inlet 134, away from the central longitudinal axis of the chamber 105. In this example, the container wiping member 306 is mounted along the entire outer periphery of the front plate 314, but in other cases, the container wiping member 306 can also be mounted along a portion of the outer periphery instead of the entirety.

[0159] The wick wiping member 304 and the container wiping member 306 have substantially similar widths such that the wick wiping member 304 and the container wiping member 306 extend forwardly from the front plate 314 at similar angles.

[0160] The first compacting rod 308 and the second compacting rod 310 are each generally cylindrical and elongated between the first and second ends. The first compacting rod 308 and the second compacting rod 310 can be received in the rod receiving aperture 326 of the rear plate 318 and pass through the corresponding apertures in the middle plate 316 and the front plate 314. In some examples, the rod receiving aperture 326 may include an overmolding to ensure that the first compacting rod 308 and the second compacting rod 310 are received in the rod receiving aperture 326 with an interference fit or a friction fit. The abutment feature 331 is located in the region of the second end of each of the first compacting rod 308 and the second compacting rod 310. The abutment feature 331 extends annularly around the respective first compacting rod 308 and the second compacting rod 310 and constitutes an area of ​​increased diameter relative to the remainder of the first compacting rod 308 and the second compacting rod 310.

[0161] The compaction handle assembly 312 includes a compaction handle 332, a first compaction handle connector 334 and a second compaction handle connector 336, and a compaction magnet 354. The magnet 354 forms a part of the compaction sensor assembly. The compaction handle 332 is generally semicircular and is pivotally mounted to the first compaction handle connector 334 and the second compaction handle connector 336. The first compaction handle connector 334 and the second compaction handle connector 336 are aligned with and slidably mounted on the compaction rail 364 of the chute assembly 350 so that the first compaction handle 334 slides along the first compaction rail and the second compaction handle slides along the second compaction rail. The details of the chute assembly 350 will be described in further detail below.

[0162] The compaction sensor assembly includes a magnet 354 and a Hall sensor. The Hall sensor is mounted within the container assembly 100. In an alternative embodiment, the Hall sensor may be mounted on the underside of the container assembly 100. The magnet 354 is coupled to the compaction handle 332 so that pivoting of the compaction handle 334 relative to the first compaction handle connector 334 and the second compaction handle connector 336 moves the magnet 354 relative to the Hall sensor. The Hall sensor communicates with the controller 526 of the suction motor 500, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0163] The axial length of the compacting handle assembly 312 is less than the axial length of the first compacting roller 308 and the second compacting roller 310. With the compacting handle assembly 312 positioned relative to the first compacting roller 308 and the second compacting roller 310, and the first compacting roller 308 and the second compacting roller 310 received in the rod receiving aperture 326 of the rear plate 318 of the compacting plate subassembly 302, the compacting handle 332 is spaced rearwardly from the compacting plate subassembly 302.

[0164] The slide assembly 350 is attached to the housing and handle assembly 600 and is Figures 38 to 40 The slide assembly 350 includes a slide body 352 , a slide body cover 354 , a container push rod 356 , and a compression spring 358 .

[0165] The slide body 352 includes a push rod channel 360, a set of slide grooves 362, and a pair of compacting rails 364. The container push rod 356 is received in the push rod channel 360. The set of slide grooves 362 includes two pairs of slide grooves, each pair is located on opposite sides of the push rod channel 360. The slide grooves 362 are received in the container rails 176 of the container assembly 100. More specifically, the slide grooves 362 slide along the container rails 176 during the attachment and removal of the container assembly 100 from the main unit 10. The compacting rails 364 receive the compacting handle assembly 312, which is slidably mounted in the compacting rails 364. More specifically, the compacting handle connectors 334, 336 are received in and slide along the corresponding compacting rails 364.

[0166] The container push rod 356 includes a body portion 370 and a handle portion 372. The body portion 370 is elongated in shape, and one end of the body portion 370 is attached to the handle portion 372. In this example, the body portion 370 and the handle portion 372 are formed integrally. The opposite end of the body portion 370 is wedge-shaped and engages with the container closure buckle 112 when the container assembly 100 is opened. The handle portion 372 protrudes downward from one end of the body portion 370 and is generally semicircular. The container push rod 356 is slidably mounted in the push rod channel 360 of the chute body 352. The chute body 352 includes a protrusion 366, which extends through the elongated slot 374 in the body portion 370. Then, the container push rod 356 can move freely relative to the chute body 352 in the direction of the elongated slot 374. The container push rod 356 can move between a retracted position and an extended position. A compression spring 358 is attached to the container push rod 356 and the chute body 352 and is used to bias the container push rod 356 to the retracted position. By grasping the handle portion 372 and pushing the container push rod 356 in the direction of the container base 102, the container push rod 356 moves to the extended position. In response, the wedge-shaped end of the container push rod 356 engages the container closure buckle 112 to move the container closure buckle to the expanded configuration, and thus releases the container base 102 from the closed position. Then, further movement of the container push rod 356 causes the end of the container push rod 356 to push the container base 102 in a direction away from the container body 110, and thereby moves the container base 102 from the closed position to the open position. Therefore, the container push rod 356 can be regarded as a container opening mechanism, which, when actuated, causes the container closure buckle 112 to release the container base 102, and then pushes the container base 102 from the closed position.

[0167] The chute body cover 354 is attached to the chute body 352 and covers the lower side of the chute body 352 .

[0168] Figures 41 to 46 A secondary separation system 400 is shown including a pneumatic insert 402, an air flow separator 404, a valve assembly 406, a cone assembly 408, a swirl plate 410, and a dirt collector seal 409. The secondary separation system 400 is a cyclonic separation system, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0169] The pneumatic insert 402 is generally semicircular in shape, having a lower end 412 and an upper end 414. The upper end 414 includes a duct lip 416 having a shape and size corresponding to an edge portion 417 of the airflow separator 404.

[0170] Fig.42The air flow separator 404 is shown in detail and includes a separator body 418, a central opening 420, a valve seat 422, an expansion member seat 424, and an outlet orifice 428. The separator body 418 has a first end and a second end. The central opening 420 extends between the first end and the second end.

[0171] The valve seat 422 is annular and is located on the inner surface of the wall defining the central opening 420. The valve seat 422 is defined by a reduced diameter area of ​​the inner surface of the wall of the central opening 420 and is shaped and sized to selectively engage with the valve member 438 of the valve assembly 406, as will be described in more detail below.

[0172] The expansion member seat 424 is also annular and is defined by an upper surface of the inner surface of the wall of the central opening 420. The expansion member seat 424 is shaped and dimensioned to receive the expansion member 440 of the valve assembly 406, as will be described in greater detail below.

[0173] The outlet orifice 428 extends through the separator body and is in fluid communication with the central opening 420 and is located between the valve seat 422 and the expansion member seat 424. The shape, size and location of the outlet orifice 428 are designed to correspond with the cyclone inlets 472 of the second subset 476 of the cyclone bodies 464 of the cone assembly 408. The central opening 420 and the outlet orifice 428 together define an internal flow path through the gas flow separator 404.

[0174] The valve assembly 406 includes a valve member 438 , an expansion member 440 , a sealing unit 442 , a spring 446 , and a valve actuator assembly 448 .

[0175] The valve member 438 is generally conical in shape and includes a stem receiving passage 450 extending rearwardly from the apex of the valve member 438. The stem receiving passage 450 is shaped and dimensioned to receive the end of a connecting rod formed as part of the vortex plate 410. The overall shape and dimension of the valve member 438 is designed to selectively engage the valve seat 422 of the flow separator 404. The valve member 438 is made of a resiliently deformable material, such as rubber.

[0176] The expansion member 440 is hollow and is formed of an elastically deformable material such as rubber. The shape of the expansion member 440 is designed to allow linear expansion and contraction by means of bending, rolling, accordion or other similar effects. The expansion member 440 has a first end connected to the valve member 438 and the sealing unit 442 and a second end connected to the expansion member seat 424.

[0177] The sealing unit 442 includes a central aperture 456 through which the connecting rod 444 extends. The sealing unit 442 is located at the first end of the expansion member 400, inside the first end of the expansion member 440.

[0178] The connecting rod 444 is formed as part of the vortex plate 410, has a generally T-shaped cross-sectional shape, and includes a body portion 458 and a head portion 460. The body portion 458 is elongated in form, and its diameter generally corresponds to the diameter of the rod receiving passage 450 of the valve member 438 and the diameter of the central aperture 456 of the sealing unit 442. In some examples, the body portion 548 may include one or more engagement features, such as splines, for engaging with corresponding splines on either the valve member 438 and the sealing unit 442. The diameter of the head portion 460 is greater than the diameter of the body portion 458.

[0179] The spring 446 is a coil spring that is connected at one end to the head portion of the connecting rod 444 and at the opposite end to the vortex plate 410. In the absence of an applied force, the spring 446 is biased to an expanded configuration.

[0180] like Fig.44 The illustrated valve actuator assembly 448 includes a housing 482 , a blocking member 484 movable within the housing 482 , a coil 486 for selectively moving the blocking member 484 , and first, second, and third airflow paths 488 , 490 , 492 in fluid communication with the housing 482 .

[0181] The blocking member 484 is in the form of a solenoid core. The blocking member 484 is elastically biased by a spring 494 to a position in which the blocking member 484 blocks airflow through the first airflow path 488 and allows airflow through the second airflow path 490 and the third airflow path 492. The blocking member 484 may include a suitable sealing surface. The coil 486 is configured to be energized in response to an operation input by a user so that the blocking member 484 moves. Alternatively, the coil 486 is configured to be automatically energized and respond to a sensor of the device. For example, the coil 486 is configured to be energized according to the output of the piezoelectric sensor 282, which will be described in more detail below. The first airflow path 488 is fluidly connected to a position upstream of the electric motor 502 of the suction motor 500. The second airflow path 490 is fluidly connected to a position downstream of the electric motor 502. It should be understood that the terms "downstream" and "upstream" are relative to the direction of the fluid flowing through the vacuum cleaner in use. The third airflow path 492 is fluidly connected to the expansion member 440. The operation of the valve actuator assembly 448 will be described in greater detail below.

[0182] The valve member 438, expansion member 440, sealing unit 442 and spring 446 of the valve assembly 406 are mainly located in the central opening 420 of the airflow separator 404, wherein the valve member 438 is capable of moving between an expanded position and a contracted position. In the expanded position, the airflow is inhibited from passing through the internal flow path and the outlet orifice 428, and in the contracted position, the airflow is enabled to pass through the internal flow path and the outlet orifice 428 through the valve member, as will be described in more detail below.

[0183] The valve actuator assembly 448 is positioned within the passage 477 of the cone assembly 408 with the housing 482, the blocking member 484 and the coil 486, and the associated first airflow path 488, the second airflow path 490 and the third airflow path 492 are in fluid communication with the above-mentioned corresponding positions. Other positions of the valve actuator assembly 448 are also contemplated.

[0184] The cone assembly 408 includes a single molded body defining a central passage 462, and eleven cyclones 464 arranged about the central passage 462. The central passage 462 is defined by a frustoconical wall. The central passage 462 has a passage inlet defined by the frustoconical wall, and the base of the frustoconical wall defines a duct receiving passage for receiving the duct lip 416 of the pneumatic insert 402. The central passage 462 also receives the air flow separator 404.

[0185] The cyclone bodies 464 are each hollow in form and generally conical in form and are arranged about the central passage 462 so that the cyclone bodies are inclined toward the central axis C of the cone assembly 408. It can be said that each cyclone body 464 has a central cyclone body axis. The cyclone bodies 464 are then inclined so that the cyclone body axes converge toward the central axis C of the cone assembly 408. Each cyclone body 464 has substantially the same form and has a cyclone inlet 472 that is in fluid communication with the central passage 462 when the cone assembly 408 is viewed alone. Each cyclone body 464 has a cyclone dirt outlet 473 facing the central axis C of the cone assembly 408. The cyclone dirt outlet 473 is arranged in a generally U-shape.

[0186] The cyclone bodies 464 are divided into a first subset 474 having six cyclone bodies 464 and a second subset 476 having five cyclone bodies 464. The first subset 474 and the second subset 476 of the cyclone bodies 464 follow one another around the circumference of the cone assembly 408, wherein the cyclone bodies 464 of the first subset 474 appear one after another, and then the cyclone bodies 464 of the second subset 476 appear one after another. The passage 477 is located between the ends of the first subset 474 and the second subset 476 of the cyclone bodies 464. The first subset 474 and the second subset 476 of the cyclone bodies 464 are arranged so that their cyclone inlets 472 are at a common distance along the central axis C of the cone assembly 408.

[0187] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the total number of cyclones 464 and the number of cyclones 464 constituting the first and second subgroups 474 and 476 may vary according to the requirements of the vacuum cleaner 1. In addition, each cyclone 464 may have different sizes and dimensions according to the requirements of the vacuum cleaner 1.

[0188] The cyclone bodies 464 of the first subset 474 are arranged in parallel fluid communication with each other, and the cyclone bodies 464 of the second subset 476 are arranged in parallel fluid communication with each other. As will be discussed in more detail below, in different operating modes of the vacuum cleaner 1, the first subset 474 of cyclone bodies 464 or both the first subset 474 and the second subset 476 of cyclone bodies 464 may be utilized. In the latter configuration, the first subset 474 and the second subset 476 of cyclone bodies 464 are arranged in parallel fluid communication with each other.

[0189] The vortex plate 410 includes a plate body 478, a connecting rod 444, and eleven vortex finders 480. The shape of the plate body 478 is designed to correspond to the top of the cone assembly 408. The vortex finder 480 is suspended from the bottom side of the plate body 478 and includes a hollow tubular member with a central opening extending through the plate body 478. The vortex plate 478 is located at the top of the cone assembly 408 so that each vortex finder 480 extends into a corresponding cyclone body 464 of the cone assembly 408. The vortex finder 480 defines the air outlet of the secondary separation system 400. In some examples, a vortex plate seal 481 is located between the vortex plate 410 and the cone assembly 408 to prevent air flow leakage between the vortex plate 410 and the cone assembly 408.

[0190] Fig.47 A suction motor 500 is schematically shown separately in the figure, which includes an electric motor 502, an impeller 504, a motor can 505 and a diffuser 506. The electric motor 502 includes a stator assembly 508 and a rotor assembly 510. An example of a motor may be the Dyson VI0 digital motor produced and sold by Dyson Technology Co., Ltd. on the filing date of this application. Another example motor is the motor described in British patent publication GB2608832A. In either case, such a stator assembly may include a single-phase stator assembly, although a three-phase stator assembly is also conceivable.

[0191] The stator assembly 508 includes a stator core 512 and windings 514 wound around the stator core 512. It should be understood that a variety of different stator assembly arrangements are contemplated. The rotor assembly 510 includes a shaft 516 and permanent magnets 518 mounted to the shaft 516. The shaft 516 defines an axis of rotation R of the electric motor 502.

[0192] Impeller 504 is mounted to shaft 516 downstream of permanent magnets 518 such that electric motor 502 is an inlet cooled electric motor. Impeller 504 is a mixed flow impeller.

[0193] Motor can 505 defines a housing for electric motor 502 and houses stator assembly 508 and rotor assembly 510. Motor can 505 at least partially defines an inlet passage for electric motor 502 and an outlet passage for electric motor 502, and in some examples at least partially acts as a shroud for impeller 504.

[0194] The diffuser 506 is located downstream of the impeller 504 and includes a radial portion 520 and an axial portion 522. The radial portion 520 is in fluid communication with the outlet of the impeller 504 and extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the shaft 516, and thus substantially orthogonal to the axis of rotation R of the electric motor 502. The axial portion 522 is located downstream of the radial portion 520 and in fluid communication with the radial portion 520. The axial portion 522 extends in a direction substantially parallel to the shaft 516, and thus substantially orthogonal to the axis of rotation R of the electric motor 502. The axial portion 522 extends in a direction away from the impeller 504, toward the end of the shaft 516 opposite to the end of the shaft 516 to which the impeller 504 is mounted. The transition between the radial portion 520 and the axial portion 522 is smooth and in the form of a curve. The radial portion 520 and the axial portion 522 are integrally formed and together define an airflow outlet passage downstream of the impeller 504.

[0195] In this example, the diffuser 506 does not include blades extending into the radial portion 520, but has blades extending into the axial portion 522, although other examples with different blade arrangements are envisioned. The controller 526 of the suction motor 500 is mounted to a control printed circuit board (PCB) 628 of the vacuum cleaner 1.

[0196] Housing and handle components such as Figures 48 to 54 The housing and handle assembly 600 includes a main housing body 602 and a handle portion 700 .

[0197] The main housing body 602 includes eleven cyclone parts 606 , an outer wall 608 , an inner wall 610 , a motor inlet passage or first passage 612 , an inner housing portion 614 , a motor outlet passage or second passage 616 , and first and second housing outlets 618 , 620 .

[0198] The cyclone elements 606 are each tubular, curved and hollow in form and are in fluid communication with the motor inlet passage 610. The cyclone elements 606 thereby at least partially define an outlet of the secondary separation system 400. Each cyclone outlet 606 has substantially the same shape and size.

[0199] The outer wall 608 is curved and generally cylindrical. The outer wall 608 defines the outer surface of the main housing body 602.

[0200] The inner wall 610 is also curved and generally cylindrical, with a curvature generally matching the curvature of the outer wall 608. The inner wall 610 has a shorter axial extension than the outer wall 608, such that the outer wall 608 overhangs the inner wall 610 at its downstream end.

[0201] The motor inlet passage 612 is a generally annular passage including an upstream end 622 and a downstream end 624. The upstream end 622 is defined by the outer wall 608 and the inner wall 610, while the downstream end 624 is defined by a depending portion of the outer wall 608 and a pre-filter subassembly 648 of the filter assembly 604, as described below. The motor inlet passage 612 is located radially outward of the main housing body 602.

[0202] The inner housing portion 614 is generally cylindrical and hollow in form, and the curved surface of the inner housing portion includes a plurality of inlet apertures 626. The inner housing portion is located at the upstream end of the motor can 505, between the motor can 505 and the motor inlet passage 612. Mounted to the inner housing portion 614 are a control printed circuit board (PCB) 628, a user interface PCB 630, a user interface 632, and an end cap 634. The control printed circuit board (PCB) 628, the user interface PCB 630 form a PCB assembly 627.

[0203] The control PCB 628 is mounted inside the inner housing portion 614 and comprises first and second orthogonal portions, such that the control PCB 628 is generally T-shaped. The control PCB 628 is located in the region of the inlet aperture 626. Various electronic components (e.g. one or more processors for controlling the vacuum cleaner 1) are mounted on the control PCB.

[0204] The user interface PCB 630 is mounted within the inner housing portion 614 and is generally circular. The user interface PCB 630 is further away from the electric motor 502 of the suction motor 500 than the control PCB 628. The user interface PCB 630 is mounted in an area of ​​the inner housing portion that does not include the inlet orifice 626. The user interface PCB 630 is electrically connected to the control PCB 628.

[0205] The user interface 632 includes a display screen 636, and a first button 638 and a second button 640. The display screen is configured to present information to a user of the vacuum cleaner 1 in use. The first button 638 and the second button 640 can be pressed by the user and can be used to turn on the vacuum cleaner 1 and / or switch between different operating modes of the vacuum cleaner 1, as will be discussed in more detail below.

[0206] The end cap 634 is generally circular in form and is mounted to an end of the inner housing portion 614 that is away from the electric motor 502. The end cap 634 has a through hole through which the first button 638 and the second button 640 can pass and through which the electrical connection of the display screen 636 can pass. The display screen 636 is mounted to the end cap 634 so that the display screen 636 covers the through hole.

[0207] The motor outlet passage 616 is generally annular in form and is located downstream of the axial portion 522 of the diffuser 506 of the suction motor 500. The motor outlet passage 616 is defined by a radial extension 611 of the inner wall 610, the motor canister 505, and the post-filter subassembly 650 of the filter assembly 604. The motor outlet passage 616 is located radially inward of the motor inlet passage 612.

[0208] The first housing outlet 618 and the second housing outlet 620 are located on opposite sides of the main housing body 602 and are each defined by a series of discrete, spaced-apart channels 644. The channel is defined by a tube extending from an annular passage 645 downstream of the post-filter 650 to the first housing outlet 618 and the second housing outlet 620. It will be appreciated that the tube need not necessarily have a circular cross-sectional shape or, in fact, a uniform cross-section along its length. The channel 644 is in fluid communication with the motor outlet passage 616 and extends through the motor inlet passage 612 and then discharges to the surrounding external environment of the vacuum cleaner 1. In this way, the motor inlet passage 612 can surround the channel 644. Specifically, the tube defining the channel 644 can extend through the motor inlet passage 612 so that the motor inlet passage 612 surrounds the tube. This can be achieved in a manner that is convenient to the operator. Fig.50 as seen in the cross-sectional view.

[0209] The first housing outlet 618 and the second housing outlet 620 are located approximately midway along the axial length of the main housing body 602 .

[0210] The handle portion 700 includes a main handle body 702 , a protective body 704 , and a battery connecting body 706 .

[0211] The main handle body 702 is integrally formed with and protrudes outwardly from the outer wall 608 of the main housing body 602 of the housing and handle assembly 600. The main handle body 702 extends from a first end 710 proximate to the outer wall 608 to a second end 712 distal from the outer wall 608. The first end 710 of the main handle body 702 extends from the outer wall 608 at an area axially located between the cyclone outlet 608 and the first housing outlet 614 and the second housing outlet 616 of the main housing body 602.

[0212] The main handle body 702 is hollow and houses electrical connections and battery terminal connections 714 for connecting to a battery connector 812 of the battery assembly 800, as described in further detail below. The main handle body 702 is shaped and sized to receive the battery connector therein.

[0213] The shape and size of the main handle body 702 are designed to facilitate the user to grasp with one hand when in use. When observed on a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis M of the main handle body 702, the main handle body 702 has a substantially oblong cross-sectional shape. The maximum width of the cross-sectional shape of the main handle body 702 extends in a direction substantially parallel to the axis 516 of the rotor assembly 510 of the suction motor 500. The main handle body 702 is at an inclined angle relative to the outer wall 608 of the main housing body 602.

[0214] The shield body 704 has a generally oblong cross-sectional shape, wherein the long axis of the oblong cross-sectional shape of the shield body 704 is arranged generally orthogonal relative to the long axis of the oblong shape of the main handle body 702. The shield body 704 has a first end 716 proximate to the outer wall 608 of the main housing body 602, and a second end 718 distal to the outer wall 608 of the main housing body 602.

[0215] The shield 704 is spaced apart from the main handle body 702. The spacing between the main handle body 702 and the shield 704 is substantially constant along the length of the main handle body 702. The shield 704 is located in front of the main handle body 702, and the shield 704 is closer to the primary separation system 200 and the secondary separation system 400 than the main handle body 702.

[0216] The battery connector 706 extends between the main handle body 702 and the shield body 704 and includes a hook 720 for engaging with a corresponding snap member 814 of the battery pack release mechanism 806 .

[0217] The battery assembly 800 includes a battery pack housing 802, seven battery cells 804, and a battery pack release mechanism 806. The battery pack housing 802 includes a cell housing portion 808 and a terminal housing portion 810. The shape and size of the cell housing portion 808 are designed to accommodate the battery cells 804. The lower surface of the cell housing portion 808 is substantially planar. The front end of the cell housing portion 808 includes a charging port 809 for receiving an electrical connector for charging the battery cells 804. The terminal housing portion 810 protrudes outwardly from the cell housing portion 808 and accommodates a battery connector 812 for connecting to a battery terminal connector 714 of the main handle body 702. The shape of the terminal housing portion 810 is designed to be received within the second end 712 of the main handle body 702.

[0218] Battery cell 804 is a cylindrical lithium-ion cell.

[0219] The battery pack release mechanism 806 includes a catch member 814 and a push button 816. The catch member 814 is resilient so that when the user moves the push button 816, the catch member 814 moves.

[0220] Figures 55 to 61 Filter assembly 604 is shown alone. Filter assembly 604 includes cap assembly 646, pre-filter subassembly 648, and post-filter subassembly 650.

[0221] The cap assembly 646 includes a cap body 652, a cap seal 654, and a first magnet 656 and a second magnet 658. The cap body 652 includes a side wall 660 and an end wall 662. The side wall 660 is generally annular and has a diameter that substantially corresponds to the diameter of the outer wall 608 of the main housing body 602. The end of the side wall 660 away from the end wall 662 tapers slightly outward. The end wall 662 is generally circular in form and includes a through hole 664. The shape and size of the through hole 664 substantially correspond to the shape and size of the display screen, so that the display screen can be seen through the through hole 662 when the filter assembly 604 is mounted to the main housing body 602.

[0222] The side wall 660 and the end wall 662 together define a chamber 666 for receiving a portion of the pre-filter subassembly 648. A locating wall 668 extends from the end wall 662 to the chamber 666. The locating wall 668 is annular in form and is sized to substantially correspond to the end of the inner housing portion 614. The locating wall 668 includes a recess 670 for receiving the first magnet 656 and the second magnet 658. The cap seal 654 is annular in form and is located around the locating wall 668 and engages with the end of the inner housing portion 614 when the filter assembly 604 is mounted to the main housing body 602.

[0223] The side wall 660 includes first and second locating tabs 674 that cooperate with corresponding features on the end of the inner housing portion 614 to releasably attach the filter assembly 604 to the main housing body 602. In some examples, the corresponding features are located at the end of the outer wall 608 away from the cyclone outlet 608, the end being tapered, and relative rotation between the cap assembly 646 and the outer wall 608 can establish and / or release the connection between the filter assembly 604 and the main housing body 602.

[0224] The pre-filter subassembly 648 includes a pre-filter frame 678 , a pre-filter media 680 , a first outer seal 682 , a second outer seal 684 , and an inner seal 686 .

[0225] The pre-filter frame 678 is generally cylindrical in form, having a frame sidewall 688, a first open end 690, and a second open end 692. A connecting protrusion 694 extends axially away from the second open end 692. The second open end 692 includes an annular channel 683, the inner periphery of which is defined by the connecting protrusion 694. The annular channel 683 extends radially inward from the outer diameter of the frame sidewall 688. The frame sidewall 688 includes a plurality of pre-filter inlet apertures 696, each of which is generally rectangular. The diameter of the frame sidewall 688 is less than the diameter of the sidewall 660 of the cap body 650 of the cap assembly 646.

[0226] The pre-filter medium 680 is formed of multiple layers of filter media, including a layer of scrim or mesh material, a layer of nonwoven filter media (e.g., wool), followed by another layer of scrim or mesh material. If desired, an electrostatic filter medium may also be included. The pre-filter medium 680 is arranged in an annular manner around the outer surface of the frame side wall 688 so that the pre-filter medium 680 covers the pre-filter inlet orifice 696. The pre-filter medium 680 is in a non-pleated form.

[0227] The first outer seal 682 is generally annular in form and is shaped and sized to fit around the first open end 690 of the pre-filter frame 678. The first outer seal 682 is configured to seal against the inner surface of the outer wall 608 of the main housing body 602 when the filter assembly 604 is attached to the main housing body 602.

[0228] The second outer seal 684 is generally annular in form and is shaped and sized to fit around the outer surface of the second open end 692 of the pre-filter frame 678. The second outer seal 684 is configured to seal against the inner surface of the inner wall 610 of the main housing body 602 when the filter assembly 604 is attached to the main housing body 602.

[0229] The rear filter subassembly 650 includes a rear filter frame 698, a rear filter media 699, and a face seal 697. The rear filter frame 698 includes a frame sidewall 695, a frame lip 693, a first open end 691, and a second open end 689. A connection recess 687 is formed in the first open end 691 of the rear filter frame 698, and the shape and size of the connection recess 687 are designed to receive the connection protrusion of the pre-filter frame 678.

[0230] The frame sidewall 695 of the rear filter frame 698 includes a plurality of rear filter outlet apertures 685 each of which is generally rectangular in form. The diameter of the frame sidewall 695 of the rear filter frame 698 is smaller than the diameter of the frame sidewall 688 of the pre-filter frame 678 .

[0231] The frame lip 693 defines a rear filter medium receiving channel 681 at the second open end 689 of the rear filter frame 698. The rear filter medium receiving channel 681 is shaped and sized to receive the end of the rear filter medium 699. The outer diameter of the rear filter medium receiving channel 681 substantially corresponds to the outer diameter of the frame sidewall 688 of the pre-filter frame 678. The rear filter medium 699 is formed of any suitable filter material or combination of materials commonly found in post-motor filters. In this embodiment, the post-motor filter medium 699 is formed of a pleated HEPA standard filter medium. The rear filter medium 699 is annularly arranged around the outer surface of the frame sidewall 695 of the rear filter frame 698, so that the rear filter medium 699 covers the rear filter outlet orifice 685. The rear filter medium 699 is in the form of pleats. The rear filter medium 699 is received in the frame lip 693 of the rear filter frame 698 and the annular channel 683 of the pre-filter frame 678.

[0232] The face seal 697 is generally annular in form. The shape and size of the face seal 697 are designed to fit around the second open end 689 of the rear filter frame 698. The face seal 697 is configured to seal against the radial extension 611 of the inner wall 610 of the main housing body 602 when the filter assembly 604 is attached to the main housing body 602.

[0233] When the filter assembly 604 is assembled, as shown in FIG. Fig.56 As shown in the cross-section of , the pre-filter medium 680 is axially located between the rear filter medium 699 and the cap assembly 464 , and the pre-filter medium 680 is also positioned radially outward relative to the rear filter medium 699 .

[0234] Figures 62 to 67 The rod 1000 is shown in isolation. The rod 1000 includes an inner wall 1002, an outer wall 1004, a first connection cuff portion 1006, a second connection cuff portion 1008, a connection release mechanism 1010, a cleaning nozzle 1012, and a rod electrical connector 1013.

[0235] The inner wall 1002 is generally cylindrical in shape. The inner wall 1002 is shaped and sized to receive the base nozzle 118 of the container base 102 therein. The inner wall 1002 extends between the first connection cuff portion 1006 and the second connection cuff portion 1008. The inner surface of the inner wall 1002 defines a rod flow path, wherein the inner surface is substantially smooth and uninterrupted in form.

[0236] The outer wall 1004 is generally cylindrical and extends between the first connecting cuff portion 1006 and the second connecting cuff portion 1008. The outer surface of the outer wall 1004 defines the outer surface of the rod 100. The inner surface of the outer wall 1004 and the outer surface of the inner wall 1002 together define a hollow chamber 1016.

[0237] The first connecting cuff 1006 is located at a first end 1018 of the rod 1000 , and the second connecting cuff 1008 is located at a second end 1020 of the rod 1000 opposite the first end 1018 of the rod 1000 .

[0238] The first connection cuff 1006 includes a rod snap 1022, a contact member 1024, and a first connection cuff electrical connector 1026. The rod snap 1022 includes a biasing hook 1027 for releasably engaging the locking projection 135 of the base nozzle 118 of the container assembly 100. The first connection cuff 1006 is shaped and sized to extend around the cylindrical cover portion 168 when the rod 1000 is connected to the main unit 10. The contact member 1024 is defined by a generally planar end surface of the first connection cuff 1006. The contact member 1024 is shaped to engage with the rod abutment portion 152 of the container assembly, as will be described in more detail below. The first connection cuff electrical connector 1026 is configured to engage with the electrical connector 238 of the primary separation system 200 when the rod 1000 is connected to the main unit 10. The first connection cuff electrical connector 1026 is located at a position diametrically opposite to the rod snap 1022.

[0239] The second connection cuff 1008 includes a cleaner head connection portion 1028 and a second connection cuff electrical connector 1030. The shape and size of the cleaner head connection portion 1028 are designed to receive a portion of the cleaner head buckle 1124 of the cleaner head 1100 therein, as will be described in more detail below. The cleaner head connection portion 1028 is located on the same side of the rod 1000 as the rod buckle 1022 of the first connection cuff 1006. The second connection cuff electrical connector 1030 is configured to engage with the electrical connection member of the cleaner head 1100. The second connection cuff electrical connector is located on the opposite side of the second connection cuff 1008 from the cleaner head connection portion 1028 and is located on the same side of the rod 1000 as the first connection cuff electrical connector 1026.

[0240] The connection release mechanism 1010 includes a user-actuatable collar or portion 1032, a connection cable 1034, a pulley 1036, a first rocker 1038, a second rocker 1039, a disconnect wedge or connection disconnection member 1040, a first push member 1042, and a second push member 1045. The user-actuatable collar 1032 is positioned about the first connection cuff portion 1006 and the outer wall 1004 at the first end 1018 of the rod 1000. The user-actuatable collar 1032 is slidably mounted so that the user-actuatable collar 1032 can move from a first position relative to the first connection cuff portion 1006 to a second position relative to the first connection cuff portion 1006. The first position is closer to the free end of the first end 1018 of the rod 1000, and movement of the user-actuatable collar 1032 in a direction toward the second end 1020 of the rod 1000 moves the user-actuatable collar from the first position to the second position and vice versa. In some examples, the user-actuable collar 1032 can be biased toward the first position by a spring or the like.

[0241] The connecting cable 1034 is made of steel. Alternatively, the connecting cable may be made of any other suitable metal wire, braided wire, plastic wire, or any other suitable material. A first end of the connecting cable 1034 is connected to the user-actuated collar 1032, and a second end 1046 of the connecting cable 1034 opposite the first end 1044 of the connecting cable 1034 is connected to the disconnect wedge 1040. The connecting cable 1034 is housed in a hollow chamber between the inner wall 1002 and the outer wall 1004 of the pole 1000.

[0242] The pulley 1036 is rotatably mounted within the first connection cuff housing 1035 of the rod 1000, which houses a portion of the actuable collar 1032. The pulley 1036 defines a surface on which the connection cable 1034 is looped between the first end and the second end. The rotational pulley axis P of the pulley 1036 extends substantially orthogonal to the central longitudinal rod axis W.

[0243] The first rocker 1038 is pivotally mounted between the inner wall 1002 and the second connecting cuff housing 1037 in an area proximate the second connecting cuff 1008 and includes a first rocker arm 1048 and a second rocker arm 1050. The pivotal mounting of the first rocker 1038 enables the first rocker 1038 to rotate about a rocker axis parallel to the rotating pulley axis P and orthogonal to the central longitudinal rod axis W. The pivotal mounting of the first rocker 1038 is located approximately 90 degrees around the circumference of the rod 1000 from the connecting cable 1034.

[0244] The first rocker arm 1048 of the first rocker 1038 extends toward the break wedge 1040 on a first side of the rocker axis such that a free end of the first rocker arm 1048 of the first rocker 1038 is aligned with the break wedge 1040 in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal rod axis W. The second rocker arm 1050 of the first rocker 1038 extends toward the first push member 1042 on a second side of the rocker axis opposite to the first side of the rocker axis such that a free end of the second rocker arm 1050 of the first rocker 1038 is aligned with the first push member 1042 in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal rod axis W.

[0245] The second rocker 1039 is pivotally mounted between the inner wall 1002 and the second connection cuff housing 1037, in a region proximate to the second connection cuff 1008, and includes a first rocker arm 1041 and a second rocker arm 1043. The pivotal mounting of the second rocker 1039 enables the second rocker 1039 to rotate about a rocker axis parallel to the rotating pulley axis P and orthogonal to the central longitudinal rod axis W. The pivotal mounting of the second rocker 1039 is located approximately 90 degrees around the circumference of the rod 1000 from the connection cable 1034, and enables the second rocker 1039 to be located on the rod 1000 at a position diametrically opposite to the first rocker 1038.

[0246] The first rocker arm 1041 of the second rocker 1039 extends toward the break wedge 1040 on a first side of the rocker axis, such that a free end of the first rocker arm 1041 of the second rocker 1041 is aligned with the break wedge 1040 in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal rod axis W. The second rocker arm 1043 of the second rocker 1039 extends toward the second push member 1045 on a second side of the rocker axis (opposite to the first side of the rocker axis), such that a free end of the second rocker arm 1043 of the second rocker 1039 is aligned with the second push member 1045 in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal rod axis W.

[0247] The disconnect wedge 1040 includes a body portion 1052 and a protruding wedge 1054. The body portion 1052 is shaped and sized to be located below the cleaner head connection portion of the second connection cuff 1008. The body portion 1052 has a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The first end of the body portion 1052 is connected to the second end of the connection cable 1034. In some examples, the body portion 1056 is overmolded to the second end of the connection cable 1034. The first end is aligned with the free ends of the first rocker arm 1048 of the first rocker 1038 and the first rocker arm 1041 of the second rocker 1039 in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal rod axis W.

[0248] The protruding wedge 1054 protrudes outwardly from the body portion 1052 and extends from the central region of the body portion toward the second end 1058 of the body portion 1052. The protruding wedge 1054 is angled such that the height of the protruding wedge 1054 increases relative to the body portion 1052 in a direction from the central region of the body portion 1052 to the second end 1058 of the body portion 1052.

[0249] The first push member 1042 is generally cylindrical in form and is mounted between the inner wall 1002 of the rod 1000 and the second connection cuff housing 1037 through a first sliding channel 1060 so that the first push member 1042 can slide in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal rod axis W. The first push member 1042 can slide within the first sliding channel 1060 so that the first end 1062 of the first push member 1042 can move past the end of the second connection cuff 1008. The first push member 1042 includes a first abutment portion 1064 that can abut against the wall of the first sliding channel 1060 to inhibit a second end 1066 of the first push member 1042, opposite to the first end 1062, from leaving the rod 1000 via the end of the second connection cuff 1008. The first push member 1042 is located closer to the side of the rod 1000 corresponding to the second connection cuff electrical connector 1030 than the cleaner head connection portion 1028.

[0250] The second push member 1045 is generally cylindrical in form and is mounted between the inner wall 1002 of the rod 1000 and the second connection cuff housing 1037 via a second sliding channel 1068 such that the second push member 1045 can slide in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal rod axis W. The second push member 1045 is located on the opposite side of the rod 1000 from the first push member 1042. The second push member 1045 can slide within the second sliding channel 1068 such that a first end 1070 of the second push member 1045 can move past the end of the second connection cuff 1008. The second push member 1045 includes a second abutment portion 1072 that can abut against a wall of the second sliding channel 1068 to inhibit a second end 1074 of the second push member 1045, opposite to the first end 1070 of the second push member 1045, from leaving the rod 1000 via the end of the second connection cuff 1008. The second pushing member 1045 is located closer to the side of the rod 1000 corresponding to the second connection cuff electrical connector 1030 than the cleaner head connecting portion 1028. In some examples, when the cleaner head 1100 is connected to the second end 1020 of the rod 1000, each of the first pushing member 1042 and the second pushing member 1045 is biased away from the cleaner head 1100.

[0251] The cleaning nozzle 1012 extends from the second connection cuff portion 1008 along the central longitudinal rod axis W in a direction away from the first connection cuff portion 1006. The cleaning nozzle 1012 has substantially the same shape and size as the base nozzle 118 of the container assembly 100.

[0252] The cleaning nozzle 1012 is hollow in form so that the cleaning nozzle 1012 defines a rod airflow inlet 1076 into the rod 1000. The cleaning nozzle 1012 has a generally or substantially circular cross-sectional profile when viewed on a plane orthogonal to the central longitudinal rod axis W or on a plane orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis of the nozzle 1012. The size of the cleaning nozzle 1012 enables the cleaning nozzle 1012 to be received within the neck portion 1104 of the cleaner head 1100, as will be discussed in more detail below. In some examples, the cleaning nozzle 1012 may be oblong.

[0253] The profile of the free end of the cleaning nozzle 1012 remote from the second connecting cuff 1008 is such that the free end of the cleaning nozzle 1012 includes a flat portion 1080 and an angled portion 1082. The flat portion 1080 extends in a direction corresponding to the radial direction of the rod 1000, while the angled portion 1082 extends obliquely relative to the flat portion 1080. The profile of the free end 1078 of the cleaning nozzle 1012 thus results in the cleaning nozzle 1012 having different axial lengths, which are measured in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal rod axis W of the rod 1000. The free end 1078 of the cleaning nozzle 1012 includes a plurality of exhaust holes 1079 extending through the wall of the free end 1078 of the cleaning nozzle 1012.

[0254] The cleaning nozzle 1012 is configured to be coupled to the cleaner head 1100. The outer surface of the cleaning nozzle 1012 includes four tapered ribs 1084. The shapes and sizes of the four tapered ribs 1084 are each designed to be received in a corresponding rib receiving channel 1128, which is formed on the inner surface of the movable conduit 1118 of the neck portion 1104 of the cleaner head 1100, as will be discussed in more detail below. In other examples, the outer surface of the cleaning nozzle 1012 may include more or less than four tapered ribs 1084, such as at least one. The ribs 1084 taper so that the width of the ribs 1084 decreases in a direction away from the container 110. The ribs 1084 and the rib receiving channel 1128 are respectively cooperative features that cooperate to guide the movement of the cleaner head 1100 relative to the rod 1000, and in particular the movement of the cleaner head 1100 away from the rod 1000 during the disconnection of the cleaner head 1100 from the rod 1000.

[0255] The pole electrical connector 1013 includes three electrical cables 1086 extending between a first connection cuff electrical connector 1026 of the first connection cuff 1006 and a second connection cuff electrical connector 1030 of the second connection cuff 1008. The electrical cables 1086 are disposed within a hollow chamber 1016 between the inner wall 1002 and the outer wall 1004 of the pole 1000. The electrical cables 1086 begin and end in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal pole axis W aligned with the first connection cuff electrical connector 1026 and the second connection cuff electrical connector 1030, but at circumferentially spaced locations within the hollow chamber 1016 that are generally aligned with the second rocker 1039 in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal pole axis W. In this manner, the electrical cables 1086 are circumferentially spaced about 90 degrees from the connection cables 1034 around the pole 1000.

[0256] Figure 68 to Figure 69 A cleaner head 1100 is shown. The cleaner head comprises a main cleaner head housing 1102 and a neck portion 1104.

[0257] The main cleaner head housing 1102 is generally hollow and includes an internal chamber 1106. The base of the main cleaner head housing 1102 includes an airflow inlet. The brush bar and the drive motor are located in the chamber, and the drive motor is configured to drive the brush bar to rotate in the chamber.

[0258] The neck portion 1104 extends outwardly from the main cleaner head housing 1102 and includes a fixed duct 1116 , a movable duct 1118 , a first wheel 1120 and a second wheel 1122 , a cleaner head buckle 1124 and a cleaner head electrical connector 1125 .

[0259] The fixed duct 1116 extends outward from the main cleaner head housing 1102 and is generally hollow and cylindrical in form. The fixed duct 1116 is fixed relative to the main cleaner head housing 1102 and defines the airflow outlet of the main cleaner head housing 1102. The movable duct 1118 is generally hollow in form and is movably mounted relative to the fixed duct 1116. The movable duct 1118 has a free end 1126 away from the fixed duct 1116, and four rib receiving channels 1128 are located on the inner surface of the free end 1126. The shape and size of each rib receiving channel 1128 are each designed to receive a corresponding one of the four tapered ribs 1084 of the outer surface of the cleaning nozzle 1012 of the rod 1000. The shape and size of the free end 1126 of the movable duct 1118 are designed to cover the cleaning nozzle 1012 of the rod 1000 when the cleaner head 1100 is connected to the rod 1000. The inner surface of the free end 1126 of the movable duct 1118 is configured to cover the exhaust hole 1079 so that when the cleaner head 1100 is connected to the pole 1000, air flow through the exhaust hole 1079 is suppressed.

[0260] The first wheel 1120 and the second wheel 1222 are rotatably mounted to the movable duct 1118 and facilitate movement of the cleaner head 1100 over a surface when in use.

[0261] The cleaner head buckle 1124 is located at the free end 1126 of the movable conduit 1118 and includes a resiliently biased hook portion and a ramp surface. The resiliently biased hook portion is shaped and dimensioned to engage with the cleaner head connection portion 1028 of the second connection cuff 1008 of the rod 1000, thereby holding the cleaner head 1100 and the rod 1000 in position relative to each other. The ramp surface is shaped and dimensioned to selectively engage with the protruding wedge 1054 of the disconnect wedge 1040 to move the position of the resiliently biased hook portion.

[0262] The cleaner head electrical connector 1125 is located at the free end 1126 of the movable conduit 1118 and is located diametrically opposite to the cleaner head buckle 1124. The cleaner head electrical connector 1125 is releasably connected to the second connection cuff electrical connector 1030 to enable electrical power and control commands to be transmitted to the drive motor 1114.

[0263] Fig.70 and 71 The main unit 10 is shown in a vertical orientation.

[0264] When the main unit 10 is arranged vertically, the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 extends vertically. The central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 is coaxial with the central longitudinal axis 119 of the base nozzle 118. The container assembly 100 extends annularly around the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10, and in this example, the container assembly 100 has a central longitudinal axis coaxial with the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10.

[0265] The container push rod 356 is able to slide in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. The hinge axis 123 of the container base 102 extends in a direction substantially orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis 19, and is therefore substantially orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis 119 of the base nozzle 118. The hinge axis 123 is located on the side of the container assembly 100 opposite to the slide assembly 350, so that the container base 102 can be opened in a direction pivoted away from the slide assembly 350.

[0266] The fabric hinge 148 defines a pivot axis about which the inlet valve member 146 pivots between its open and closed positions. The pivot axis of the fabric hinge 148 is substantially parallel to the hinge axis 123 of the container base 102. In this vertical orientation, the inlet valve member 146 pivots to the closed position and thereby prevents dirt collected in the chamber 105 of the container assembly 100 from escaping through the base nozzle 118.

[0267] The primary separation system 200 is positioned such that the first core section 212 is located within the container housing 174 of the container assembly 100. The first core section 212 is offset from the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 and, therefore, also from the central axis 19 of the container nozzle 118. The central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10, similar to the central axis of the container nozzle 118, extends through the airflow channel 220 defined by the first core section 212 and the primary filter 204, such that the first core section 212 and the primary filter 204 partially surround the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10.

[0268] In this vertical orientation, the U-shaped groove of the first core portion 212 faces the front of the container assembly 100 on which the container hinge portion 175 is formed.

[0269] The primary filter 204 is located above the primary outlet passage 226, with the insert 274 located behind the peripheral edge of the mesh 270 of the primary filter 204. The upstream surface of the primary filter 204 faces the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10, and therefore the central axis 119 of the container nozzle 118. Again, in this vertical orientation, the slot of the primary filter 204 faces the front of the container assembly 100, and the container hinge portion 175 is formed on the container assembly 100. The primary filter 204 extends away from the airflow inlet 134 in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10, and therefore extends in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis 119 of the base nozzle 118.

[0270] The impact area 280 of the dirt detection assembly 210 is located between the airflow inlet 134 and the primary filter 204, and the inlet valve member 146 is partially located above the impact area 280 when the inlet valve member 146 is in the open configuration.

[0271] The first auxiliary filter 206 and the second auxiliary filter 208 are positioned such that in the vertical orientation, the first auxiliary filter 206 and the second auxiliary filter 208 are positioned toward the bottom end of the container assembly 100. The upstream outer surfaces of the first auxiliary filter 206 and the second auxiliary filter 208 face in a direction generally opposite to the primary filter 204, wherein the upstream surfaces of the first auxiliary filter 206 and the second auxiliary filter 208 face the rear of the container assembly, and thus in a direction toward the chute assembly 350. The first auxiliary filter 206 and the second auxiliary filter 208 are spaced apart from each other around the convex surface of the first core portion 212, and therefore are also spaced apart within the cavity 105 of the container assembly 100.

[0272] The primary outlet passage 226 extends in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 and thus parallel to the central axis 119 of the container nozzle 118, but radially spaced from the central longitudinal axes 19, 119. The primary outlet passage 226 is in fluid communication with the chamber 105 of the container assembly 100 via the primary filter 204.

[0273] The first auxiliary outlet channel 234 and the second auxiliary outlet channel 236 are located within the first core portion 212 such that when the main unit 10 is held upright, the first auxiliary outlet channel 234 and the second auxiliary outlet channel 236 are positioned closer to the rear of the container assembly 100 than the primary outlet channel 226. The first connecting channel 240 and the second connecting channel 242 extend between the corresponding first auxiliary outlet channel 234 and the second auxiliary outlet channel 236 and the primary outlet channel 226, respectively, and fluidly connect the first auxiliary outlet channel 234 and the second auxiliary outlet channel 236 and the primary outlet channel 226.

[0274] The first dirt collection chamber 228 and the second dirt collection chamber 230 extend longitudinally along the entire length of the first core portion 212, and therefore along the entire length of the container assembly 100. The first dirt collection chamber 228 and the second dirt collection chamber 230 are located radially further from the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 than the primary outlet channel 206.

[0275] The hidden passage 232 extends longitudinally along the entire length of the first core portion 212, and therefore along the entire length of the container assembly 100. The hidden passage 232 is located farther in the radial direction from the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 than the primary outlet passage 206. The hidden passage 232 is closer to the rear of the container assembly 100 than the primary outlet passage 226.

[0276] The electrical connector 238 of the primary separation system 200 is located at the end of the concealed passage 232 proximate the airflow inlet 134 and extends through the plate aperture 122 .

[0277] The second core section 214 is located at the end of the first core section 212 that is distal to the airflow inlet 134. The end wall 244 of the second core section 214 extends across substantially the entire inner diameter of the container body 110, with the annular container body seal 250 forming a fluid seal against the inner surface of the container body 110. The container release catch 252 is located within the catch recess so that the container release catch is located on the same side of the container body 110 as the hinged connection between the container base 102 and the container body 110.

[0278] The compaction plate subassembly 302 of the compaction assembly 300 is positioned within the container shell 174 such that the first core portion 212 is received within the front plate through-hole 322. The compaction plate subassembly 302 is positioned adjacent to the container plate 244 of the second core portion 214, wherein the compaction plate subassembly 302 is positioned closer to the airflow inlet 134 than the container plate 244. A front flange 324 of the front plate 314 of the compaction plate subassembly 302 extends from the front plate 314 in a direction toward the airflow inlet 134. The front flange 324 is positioned below the viewing channel 232 of the first core portion 212 such that the front flange 324 is positioned toward the side of the container shell 174 closest to the chute assembly 350.

[0279] The wick wiping member 304 extends around the periphery of the first wick portion 212 away from the air inlet so that the wick wiping member 304 is not above the primary filter 204. The container wiping member 306 extends around and contacts the inner surface of the container shell 174.

[0280] The first and second compacting handle connectors 334, 336 are aligned with and slidably mounted on the compacting rails 364 of the handle assembly 312, such that the first compacting handle 334 slides along the first compacting rail and the second compacting handle slides along the second compacting rail. The first and second compacting handle connectors 334, 336 are substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit, and therefore parallel to the central axis B of the container housing 174. The first and second compacting rollers 308, 310 extend through the passage 477 of the cone assembly 408 of the secondary separation system 400.

[0281] The compacting handle 332 of the compacting handle assembly 312 is slidably received in the chute assembly 350 such that the compacting handle 332 protrudes downward from the chute assembly 350. The compacting handle 332 extends outwardly from the chute assembly 350 to a greater extent than the handle portion 372 of the container push rod 356.

[0282] Fig.51The relative arrangement between the compacting handle 332, the handle portion 372 of the handle portion 365 of the container push rod 356, and the main handle body 702 and the shield 704 of the handle portion 700 is shown. The shield 704 is positioned closer to the air flow inlet 134 than the main handle body 702 in a direction measured parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit. The handle portion 372 of the container push rod 356 is closer to the air flow inlet 134 in a direction measured parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 than the shield 704. The compacting handle 332 is positioned closer to the air flow inlet 134 in a direction measured parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 than the handle portion 372 of the container push rod 356. The front plate 314 is closer to the air flow inlet 134 in a direction measured parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 than the compacting handle.

[0283] The secondary separation system 400 is located downstream of the primary separation system 200, wherein the pneumatic insert 402 of the secondary separation system 400 is in fluid communication with the outlet passage 256 of the second core portion 214 of the primary separation system 200. The airflow separator 404 is located downstream of the pneumatic insert 402, wherein the valve member 438 and the expansion member 440 are located within the central opening 420 of the airflow separator 404. The connecting rod 444 of the vortex plate 410 is located so that it extends in an axial direction along the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10, and so that the expansion member 440 and the valve member 438 extend around the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 and can move axially along the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10.

[0284] like Fig.46 As shown, the airflow to the cyclone inlets 472 of the first subset 474 of the cyclone bodies 464 is not inhibited by the valve assembly 406, as shown in FIG. Fig.46 (a) is indicated by an arrow through the central passage 462. When the valve assembly 406 is actuated, the airflow to the cyclone inlets 472 of the second subset 476 of cyclone bodies 464 travels through the outlet aperture 428 of the airflow separator 404.

[0285] The cyclonic dirt outlets 473 of the first subset 474 of cyclone bodies 464 are in fluid communication with the first dirt transfer passage 258 of the second core section 214 of the primary separation system 200 , and hence also with the first dirt collection chamber 228 of the first core section 212 of the primary separation system 200 .

[0286] The cyclonic dirt outlets 473 of the second subset 476 of cyclone bodies 464 are in fluid communication with the second dirt transfer passage 260 of the second core section 214 of the primary separation system 200 , and hence also with the second dirt collection chamber 230 of the first core section 212 of the primary separation system 200 .

[0287] The vortex finder 480 of the vortex plate 410 extends into the cyclone body 464 of the cone assembly 408, defines the air outlet of the secondary separation system 400, and is in fluid communication with the cyclone part 606 of the housing and handle assembly 600. The motor inlet passage 612 extends downstream of the cyclone outlet in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 away from the air flow inlet 134.

[0288] The suction motor 500 is positioned within the interior housing portion 614 of the main housing body 602 of the housing and handle assembly 600 such that the suction motor 500 is positioned downstream of the motor inlet passage 612. The electric motor 502 of the suction motor 500 is positioned such that the shaft 516 is placed along the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10, and such that the rotational axis R of the electric motor 502 is coaxial with the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. Thus, the shaft 516 is also placed parallel to the direction of the bulk airflow through the airflow inlet 134, just like the rotational axis R of the electric motor 502.

[0289] The electric motor 502 is positioned radially inwardly of both the motor inlet passage 612 and the motor outlet passage 616. The electric motor 502 of the suction motor 500 is positioned such that the inlet of the electric motor 502 (via the inlet of the motor canister 505) is positioned further away from the airflow inlet 134 than the outlet of the electric motor 502 in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the main unit 10.

[0290] The impeller 504 is located downstream of the electric motor 502 and is positioned within the internal housing portion 614 of the main housing body 602 of the housing and handle assembly 600 so that the impeller 504 is positioned closer to the airflow inlet 134 than the electric motor 502 in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the main unit 10.

[0291] The diffuser 506 is positioned downstream of the electric motor 502 and within the interior housing portion 614 of the main housing body 602 of the housing and handle assembly 600 such that a radial portion 520 of the diffuser 506 extends radially relative to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. An axial portion 522 of the diffuser 506 extends away from the radial portion 520 in a direction away from the air inlet 134 and is generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10.

[0292] The motor outlet passage 616 is located downstream of the diffuser 506 and extends in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 in a direction away from the axial portion 522 of the diffuser 506 .

[0293] The filter assembly 604 is mounted to the main housing body 602 at an end of the main housing body 602 distal from the airflow inlet 134. The first and second locating tabs 674 engage with the inner housing portion 614 to releasably attach the filter assembly 604 to the main housing body 602. The display 636 and the first and second buttons 638, 640 are exposed through the through hole 662 of the cap 652 of the filter assembly 604. The cap seal 654 engages with the end of the inner housing portion 614.

[0294] The pre-filter frame 678 is disposed between the motor inlet passage 612 and the curved surface of the inner housing portion 614 including the plurality of inlet apertures 626 such that the pre-filter media 680 is located between the motor inlet passage 612 and the plurality of inlet apertures 626. The pre-filter media 680 is located annularly about the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10.

[0295] The first outer seal 682 seals against the inner surface of the outer wall 608 of the main housing body 602. The second outer seal 684 seals against the inner surface of the inner wall 610 of the main housing body 602.

[0296] The rear filter frame 698 is positioned closer to the airflow inlet 134 than the pre-filter frame 678 in the direction along the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. The rear filter frame 698 is annularly located around the motor can 505 and is spaced apart from the motor can 505 so that the rear filter frame 698 partially defines the motor outlet passage 616.

[0297] The rear filter medium 699 is positioned between the motor outlet passage 616 and the first housing outlet 618 and the second housing outlet 620. The rear filter medium 699 is positioned annularly around the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. The rear filter medium 699 is positioned closer to the airflow inlet 134 in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 than the pre-filter medium 680. The rear filter medium 699 is positioned radially closer to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 than the pre-filter medium 680. The face seal 697 seals against the radial extension 611 of the inner wall 610 of the main body housing 602.

[0298] The main handle body 702 extends from the outer wall 608 of the main housing body 602 of the housing and handle assembly 600 such that the central handle axis 703 of the main handle body 702 is angled relative to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10, wherein the angle between the central handle axis 703 and the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 is between 90 and 120 degrees, and in this example is approximately 105 degrees. Accordingly, the angle between the axis 119 of the base nozzle 118 (through which the airflow enters the chamber 105) and the central handle axis 703 of the handle portion 700 is likewise between 90 and 120 degrees, and in this example is approximately 105 degrees.

[0299] The main handle body 702 is further away from the airflow inlet 134 than each of the primary separation system 200 and the secondary separation system 200 in a direction measured parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 on the main unit 10 .

[0300] The battery assembly 800 is located at the second end 712 of the main handle body 702, wherein the terminal housing portion 810 of the battery assembly 800 is located within the second end 712 of the main handle body 702, and the battery connector 812 of the battery assembly 800 is connected to the battery terminal connection portion 714 of the main handle body 702. The battery assembly 800 is positioned so that the battery cells 804 are aligned in a row along a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. The catch member 814 of the battery pack release mechanism 806 engages with the hook 720 of the battery connector 706 to retain the battery assembly 800 relative to the handle portion 700.

[0301] from Fig.71 It can be seen that the primary separation system 200, the secondary separation system 400, the suction motor 500 and the filter assembly 604 are aligned along the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. In addition, the central axis C of the cone assembly 408 is coaxial with the longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10, so that the axes of the cyclones 464 converge toward the longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. The minimum distance between the primary separation system 200 and the air flow inlet 134 is smaller than the minimum distance between the secondary separation system 400 and the air flow inlet 134 in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. The minimum distance between the secondary separation system 400 and the air flow inlet 134 is smaller than the minimum distance between the suction motor 500 and the air flow inlet 134 in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. The minimum distance between the suction motor 500 and the air flow inlet 134 is smaller than the minimum distance between the filter assembly 604 and the air flow inlet 134 in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10.

[0302] The central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 is arranged vertically, and the base nozzle 118 is pointed downward, and the primary separation system 100 is positioned vertically above the base nozzle 118. Then, the secondary separation system 400 is positioned vertically above the primary separation system 200. The suction motor 500 is positioned vertically above the secondary separation system 400. In addition, the suction motor 500 is arranged or oriented so that the electric motor 502 is positioned vertically above the impeller 504. Then, the PCB assembly 627 is positioned above the suction motor 500. The filter assembly 604 is also located vertically above the secondary separation system 400. The pre-filter subassembly 648 of the filter assembly 604 is positioned vertically above the post-filter subassembly 650 of the filter assembly 604. In addition, the position of the pre-filter subassembly 648 is higher than the position of the suction motor. Then the filter assembly 604 can be removed from the main unit 10 in an upward direction.

[0303] The handle portion 700 is positioned behind the suction motor 500 and is located higher than the primary separation system 200 and the secondary separation system 400. The battery assembly 800 is then positioned behind the handle portion 700 and is also located higher than the primary separation system 200 and the secondary separation system 400. Therefore, when the main unit 10 is oriented horizontally (i.e., the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 extends horizontally), the suction motor 500 is positioned vertically above the handle portion 700, and the handle portion 700 is positioned vertically above the battery assembly 800.

[0304] When the main unit 10 is arranged horizontally (i.e., the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 extends horizontally), the handle portion 700 is located below the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit, and thereby below the longitudinal axis 199 of the base nozzle 118, and the primary filter 204 of the primary separation system 200 is located below and extends upward to partially surround the longitudinal axis 19.

[0305] In use, the airflow flows from the secondary separation system 400 to the pre-filter subassembly 648 in a first direction. The airflow then flows through the suction motor 500 in a second direction opposite to the first direction and flows from the suction motor 500 to the post-filter subassembly in the first direction. Thus, the airflow is drawn into the inlet of the impeller 504 in the second direction and is discharged from the outlet of the diffuser 506 in the first direction. When the main unit 10 is placed vertically and the base nozzle 118 is pointed downward, as shown in FIG. Fig.71 As shown, the first direction is an upward direction and the second direction is a downward direction. The airflow then flows through the pre-filter subassembly 648 and the post-filter subassembly 650 in a generally horizontal direction (ie, in a radial direction perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 19).

[0306] During use of the vacuum cleaner 1, the main unit 10 is usually kept Figure 1 and Figure 2 The orientation shown, in which the base nozzle 118 is directed downward at an angle of about 45 degrees relative to the horizontal plane. In this orientation, the groove formed by the U-shaped cross-section of the core 202 and the primary filter 204 is generally facing upward. Therefore, the concave portion of the core 202 is generally facing upward, while the convex portion with the auxiliary filters 206, 208 attached is generally facing downward.

[0307] When the rod 1000 is connected to the main unit 10, the central longitudinal axis W of the rod is substantially coaxial with the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. The rod catch 1022 connects the rod 1000 to the main unit 10 via engagement of the biased hook 1027 with the locking protrusion 135 on the base nozzle 118 of the container assembly 100. The first connection cuff electrical connector 1026 engages with the electrical connector 238 of the primary separation system 200.

[0308] The contact member 1024 of the first connection cuff 1006 of the lever 1000 engages with the lever abutment portion 156 of the lever interlock actuator 152, so that the lever interlock actuator 152 and the lever interlock slider 154 are in their third position. The hook 168 of the lever interlock slider 154 engages with the hook 188 of the container body 110 to prevent the container base 102 from opening relative to the container body 110. The base nozzle 118 of the container assembly 100 is received within the inner wall 1002 of the lever 1000.

[0309] The user-actuable collar 1032 is slidable in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 , and the connecting cable 1034 extends generally in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 .

[0310] The cleaner head 1100 is connected to the second end 1020 of the wand 1000, wherein the cleaner head catch 1124 engages with the cleaner head connection portion 1028. The cleaning nozzle 1012 is received in the free end 1126 of the movable conduit 1118 of the neck portion 1104 of the cleaner head 1100.

[0311] When in use, the user can use one of the first button 638 and the second button 640 to turn on the vacuum cleaner 1, and provide electric power to the electric motor 502 from the battery assembly 800. The vacuum cleaner 1 can operate in a mode of low power mode, medium power mode or high power mode. When the vacuum cleaner 1 is turned on for the first time, the vacuum cleaner runs in the medium power mode, and the user can switch the operating mode by switching the first button 638 and the second button 640. In the following discussion, it is initially assumed that the vacuum cleaner 1 is in the medium power mode. The electric motor 502 causes the impeller 504 to rotate, generating an airflow flowing through the main unit 10, the rod 1000 and the cleaner head 1100.

[0312] The user can grasp the main handle body 702 and, by moving their arm, can in turn maneuver the cleaner head 1100 onto the surface to be cleaned. Electrical power is provided to the cleaner head 1100 from the battery assembly 800 via the electrical connection 238, the first connection cuff electrical connector 1026, the wand electrical connector 1013, the second connection cuff electrical connector 1030, and the cleaner head electrical connection 1125. The drive motor 1114 drives the brush bar 1112 to rotate in the interior chamber 1106, and the brush bar 1112 is used to agitate the surface to be cleaned.

[0313] Fig.70 and 71 The airflow path through the vacuum cleaner 1 is schematically shown. The airflow, together with entrained dirt such as dust, enters the cleaner head 1100 via the airflow inlet 1110. The airflow passes through the internal chamber 1106 and leaves the cleaner head 1100 via the fixed duct 1116 and the movable duct 1118.

[0314] The airflow enters the wand 1000 and flows through the wand flow path to the base nozzle 118 of the container base 102. The airflow passes through the base nozzle 118 and enters the chamber 105 of the container assembly 100 via the airflow inlet 134. The suction force generated by the suction motor 500 in the chamber 105 causes the inlet valve member 146 to pivot from its closed position to its open position so that the airflow can enter the chamber 105 via the airflow inlet 134. Depending on the power mode of the vacuum cleaner 1 and the type of surface on which the vacuum cleaner 1 is used, the airflow at the airflow inlet 134 has a flow rate between 5 l / s and 25 l / s. The airflow direction at the airflow inlet 134 is parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. When the base nozzle 118 is pointed downward, the airflow direction at the airflow inlet 134 can be considered as the direction from the bottom of the container assembly 100 to the top of the container assembly.

[0315] The inlet valve member 146 directs the airflow exiting the airflow inlet 134 toward the impingement area 280 of the dirt detection assembly 210 and toward the primary filter 204. The inlet valve member 146 shapes the airflow exiting the airflow inlet 134 into a generally U-shape when viewed in a plane perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. More specifically, the airflow shaped by the inlet valve member 146 has a cross-sectional shape in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 and, therefore, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 119 of the base nozzle 118, and the centerline of the cross-sectional shape is generally U-shaped.

[0316] The dirt-laden airflow from the airflow inlet 134 impacts the impact area 280, allowing the piezoelectric acoustic sensor 282 to sense the number and / or size of particulate matter entrained in the airflow, and in some examples, a corresponding visualization of the number and / or size of the particulate matter can be displayed to the user via the display screen 636.

[0317] The airflow from the airflow inlet 134 flows through the primary filter 204 in a direction generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. As the airflow flows through the primary filter 204, a first portion of the airflow passes through the mesh 270 of the primary filter 204, which is used to filter relatively large dirt from the airflow. The filtered dirt is collected in the chamber 105 of the container assembly 100. The airflow that has passed through the primary filter 204 flows into the primary outlet channel 226 of the first core portion 212.

[0318] The second portion of the airflow (i.e., the portion that does not pass through the primary filter 204) remains within the chamber 105 of the container assembly 100 and is recirculated generally toward the airflow inlet 134 due to the positioning of the first auxiliary filter 206 and the second auxiliary filter 208. In some examples, this recirculation can draw dirt toward a lower area of ​​the chamber 105 adjacent to the airflow inlet 134, causing the chamber 105 to fill with dirt in a direction from the lower end 181 of the container body 110 to the upper end 182 of the container body 110.

[0319] The airflow passes through the first auxiliary filter 206 and the second auxiliary filter 208 into the corresponding first auxiliary outlet channel 234 and the second auxiliary outlet channel 236. The first auxiliary filter 206 and the second auxiliary filter 208 are similar to the primary filter 204 and are used to filter relatively large dirt from the airflow. The filtered dirt is collected in the chamber 105 defined by the container assembly 100.

[0320] The air flows from the first auxiliary outlet channel 234 and the second auxiliary outlet channel 236 through the corresponding first linking channel 240 and the second linking channel 242 to the primary outlet channel 226. The air then flows from the primary outlet channel 226 of the first core section 212 into the outlet channel 256 of the second core section 214.

[0321] The airflow enters the pneumatic insert 402 of the secondary separation system 400 from the outlet passage 256. As described above, the vacuum cleaner 1 is in the medium power mode. In the medium power mode, the valve assembly 406 is used to inhibit the airflow through the second subgroup 476 of the cyclone bodies 464 of the secondary separation system 400, such as Fig.46 (a) shown.

[0322] Specifically, the coil 486 of the valve actuator assembly 448 is not energized, and the blocking member 484 is resiliently biased by the spring 494 to a position where the blocking member 484 blocks airflow through the first airflow path 488 and allows airflow through the second airflow path 490 and the third airflow path 492. Since the second airflow path 490 is in fluid communication with a location downstream of the electric motor 502 and allows airflow through the second airflow path 490 and the third airflow path 492, pressure is transmitted to the interior of the expansion member 440, thereby maintaining the expansion member 440 in an expanded state. In this expanded state, the expansion member 440 forces the valve member 438 to engage with the valve seat 422 of the airflow separator 404.

[0323] With the valve member 438 engaged with the valve seat 422 of the air flow separator 404, air flow is inhibited from passing through the central opening 420 of the air flow separator 404, and air flow is inhibited from passing through the outlet aperture 428 of the air flow separator 404. Since the cyclone inlets 472 of the second subset 476 of the cyclone bodies 464 are in fluid communication with the outlet aperture 428 of the air flow separator 404, air flow is inhibited from entering the second subset 476 of the cyclone bodies. In contrast, since the air flow bypasses the valve assembly 406, air flow is allowed to pass through the cyclone inlets 472 of the first subset 474 of the cyclone bodies 464. Thus, air flow enters the first subset 474 of the cyclone bodies 464 via the respective cyclone inlets 472. The position of the cyclone inlets 472 causes air flow to be introduced tangentially into the first subset 474 of the cyclone bodies 464. The first subset 474 of the cyclone bodies 464 is used to cyclonically separate contaminants from the air flow.

[0324] Dirt separated from the airflow by the first subset 474 of cyclones 464 freely falls through the corresponding cyclone dirt outlets 473 , through the first dirt transfer passage 258 of the second core section 214 of the primary separation system 200 , and into the first dirt collection chamber 228 of the first core section 212 .

[0325] The airflow exits the first subset 474 of cyclone bodies via respective vortex finders 480 and passes through respective cyclone portions 606 of the main housing body 602 into the motor inlet passage 612. The airflow flows through the motor inlet passage in a direction substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 away from the airflow inlet 134, and therefore away from the secondary separation system 400. The airflow turns radially inward and passes through the pre-filter media 680 and enters the inner housing portion 614 via a plurality of inlet apertures 626 thereof.

[0326] The impeller 504 then draws the airflow through the motor canister 505 and past the electric motor 502 in a direction substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 in a direction toward the airflow inlet 134 and toward the secondary separation system 400. The airflow passes through the impeller 504 and radially outward into the radial portion 520 of the diffuser 506, and then turns and passes through the axial portion 522 of the diffuser 506. The airflow passes through the axial portion 522 of the diffuser 506 in a direction substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10, away from the airflow inlet 134, and away from the secondary separation system 400.

[0327] The airflow enters the motor outlet passage 616 from the axial portion 522 of the diffuser 506 and flows through the motor outlet passage 616 in a direction substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10, generally away from the airflow inlet 134, and away from the secondary separation system 400. The airflow turns radially outward and passes through the rear filter media 699 before being discharged into the surrounding external environment of the vacuum cleaner 1 via the passage 644 of the first housing outlet 618 and the second housing outlet 620. The airflow is discharged through the first housing outlet 618 and the second housing outlet 620 in a direction substantially orthogonal to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. Fig.70 The airflow through the main unit 110 between the secondary cyclone 400 and the first and second housing outlets 618, 620 is shown. Fig.71 The complete airflow through the vacuum cleaner 1 is shown.

[0328] When the vacuum cleaner 10 is used, the chamber 105 of the container assembly 100 is filled with relatively coarse dirt. In order to extend the time for the user to clean without emptying the container assembly 100, the user can use the compacting assembly 300 to compact the dirt in the chamber 105.

[0329] To use the compacting assembly, the user grasps the handle body 340 of the compacting handle 332 and pivots the compacting handle 332 relative to the first and second compacting handle connectors 334 and 336. The pivoting of the compacting handle 332 moves the magnet 354 away from the Hall sensor, which causes a control signal to be sent to the controller 526 of the suction motor 500. The control signal causes the controller 526 of the suction motor 500 to stop the motor 500 from operating so that airflow is no longer generated through the vacuum cleaner 1.

[0330] Once the first connecting portion 342 and the second connecting portion 344 are pivoted out of the slide assembly 350, the user slides the compacting handle 332 relative to the slide assembly 350 in a direction toward the container base 102, substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. When the user slides the compacting handle 332, the compacting plate assembly 302 slides within the container body 110, and the first compacting roller 308 and the second compacting roller 310 slide within the guide rail 364 of the slide assembly 350.

[0331] When the compacting plate subassembly 302 slides in the container body 110, the front plate 314 of the compacting assembly 300 plays a role in compacting the dirt in the cavity 105 of the container assembly 100. In addition, when the compacting plate subassembly 302 slides in the container body 110, the core wiping member 304 contacts the periphery of the first core portion 212, and the container wiping member 306 contacts the inner surface of the container shell 174. The core wiping member 304 wipes off the dirt on the first core portion 212, including the dirt on the upstream surface of the primary filter 204 and the first auxiliary filter 206 and the second auxiliary filter 208. The container wiping member 306 wipes off the dirt on the inner surface of the container shell 174. Therefore, the single actuation of the compacting handle 332 can wipe the first core portion 212 and the container body 110. The compacting handle 332 can be considered as a handle of the wiping mechanism, which is used to actuate the wiping mechanism. The dirt wiped off by the core wiping member 304 and the container chamber wiping member 306 is compacted by the front plate 314 of the compacting assembly 300. When the container base 102 is in the open state, at least a portion of the wiping mechanism (e.g., at least a portion of the core wiping member 304, the container wiping member 306) and / or the compacting assembly 300 (e.g., the compacting handle 332) can be moved from a position inside the container body 110 to a position outside the end of the container body 110 to help wipe the dirt on the container body 110. In this example, the actuation of the compacting assembly 300 will compress the dirt collected in the container body 110, thereby actuating the wiping mechanism. However, in other examples, the compacting assembly 300 and the wiping mechanism can be actuated independently.

[0332] Once the user has performed the compacting action, the user can retract the compacting plate subassembly 302 to its initial position by sliding the compacting handle 332 in a direction away from the airflow inlet 134 and substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. In some examples, the first connection portion 342 and the second connection portion 344 can include a latch that provides tactile feedback so that the user knows when the compacting handle 332 is repositioned to its correct position. When the compacting handle 332 returns to its initial position, the user can press one of the first button 638 and the second button 640 to restart the electric motor 502.

[0333] When necessary, the user can also empty the dirt in the chamber 105 and the first dirt collection chamber 228 and the second dirt collection chamber 230. To do this, the user must first remove the rod 1000 from the main unit 10. As described above, when the rod 1000 is connected to the main unit 10, the contact 1024 of the first connection cuff 1006 of the rod 1000 engages with the rod abutment portion 156 of the rod interlock actuator 152, so that the rod interlock actuator 152 and the rod interlock slider 154 are in their third position. In this position, the hook 168 of the slidable interlocking member 154 engages with the hook 188 of the container body 110 to prevent the container base 102 from opening relative to the container body 110.

[0334] To remove the rod 1000 from the main unit 10 so that the container base 102 can be opened relative to the container shell 174, the user manually releases the rod catch 1022 of the first connecting band 1006 of the rod 1000 by pressing the rod catch 1022 to move the resiliently biased hook 1027 out of contact with the locking protrusion 135 on the base nozzle 118 of the container assembly 100. The user can then slide the rod 1000 away from the main unit 10 in a direction substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10.

[0335] When the lever 1000 is removed from the main unit 10, the lever interlock actuator 152 and the lever interlock slider 154 move to their second position. In such a position, the hook 168 of the lever interlock slider 154 is spaced apart from the hook 188 of the container body 110 in a direction generally perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. Thus, the hook 168 of the lever interlock slider 154 is no longer engaged with the hook 188 of the container base 110, and the container base 102 is no longer inhibited from opening relative to the container body 110.

[0336] To move the container base 102 to the open position, the user grasps the handle portion 372 of the container push rod 356 and applies a force to the handle portion 372 in a direction toward the container base 102. This causes the container push rod 356 to slide within the push rod channel 360 toward the container base 102, substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. As the container push rod 356 slides within the push rod channel 360, the container push rod 356 contacts the compacting handle 332 and causes the compacting handle 332 to pivot in the manner previously described. Sliding the container push rod 356 can thus turn off the suction motor 500.

[0337] As the user continues to push the handle portion 372 of the container push rod 356, the wedge-shaped end of the container push rod 356 contacts the container closure buckle 112, and more specifically the first buckle 190 and the second buckle 192. The end of the container push rod 356 forces the first buckle 190 and the second buckle 192 to separate. Therefore, the first buckle 190 and the second buckle 192 no longer inhibit the movement of the container base 102 relative to the container body 110.

[0338] When the user further continues to push the handle portion 372 of the container push rod 356, the end of the container push rod 356 contacts the container push rod engagement protrusion 125 of the container base 102. As a result, the container push rod 356 is able to push the container base 102 away from the container body 110. Although the container assembly 100 includes a spring 115 that biases the container base 102 to the open position, the engagement of the container base seal 107 with the container shell 174 and the engagement of the dirt collection chamber seal 108 with the first core portion 212 may mean that when the container closure buckle 112 moves to the expanded configuration, the container base seal 102 does not automatically move to the open position. For this reason, the container base 102 includes an engagement protrusion 125 that the container push rod 356 can contact and push against. When the container base 102 is moved to the open position, the chamber 105 of the container assembly 100 and the first and second dirt collection chambers 228, 230 of the core 202 are no longer closed by the container base 102, so that the dirt contained therein can be emptied simultaneously.

[0339] It should be understood that sliding the container push rod 356 by the user also causes the compacting handle 332 to slide, thereby causing the compacting plate subassembly 302 to slide within the container body 110. Therefore, by wiping the first core portion 212 and the container shell 174, the front plate 314 of the compacting plate subassembly 302 can assist in discharging dirt from the coarse dirt collection chamber 171.

[0340] Once the dirt has been emptied from the container chamber 105 and the first and second dirt collection chambers 228 and 230, the user can manually return the container base 102 to the closed position relative to the container body 110 and can return the compacting handle 332 and the handle portion 372 of the container push rod 356 to their initial positions. When the container push rod 356 is retracted, the tension spring 193 of the container closure buckle 112 returns the first buckle 190 and the second buckle 192 to the retracted configuration to maintain the container base 102 in its closed position relative to the container body 110.

[0341] If the user wishes to reconnect the rod 1000 to the main unit 10, when the container base 102 is closed relative to the container shell 174, the first connecting cuff portion 1000 of the rod 1000 will slide over the base nozzle 118, so that the elastic biased hook 1027 of the rod buckle 1022 engages with the locking protrusion 135 on the base nozzle 118 of the container assembly 100.

[0342] The contact member 1024 of the first connecting cuff 1006 of the lever 1000 engages with the lever abutment portion 156 of the lever interlock actuator 152, causing the lever interlock actuator 152 and the lever interlock slider 154 to move to their second position. In such a position, the hook 168 of the lever interlock slider 154 engages with the hook 188 of the container body 110 to prevent the container base 102 from opening relative to the container body 110.

[0343] In some examples, the user may wish to remove the cleaner head 1100 from the pole 1000 before removing the pole 1000 from the main unit 10, may wish to remove the cleaner head 1100 of the pole 1000 in order to attach a replacement cleaner head to the pole 1000, or may wish to remove the cleaner head 1100 from the pole 1000 in order to be able to use the cleaning nozzle 1012 at the second end 1020 of the pole 1000. To remove the cleaner head 1100 from the pole 1000, the user may manually release the resiliently biased hook portion from the cleaner head connection portion 1028 using the cleaner head catch 1224 by pressing the resiliently biased hook portion away from the cleaner head connection portion 1028 at the second end 1020 of the pole 1000. Alternatively, the user may utilize the connection release mechanism 1010 by using a user-actuable collar 1032 located at the first end 1018 of the pole 1000. When the user slides the user-actuatable collar 1032 in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal rod axis W toward the second end 1020 of the rod 1000, the user-actuatable collar 1032 pulls the connecting cable 1034 through the pulley 1036. This causes the disconnect wedge 1040 to be pulled in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal rod axis W toward the first end 1018 of the rod 1000.

[0344] When the disconnect wedge 1040 moves toward the first end 1018 of the rod 1000, the protruding wedge 1054 engages with the cleaner head catch 1124 to disengage the resiliently biased hook portion of the cleaner head catch member 1124 from engagement with the cleaner head connecting portion 1028 of the second connecting cuff 1008 of the rod 1000. This enables the cleaner head 1100 to slide off the rod 1000 in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal rod axis W.

[0345] When the breaking wedge 1040 moves toward the first end 1018 of the rod 1000, the first end 1056 of the body portion 1052 contacts the free ends of the first rocker arm 1048 of the first rocker 1038 and the first rocker arm 1041 of the second rocker 1039 to move the first rocker arm 1038 and the first rocker arm 1041 of the second rocker 1039 in a direction toward the first end 1018 of the rod 1000. This causes the second rocker arm 1050 of the first rocker 1038 and the second rocker arm 1043 of the second rocker 1039 to move toward the second end 1020 of the rod 1000.

[0346] The free end of the second rocker arm 1050 of the first rocker 1038 and the free end of the second rocker arm 1043 of the second rocker 1039 contact the first and second pushing members 1042, 1045, respectively, and make the first and second pushing members 1042, 1045 slide in the respective first and second sliding channels 1060, 1068. The first end 1062 of the first pushing member 1042 and the first end 1070 of the second pushing member 1045 each contact the movable duct 1118 of the cleaner head 1100 to push the cleaner head 1100 away from the rod 1000 in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal rod axis W.

[0347] Thus, the user can remotely release the connection between the cleaner head 1100 and the pole using the user-actuated collar 1032 at the first end 1018 of the pole from the cleaner head 1100. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the cleaner head 1100 can also be released from the pole 1000 when the pole 1000 is not connected to the main unit 10.

[0348] When the user wishes to reconnect the cleaner head 1100 to the pole 1000 , the movable duct 1118 may push the first and second urging members 1042 , 1045 back to their original positions.

[0349] It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the vacuum cleaner 1 can be used when the rod 1000 is connected to the main unit 10 and the cleaner head 1100 is not connected to the rod 1000, or indeed when neither the rod 1000 nor the cleaner head 1100 is connected to the main unit 10. In the former case, the cleaning nozzle 1012 of the rod 1000 can be used to contact the surface to be cleaned. In the latter case, the base nozzle 118 can be used to contact the surface to be cleaned. It should also be appreciated that the cleaner head 1100 can be connected to the main unit 10 without using the rod 1000 as an intermediate component.

[0350] As described above, the vacuum cleaner 1 can also be used in a high power mode. To place the vacuum cleaner 1 in the high power mode, the user can switch an appropriate one of the first button 638 and the second button 640. In the high power mode, the valve assembly 406 allows airflow through the second subgroup 476 of the cyclone body 464 of the secondary separation system 400, such as Fig.46 (b) as shown.

[0351] The coil 486 of the valve actuator assembly 448 is energized, causing the valve blocking member 484 to move to a certain position against the action of the spring 494, in which the blocking member 484 blocks the air flow through the second air flow path 490 and allows the air flow through the first air flow path 488 and the third air flow path 392. Since the first air flow path 488 is in fluid communication with a position upstream of the electric motor 502 and allows the air flow through the first air flow path 488 and the third air flow path 492, pressure is transmitted to the interior of the expansion member 440, thereby maintaining the expansion member 440 in the retracted state. In this retracted state, the valve member 438 is disengaged from the valve seat 422 of the air flow separator 404.

[0352] When the valve member 438 is disengaged from the valve seat 422 of the air flow separator 404, air flow is permitted to pass through the central opening of the air flow separator 404 and is permitted to pass through the outlet orifice 428 of the air flow separator 404. Since the cyclone inlets 472 of the second subset 476 of cyclone bodies 464 are in fluid communication with the outlet orifice 428 of the air flow separator 404, air flow is permitted to enter the second subset 476 of cyclone bodies, as shown in FIG. Fig.46 (b) as shown.

[0353] Similarly, since the airflow separator 404 does not inhibit the airflow toward the cyclone inlet 472 of the first group of cyclone bodies 464, the airflow is allowed to pass through the cyclone inlet 472 of the first subgroup of cyclone bodies 464, as shown in FIG. Fig.46 (a) shown.

[0354] Therefore, in the high power mode, the airflow flows in parallel through each of the first subset 474 of cyclone bodies 464 and the second subset 476 of cyclone bodies 464. Each of the first subset 474 of cyclone bodies 464 and the second subset 476 of cyclone bodies 464 functions to separate dirt from the airflow.

[0355] Dirt separated from the airflow by the first subset 474 of the cyclone bodies 464 may freely fall through the corresponding cyclone dirt outlets 473, through the first dirt transfer passage 258 of the second core section 214 of the primary separation system 200, and fall into the first dirt collection chamber 228 of the first core section 212. Dirt separated from the airflow by the second subset 476 of the cyclone bodies 464 may freely fall through the corresponding cyclone dirt outlets 473, through the second dirt transfer passage 260 of the second core section 214 of the primary separation system 200, and fall into the second dirt collection chamber 223 of the first core section 212.

[0356] It should be understood that any feature described with respect to any one example can be used alone or in combination with other features described, and can also be used in combination with one or more features of any other example, or in any combination with any other example. In addition, equivalents and modifications not described above can also be adopted without departing from the scope of the attached claims.

Claims

1. A hand-held vacuum cleaner comprising a non-cyclonic separation system and a cyclonic separation system, wherein the cyclonic separation system is positioned downstream of the non-cyclonic separation system.

2. The handheld vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the cyclonic separation system comprises a plurality of cyclones.

3. A handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, wherein the cyclone bodies are arranged around the central axis of the non-cyclonic separation system or around the central axis of the cyclonic separation system, and wherein optionally, each of the cyclone bodies has a cyclone body axis inclined relative to the central axis so that the cyclone body axes converge toward the central axis.

4. A hand held vacuum cleaner according to any preceding claim, wherein the non-cyclonic separation system comprises a filter located in the chamber and, in use, airflow enters the chamber in a first direction and flows through the filter in the first direction.

5. A hand-held vacuum cleaner according to claim 4, wherein the filter comprises a mesh, and wherein optionally the mesh is formed from metal.

6. A hand held vacuum cleaner according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the non-cyclonic separation system comprises a core to which the filter is attached, the core comprising an outlet passage extending in the first direction, and in use, airflow passes through the filter and flows along the outlet passage.

7. A handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 6, wherein: In a plane perpendicular to the first direction, the cross-section of the core and / or the filter is substantially U-shaped.

8. A hand held vacuum cleaner according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the core comprises a dirt collection chamber for collecting dirt separated by the cyclonic separation system.

9. A hand-held vacuum cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hand-held vacuum cleaner comprises a container, the non-cyclonic separation system separates dirt from an airflow within a chamber, and the base of the container comprises an airflow inlet through which the airflow enters the chamber.

10. A handheld vacuum cleaner according to any preceding claim, wherein the handheld vacuum cleaner comprises: a dirt collection chamber for collecting dirt separated by the non-cyclonic separation system; and a further dirt collection chamber for collecting dirt separated by the cyclonic separation system; And the dirt collection chamber surrounds the further dirt collection chamber.

11. A handheld vacuum cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handheld vacuum cleaner comprises: a dirt collection chamber for collecting dirt separated by the non-cyclonic separation system; a further dirt collection chamber for collecting dirt separated by the cyclonic separation system; and a base closing ends of the dirt collection chamber and the further dirt collection chamber, and wherein the base is movable to simultaneously open the dirt collection chamber and the further dirt collection chamber.

12. The handheld vacuum cleaner of claim 11, wherein the base comprises a nozzle.

13. A hand held vacuum cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the hand held vacuum cleaner comprises a nozzle and the cyclonic separation system is positioned above the non-cyclonic separation system when the hand held vacuum cleaner is arranged with the nozzle extending vertically and the non-cyclonic separation system is positioned above the nozzle.

14. A handheld vacuum cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a suction motor for generating an airflow through the non-cyclonic separation system and through the cyclonic separation system, wherein the cyclonic separation system is positioned above the non-cyclonic separation system and the suction motor is positioned above the cyclonic separation system. 15 . The handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 14 , wherein the suction motor comprises an electric motor and an impeller, and the electric motor is positioned above the impeller.

16. A hand-held vacuum cleaner according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the hand-held vacuum cleaner comprises a printed circuit board assembly for controlling the hand-held vacuum cleaner, and wherein the printed circuit board assembly is positioned above the suction motor.

17. A hand held vacuum cleaner as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the hand held vacuum cleaner comprises a filter assembly positioned downstream of the cyclonic separation system.

18. The handheld vacuum cleaner of claim 17, wherein the handheld vacuum cleaner includes a suction motor for generating airflow through the non-cyclonic separation system and through the cyclonic separation system, and the filter assembly includes a pre-filter positioned upstream of the suction motor and an after-filter positioned downstream of the suction motor.

19. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 18, wherein the filter assembly is positioned above the cyclonic separation system and the pre-filter is positioned above the post-filter.

20. A handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the airflow moves in a first direction from the cyclonic separation system to the pre-filter, and the airflow moves in a second direction opposite to the first direction through the suction motor, and wherein optionally the airflow moves in the first direction from the suction motor to the post-filter.

21. A handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 20, wherein: When the handheld vacuum cleaner is arranged with the rotation axis of the suction motor extending vertically and the suction motor is positioned above the non-cyclonic separation system, the first direction is an upward direction and the second direction is a downward direction.

22. A handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 20 or 21, wherein when the handheld vacuum cleaner is arranged so that the axis of rotation of the suction motor extends vertically, the air flow moves in a horizontal direction through the pre-filter and / or the after-filter.

23. A handheld vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 17 to 22, wherein the handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a suction motor for generating an airflow through the non-cyclonic separation system and the cyclonic separation system, and the filter assembly surrounds at least a portion of the suction motor, and wherein, Optionally, the filter assembly comprises a post filter surrounding at least a portion of the suction motor.

24. A hand-held vacuum cleaner according to any preceding claim, wherein The handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a nozzle and a handle, and the handle is positioned above the non-cyclonic separation system and the cyclonic separation system when the nozzle is arranged vertically and the non-cyclonic separation system is positioned above the nozzle.

25. The handheld vacuum cleaner of claim 24, wherein the handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a suction motor for generating an airflow through the non-cyclonic separation system and the cyclonic separation system, the suction motor being positioned above the non-cyclonic separation system and the cyclonic separation system, and the handle portion being positioned behind the suction motor.

26. A handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 25, wherein the handheld vacuum cleaner includes a housing portion that houses the suction motor, and a battery assembly for powering the suction motor, wherein the handle portion has a first end attached to the housing portion and a second end attached to the battery assembly.

27. A handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 26, wherein the handheld vacuum cleaner includes a user interface that can be operated by a user to turn the suction motor on and off, wherein the user interface is positioned on the shell part, and wherein optionally the user interface is positioned on a longitudinal end of the shell part.

28. A vacuum cleaner comprising a non-cyclonic separation system, a cyclonic separation system and a suction motor, the suction motor being used to generate an airflow through the non-cyclonic separation system and the cyclonic separation system, wherein: When the vacuum cleaner is arranged so that the cyclonic separating system is positioned vertically above the non-cyclonic separating system, the suction motor is positioned vertically above the cyclonic separating system.

29. The vacuum cleaner of claim 28, wherein the cyclonic separation system is positioned downstream of the non-cyclonic separation system.

30. The vacuum cleaner of claim 28 or 29, wherein the cyclonic separation system comprises a plurality of cyclones.

31. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 30, wherein the cyclone bodies are arranged around the central axis of the non-cyclonic separation system or around the central axis of the cyclonic separation system, and wherein optionally, each of the cyclone bodies has a cyclone body axis inclined relative to the central axis so that the cyclone body axes converge toward the central axis.

32. A vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 28 to 31 , wherein the vacuum cleaner comprises a dirt collection chamber for collecting dirt separated by the non-cyclonic separation system and a further dirt collection chamber for collecting dirt separated by the cyclonic separation system, the dirt collection chamber surrounding the further dirt collection chamber.

33. A vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 28 to 32, wherein The vacuum cleaner comprises a dirt collection chamber for collecting dirt separated by the non-cyclonic separation system; a further dirt collection chamber for collecting dirt separated by the cyclonic separation system; and a container base for closing ends of the dirt collection chamber and the further dirt collection chamber, and wherein the container base is movable to simultaneously open the dirt collection chamber and the further dirt collection chamber.

34. The vacuum cleaner of claim 33, wherein the container base includes a nozzle.

35. A vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 28 to 34, wherein the suction motor comprises an electric motor and an impeller, and, when the vacuum cleaner is arranged so that the cyclonic separation system is positioned vertically above the non-cyclonic separation system, the electric motor is positioned vertically above the impeller.

36. A vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 28 to 34, comprising a filter assembly positioned downstream of the cyclonic separation system, and wherein optionally, when the vacuum cleaner is arranged so that the cyclonic separation system is positioned vertically above the non-cyclonic separation system, the filter assembly is positioned vertically above the cyclonic separation system.

37. The vacuum cleaner of claim 36, wherein the filter assembly includes a pre-filter positioned upstream of the suction motor and, when the vacuum cleaner is arranged so that the cyclonic separation system is positioned vertically above the non-cyclonic separation system, the pre-filter is positioned above the suction motor.

38. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 35 or 37, wherein the filter assembly includes a pre-filter positioned upstream of the suction motor and a post-filter positioned downstream of the suction motor, and when the vacuum cleaner is arranged so that the cyclonic separation system is vertically positioned above the non-cyclonic separation system, the pre-filter is vertically positioned above the post-filter.

39. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in any one of claims 35 to 38, wherein the filter assembly is removable from the remainder of the vacuum cleaner in an upward direction when the vacuum cleaner is arranged with the cyclonic separation system positioned vertically above the non-cyclonic separation system.

40. A vacuum cleaner, comprising a non-cyclonic separation system, a cyclonic separation system and a suction motor for generating an airflow passing through the non-cyclonic separation system and the cyclonic separation system, wherein the non-cyclonic separation system separates dirt from the airflow in a room, the airflow enters the room in a direction parallel to a central longitudinal axis, the cyclonic separation system comprises a plurality of cyclone bodies arranged around the central longitudinal axis, and the suction motor has a rotation axis extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis.

41. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 40, wherein the non-cyclonic separation system includes a filter positioned in the chamber, and the airflow enters the chamber and flows through the filter in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis, wherein optionally the filter includes a mesh, wherein optionally the mesh is formed of metal.

42. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 41, wherein the non-cyclonic separation system comprises a core to which the filter is attached, the core comprising an outlet passage extending in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis, and in use, an airflow passes through the filter and flows along the outlet passage.

43. The vacuum cleaner of any one of claims 40 to 42, wherein the rotational axis is coaxial with the central longitudinal axis.

44. The vacuum cleaner of any one of claims 40 to 43, wherein the cyclonic separation system is positioned downstream of the non-cyclonic separation system.

45. A vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 40 to 44, wherein The vacuum cleaner comprises a filter assembly positioned downstream of the cyclonic separation system, and wherein optionally the filter assembly is positioned annularly about the central longitudinal axis.

46. ​​The vacuum cleaner according to claim 45, wherein the filter assembly comprises a pre-filter positioned upstream of the suction motor and a post-filter positioned downstream of the suction motor, wherein optionally the pre-filter and / or the post-filter are positioned annularly around the central longitudinal axis.

47. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 45 or 46, wherein the filter assembly is removable from the rest of the vacuum cleaner in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis, and wherein the filter assembly can be optionally locked and unlocked to the rest of the vacuum cleaner by rotating the filter assembly about the central longitudinal axis.

48. The vacuum cleaner of any one of claims 40 to 47, wherein the non-cyclonic separation system, the cyclonic separation system and the suction motor are arranged sequentially along the central longitudinal axis.

49. A vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 40 to 48, wherein When the vacuum cleaner is arranged with the central longitudinal axis extending vertically, the cyclonic separating system is positioned above the non-cyclonic separating system and the suction motor is positioned above the cyclonic separating system.

50. A vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 40 to 49, wherein the vacuum cleaner comprises a filter assembly, the filter assembly comprising a pre-filter positioned upstream of the suction motor and a post-filter positioned downstream of the suction motor, and, when the vacuum cleaner is arranged so that the central longitudinal axis extends vertically and the suction motor is positioned above the non-cyclonic separation system, the pre-filter is positioned above the post-filter.

51. The vacuum cleaner of any one of claims 40 to 50, wherein the vacuum cleaner comprises a nozzle extending along the central longitudinal axis.

52. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in any one of claims 40 to 51 , wherein the vacuum cleaner comprises a wand for attachment to a cleaner head, and wherein the wand extends along the central longitudinal axis.

53. A vacuum cleaner comprising a non-cyclonic separation system, a cyclonic separation system, a first dirt collection chamber for collecting dirt separated by the non-cyclonic separation system, and a second dirt collection chamber for collecting dirt separated by the cyclonic separation system, wherein: One of the first dirt collection chamber and the second dirt collection chamber surrounds the other of the first dirt collection chamber and the second dirt collection chamber.

54. The vacuum cleaner of claim 53, wherein said first dirt collection chamber surrounds said second dirt collection chamber.

55. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 53 or 54, wherein the vacuum cleaner comprises a third dirt collection chamber for collecting dirt separated by the cyclonic separation system, and the third dirt collection chamber is separate from the second dirt collection chamber.

56. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 55, wherein the cyclone separation system comprises a plurality of cyclones arranged into a first subgroup and a second subgroup, dirt separated by the cyclones of the first subgroup is collected in the second dirt collection chamber, and dirt separated by the cyclones of the second subgroup is collected in the third dirt collection chamber.

57. The vacuum cleaner of any one of claims 53 to 56, wherein the vacuum cleaner comprises a core positioned in the first dirt collection chamber, and the core comprises the second dirt collection chamber.

58. The vacuum cleaner of claim 57, wherein the non-cyclonic separation system comprises a filter attached to the core, the core comprising an outlet passage, and in use, airflow passes through the filter and flows along the outlet passage.

59. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 57 or 58, wherein the core and / or the filter are substantially U-shaped in cross-section.

60. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in any one of claims 57 to 59, wherein the vacuum cleaner comprises a third dirt collection chamber for collecting dirt separated by the cyclonic separation system, and the core comprises the third dirt collection chamber.

61. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 60, wherein the vacuum cleaner comprises a receptacle defining the first dirt collection chamber and wherein a base of the receptacle comprises an airflow inlet through which, in use, airflow enters the first dirt collection chamber.

62. A vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 53 to 61, wherein The vacuum cleaner comprises a base closing ends of the first and second dirt collection chambers, and wherein the base is movable to simultaneously open the first and second dirt collection chambers.

63. The vacuum cleaner of claim 62, wherein the base includes a nozzle.

64. A vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 53 to 63, wherein the cyclonic separation system is positioned downstream of the non-cyclonic separation system, and wherein optionally, when the vacuum cleaner is arranged so that the cyclonic separation system is positioned above the non-cyclonic separation system, the cyclonic separation system is positioned above the first dirt collection chamber and the second dirt collection chamber.

65. A vacuum cleaner comprising a non-cyclonic separation system, a cyclonic separation system, a first dirt collection chamber for collecting dirt separated by the non-cyclonic separation system, and a second dirt collection chamber for collecting dirt separated by the cyclonic separation system, wherein: The cyclonic separation system comprises one or more cyclones, and when the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the cyclones are positioned vertically above the non-cyclonic separator, the second dirt collection chamber is positioned within the first dirt collection chamber or horizontally beside the first dirt collection chamber.

66. The vacuum cleaner of claim 65, wherein the vacuum cleaner includes a third dirt collection chamber for collecting dirt separated by the cyclonic separation system, the third dirt collection chamber being separated from the second dirt collection chamber, and when the vacuum cleaner is arranged so that the cyclone body is vertically positioned above the non-cyclonic separator, the third dirt collection chamber is positioned within the first dirt collection chamber or horizontally positioned next to the first dirt collection chamber, wherein optionally, the third dirt collection chamber is horizontally positioned next to the second dirt collection chamber.

67. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 66, wherein the cyclones are arranged into a first subgroup and a second subgroup, dirt separated by the cyclones of the first subgroup is collected in the second dirt collecting chamber, and dirt separated by the cyclones of the second subgroup is collected in the third dirt collecting chamber.

68. The vacuum cleaner of claim 66 or 67, wherein the vacuum cleaner comprises a core positioned in the first dirt collection chamber, the core comprising the second dirt collection chamber.

69. The vacuum cleaner of claim 68, wherein the non-cyclonic separation system comprises a filter attached to the core, the core comprising an outlet passage, and in use, airflow passes through the filter and flows along the outlet passage.

70. The vacuum cleaner of claim 69, wherein the filter comprises a mesh, and wherein optionally the mesh is formed of metal.

71. The vacuum cleaner of any one of claims 68 to 70, wherein the core and / or the filter are substantially U-shaped in cross-section.

72. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in any one of claims 68 to 71 , wherein the vacuum cleaner comprises a third dirt collection chamber for collecting dirt separated by the cyclonic separation system, the core comprising the third dirt collection chamber.

73. A vacuum cleaner as claimed in any one of claims 65 to 72, wherein the vacuum cleaner comprises a receptacle defining the first dirt collection chamber, and wherein a base of the receptacle comprises an airflow inlet through which, in use, airflow enters the first dirt collection chamber.

74. The vacuum cleaner of any one of claims 65 to 73, wherein the vacuum cleaner comprises a base closing ends of the first and second dirt collection chambers, wherein the base is movable to simultaneously open the first and second dirt collection chambers.

75. The vacuum cleaner of claim 74, wherein the base comprises a nozzle.

76. The vacuum cleaner of any one of claims 65 to 75, wherein the first dirt collection chamber surrounds the second dirt collection chamber.

77. A vacuum cleaner comprising a non-cyclonic separation system, a cyclonic separation system positioned downstream of the non-cyclonic separation system, a suction motor for generating an airflow through the non-cyclonic separation system and the cyclonic separation system, and a pre-filter positioned downstream of the cyclonic separation system and upstream of the suction motor.

78. The vacuum cleaner of claim 77, wherein the vacuum cleaner comprises a nozzle, and the cyclonic separating system is positioned above the non-cyclonic separating system when the vacuum cleaner is arranged so that the nozzle extends vertically and the non-cyclonic separating system is positioned above the nozzle.

79. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 77 or 78, wherein When the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the cyclonic separating system is positioned above the non-cyclonic separating system, the suction motor is positioned above the cyclonic separating system.

80. A vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 77 to 79, wherein the suction motor comprises an electric motor and an impeller, and the impeller is positioned adjacent to a cyclonic separation system and / or the impeller is positioned between the electric motor and the cyclonic separation system, and wherein optionally, when the vacuum cleaner is arranged so that the cyclonic separation system is positioned above the non-cyclonic separation system, the electric motor is positioned above the impeller.

81. A vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 77 to 80, wherein The suction motor comprises an electric motor, an impeller and a diffuser, and in use, air is drawn into an inlet of the impeller in a first direction and air is discharged from an outlet of the diffuser in a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction.

82. The vacuum cleaner of claim 81, wherein the first direction and the second direction are parallel to an axis of rotation of the suction motor.

83. The vacuum cleaner of any one of claims 77 to 82, wherein the suction motor comprises a mixed flow impeller.

84. A vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 77 to 83, wherein When the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the cyclonic separating system is positioned above the non-cyclonic separating system, the pre-filter is positioned above the cyclonic separating system.

85. A vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 77 to 84, wherein When the vacuum cleaner is arranged so that the cyclonic separation system is positioned above the non-cyclonic separation system, the pre-filter is positioned above the suction motor.

86. A vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 77 to 85, wherein the air flow flows from the cyclonic separation system to the pre-filter in a first direction, and the air flow flows through the suction motor in a second direction opposite to the first direction, and wherein optionally, when the vacuum cleaner is arranged so that the pre-filter is positioned above the cyclonic separation system, the first direction is an upward direction and the second direction is a downward direction.

87. The vacuum cleaner of any one of claims 77 to 86, wherein the vacuum cleaner comprises a post-filter positioned downstream of the suction motor.

88. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 87, wherein the pre-filter and / or the after-filter surrounds at least a portion of the suction motor.

89. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 87 or 88, wherein the pre-filter and the after-filter form part of a filter assembly and the filter assembly is removably attached to the rest of the vacuum cleaner, and wherein optionally, when the vacuum cleaner is arranged so that the filter assembly is positioned above the cyclonic separation system, the filter assembly is capable of being removed from the rest of the vacuum cleaner in an upward direction.

90. The vacuum cleaner of any one of claims 87 to 89, wherein When the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the after-filter is positioned above the cyclonic separation system, the pre-filter is positioned above the after-filter.

91. A vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 87 to 90, wherein Airflow flows in a first direction from the cyclonic separation system to the pre-filter, and airflow flows in the first direction from the suction motor to the post-filter, and wherein the first direction is optionally an upward direction when the vacuum cleaner is arranged so that the pre-filter is positioned above the cyclonic separation system.

92. The vacuum cleaner of any one of claims 87 to 91, wherein when the vacuum cleaner is arranged so that the axis of rotation of the suction motor extends vertically, air flow flows through the pre-filter and / or the post-filter in a horizontal direction.

93. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 87 to 92, wherein the suction motor comprises an electric motor, an impeller and a diffuser, the rear filter surrounds at least a portion of the electric motor, and the outer diameter of the diffuser is greater than the inner diameter of the rear filter.

94. The vacuum cleaner of any one of claims 77 to 93, wherein the cyclonic separation system comprises a plurality of cyclones.

95. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 94, wherein the cyclone bodies are arranged around the central axis of the non-cyclonic separation system and / or around the rotation axis of the suction motor, and wherein, optionally, each of the cyclone bodies has a cyclone body axis inclined relative to the central axis or the rotation axis so that the cyclone body axes converge toward the central axis or the rotation axis.

96. A vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 77 to 95, wherein the non-cyclonic separation system comprises a filter positioned in a chamber, and in use, an airflow enters the chamber in a first direction and flows through the filter in the first direction, wherein optionally the filter comprises a mesh, wherein optionally the mesh is formed of metal.

97. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 96, wherein the non-cyclonic separation system comprises a core, the filter is attached to the core, the core comprises an outlet passage extending in the first direction, and in use, the airflow passes through the filter and flows along the outlet passage.

98. The vacuum cleaner of claim 97, wherein: In a plane perpendicular to the first direction, the cross-section of the core and / or the filter is substantially U-shaped.

99. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 97 or 98, wherein the core comprises a dirt collection chamber for collecting dirt separated by the cyclonic separation system.

100. A vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 77 to 99, wherein the vacuum cleaner comprises a dirt collection chamber for collecting dirt separated by the non-cyclonic separation system and an additional dirt collection chamber for collecting dirt separated by the cyclonic separation system, and the dirt collection chamber surrounds the additional dirt collection chamber.

101. The vacuum cleaner of any one of claims 77 to 100, wherein the vacuum cleaner comprises: a dirt collection chamber for collecting dirt separated by the non-cyclonic separation system; a further dirt collection chamber for collecting dirt separated by the cyclonic separation system; and a base for closing the ends of the dirt collection chamber and the further dirt collection chamber, wherein the base is movable to simultaneously open the dirt collection chamber and the further dirt collection chamber, wherein the base optionally comprises a nozzle.

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