Handheld vacuum cleaner

Abstract

A handheld vacuum cleaner includes: a vacuum motor for drawing airflow through the handheld vacuum cleaner; a pistol-style handle positioned generally transversely to a longitudinal axis extending from a front end to a rear end of the vacuum cleaner; and an air inlet positioned in front of the pistol-style handle. A filter assembly is located at the rear of the vacuum cleaner, the filter assembly including a filter and a housing surrounding at least a portion of the filter. At least a portion of the housing is transparent or translucent.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on November 6, 2019, with application number 201980073670.7 and invention title "Handheld Vacuum Cleaner". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to a handheld vacuum cleaner including a filter assembly. Background Technology

[0003] The filter is a critical component of a vacuum cleaner. Without a filter, dust and debris will enter the motor, reducing its efficiency and performance over time. Additionally, the motor itself can generate particulate emissions that may not be desirable for release into the atmosphere.

[0004] However, filters can be relatively fragile and easily damaged, which can allow unwanted dirt to enter the motor or the atmosphere. Furthermore, vacuum cleaner filters typically need to be cleaned or replaced intermittently throughout the vacuum cleaner's lifespan, as dust can otherwise clog the filter, further restricting airflow and reducing the vacuum cleaner's performance. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to mitigate or eliminate one of the above-mentioned disadvantages, or to provide an improved or alternative vacuum cleaner.

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a handheld vacuum cleaner is provided, comprising: Vacuum motor, used to draw airflow through a handheld vacuum cleaner; The pistol-style handle is positioned approximately transversely to the longitudinal axis extending from the front to the rear of the vacuum cleaner. An air inlet is located in front of the pistol handle; and A filter assembly located at the rear of a vacuum cleaner, the filter assembly including a filter and a housing surrounding at least a portion of the filter. At least a portion of the outer shell is transparent or translucent.

[0007] A partially transparent / semi-transparent housing allows the user to view the second filter through it. Therefore, the user can check the filter's condition (e.g., whether it's damaged or how dirty) simply by glancing at the housing. Furthermore, a filter that is visible to the user during use reminds them of the need for intermittent cleaning, whereas if the filter is completely hidden, the user might more easily forget about maintenance needs.

[0008] The housing can essentially enclose the entire filter. This allows more or all of the filter to be seen through the transparent portion of the housing.

[0009] Basically, the entire casing can be transparent or translucent.

[0010] This design allows the filter to be viewed from a wider angle through the housing, compared to when users can only see the filter arrangement through a transparent / semi-transparent window in an opaque enclosure. Therefore, the filter is easier to see during use.

[0011] At least a portion of the housing may define a portion of the outer surface of the vacuum cleaner.

[0012] Therefore, users can more easily access the filter components, making filter maintenance easier.

[0013] Optionally, at least a transparent or translucent portion of the housing forms part of the outer surface of the vacuum cleaner. This allows the filter to be viewed through the housing when the filter assembly is in place on the vacuum cleaner. However, it may still be advantageous for at least a portion of the housing to be transparent or translucent even if the transparent / translucent portion is covered by part of the vacuum cleaner, because the filter can be more easily inspected once the filter assembly is removed (instead of the user having to peer into the filter assembly or remove the cover).

[0014] At least a portion of the housing may define at least a portion of the rearward-facing outer surface of the vacuum cleaner.

[0015] At least a portion of the transparent / semi-transparent section forms a rearward-facing outer surface, allowing the user to see through the casing particularly easily, since vacuum cleaners are typically used with the rear of the vacuum cleaner facing the user.

[0016] The housing may include one or more vents through which air can be discharged from the filter assembly.

[0017] This can provide an advantageously compact arrangement and / or an arrangement with an advantageously simple or low-loss flow path (e.g., where the filter is a post-motor filter). The vent can be located in a transparent / semi-transparent section of the housing. This can be beneficial because the user can observe from the same location, both directly through the vent for a particularly clear image of a small portion of the filter and through the housing for a better assessment of the filter's overall condition.

[0018] The filter can overlap with the vacuum motor in the axial direction.

[0019] This allows for a more compact, simple, or efficient ducting system between the vacuum motor and the filter, whereas in arrangements where air from the motor must be directed to a greater extent in the axial direction, more space may be required and / or greater flow losses may be introduced due to the length or complexity of the ducting.

[0020] The filter component may include additional filters.

[0021] By combining two filters into a single component, a more compact and convenient motorized filter assembly can be achieved compared to arranging the two filters in separate components. Furthermore, the user can handle and interact with both filters simultaneously. For example, removing, replacing, cleaning, or purifying both filters can be completed in a single action, without the user having to perform these actions for each filter individually.

[0022] The filter can be permanently installed within the filter assembly. In other words, the filter can be configured to remain in place on the filter assembly during normal use, rather than being configured to be intermittently removed from it. Therefore, the filter assembly can remain a single unit, thus mitigating the risk of its components becoming loose or lost.

[0023] The filter housing may include an annular seal between the filters. This seal ensures that there is no fluid leakage around the housing between the filters and any additional filters. Any such fluid leakage around the housing will degrade the performance of the motor located within the filter assembly.

[0024] The flow direction of the filter can be opposite to that of an additional filter. Therefore, there is an effective flow of fluid through the filter assembly, minimizing any changes in the fluid flow direction that could negatively impact the efficiency and performance of the machine.

[0025] The flow direction of the filter can be radially outward away from the longitudinal axis, while the flow direction of an additional filter can be radially inward toward the longitudinal axis. Therefore, the filter assembly can be easily positioned around the motor, maximizing space utilization while providing effective filtration of fluids flowing into and out of the motor.

[0026] The filter assembly can be positioned around the motor, with the main filter positioned around the motor outlet and the additional filter positioned around the motor inlet. Therefore, fluid passes directly through the additional filter into the motor inlet, while air leaving the motor passes directly through the main filter.

[0027] The filter assembly can define a longitudinal axis, and the filter and additional filters can not overlap in the axial direction.

[0028] For example, compared to an arrangement where filters are nested together, this can provide easier or lower-loss ducting to or from both filters, and / or improved radial compactness, where filters must be sufficiently radially spaced to provide space for ducting to the inner filter (which can result in significant losses due to the narrow radius).

[0029] Filters can be arranged adjacent to each other in the axial direction. This reduces the axial length of the filter assembly compared to an arrangement where filters are spaced apart in the axial direction.

[0030] Handheld vacuum cleaners can be configured to direct airflow through filters and additional filters in roughly opposite directions.

[0031] This can provide a more efficient fluid flow through the filter assembly, minimizing any changes in the direction of the fluid flow (e.g., when the filter is located around the vacuum motor), which typically negatively impacts the efficiency and performance of a vacuum cleaner.

[0032] Filters are typically annular.

[0033] For example, when viewed along the longitudinal axis, the filter (and / or additional filters, if present) can be substantially circular, elliptical, octagonal, or obliquely circular. One or two filters can be circumferentially positioned around the longitudinal axis.

[0034] Motors tend to have a generally cylindrical shape, and by providing the filter with a cross-sectional shape that substantially matches the cross-sectional shape of the motor exterior or motor housing, a particularly space-saving filter can be achieved.

[0035] Alternatively, filters can take other shapes. For example, each filter can be bow-shaped and extend around the longitudinal axis through an angle significantly less than 360 degrees.

[0036] Filter assemblies can surround electronic vision displays.

[0037] This allows the filter assembly and the electronic vision display to be located in the same area of ​​the vacuum cleaner (e.g., an area that is particularly clearly visible and / or easily accessible), without having to mount the electronic vision display on a user-movable part (which could complicate the power and / or data supply to the electronic vision display). Alternatively or similarly, the filter assembly surrounding the electronic vision display can protect the display from impacts.

[0038] Electronic vision displays are preferably screens, such as LCD screens like TFT screens, LED screens like OLED screens, or any other suitable type of screen such as “electronic paper” screens.

[0039] The filter assembly can surround the electronic vision display at an angle of at least 270 degrees, for example, at an angle of at least 310 degrees, or around the entire 360 ​​degrees. A filter assembly surrounding the electronic vision display at such a large angle can protect it from impacts from a wider range of angles.

[0040] The filter assembly may define a longitudinal axis and a through-hole extending through the filter assembly along the longitudinal axis.

[0041] Through-holes allow the filter assembly to be fitted around another component (such as a vacuum motor), thereby reducing the overall axial length of the vacuum cleaner. In practice, for the sake of compactness, a component of the vacuum cleaner can extend all the way through the filter assembly, although the end of that component remains visually or operatively accessible, or can extend partially into the through-hole, while the remainder of the through-hole provides visual / manual access. Furthermore, through-holes can facilitate faster and / or easier cleaning of one or both filters, as described in more detail below.

[0042] Providing through holes may seem counterintuitive to those skilled in the art, who would generally consider it best to keep filter assemblies as closed as possible to minimize the possibility of leakage.

[0043] The through-holes of the filter assembly preferably extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, for example, substantially collinear with the longitudinal axis.

[0044] When the filter assembly defines a through-hole and surrounds the electronic vision display, the electronic vision display can be prominently displayed through or visible through the through-hole.

[0045] This allows for a particularly space-saving layout.

[0046] The filter can be a post-motor filter.

[0047] This can be particularly beneficial because the post-motor filter is often the "last line of defense" against dust entering the atmosphere, making inspection and / or maintenance of this filter especially important. If the filter is a post-motor filter, then an additional filter could be a pre-motor filter.

[0048] Alternatively, the filter can be a pre-motor filter. In some cases, it is particularly important to protect the vacuum motor from dust contamination, in which case checking and / or servicing the filter may be especially important.

[0049] When the filter assembly includes an additional filter, the housing can enclose at least a portion of the additional filter. This can be advantageous because it also allows for visual inspection of the additional filter.

[0050] The filter assembly can be removably installed onto the body of the vacuum cleaner.

[0051] This allows for intermittent cleaning or replacement of the filter, thereby improving its performance (by removing dirt and clogging to reduce flow limitations).

[0052] The filter assembly can be removed by moving it axially, for example, axially backward.

[0053] The motor can be housed in a cylindrical motor barrel with a motor barrel inlet and a motor barrel outlet. The filter assembly is positioned around the motor barrel and can be removed from the product by sliding the filter assembly on the motor barrel along a common axis. Therefore, the filter assembly can be quickly and easily removed from the motor barrel, and filter maintenance is more convenient for the user.

[0054] The motor barrel inlet may include multiple through holes aligned with the motor inlet, and the motor barrel outlet may include multiple through holes aligned with the motor outlet. Therefore, the through holes allow fluid to flow easily through the motor barrel without unnecessarily compromising its structural integrity.

[0055] The filter housing may include an annular seal between the first and second filters, which makes sealing contact with the solid central portion of the motor barrel between the motor barrel inlet and the motor barrel outlet. Therefore, the seal ensures that there is no fluid leakage around the housing between the motor barrel inlet and the motor barrel outlet. Any such fluid leakage around the housing can degrade motor performance and thus reduce product performance.

[0056] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a stick vacuum cleaner is provided, comprising: A handheld vacuum cleaner according to a first aspect of the present invention; A cleaner head with a defined suction opening; and The slender, rigid rod defines the suction path from the cleaner head to the air inlet of the handheld vacuum cleaner, and is positioned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handheld vacuum cleaner.

[0057] The stick and cleaner head allow handheld vacuum cleaners, which offer the aforementioned advantages, to be used more effectively for floor cleaning.

[0058] According to a third aspect of the invention, a filter assembly is provided for use in a handheld vacuum cleaner or a stick vacuum cleaner according to the first or second aspect of the invention.

[0059] The filter assembly can be retrofitted into a handheld vacuum cleaner to provide one or more of the advantages mentioned above.

[0060] Filters and / or additional filters (if present) can be arranged such that airflow is directed in a generally radial direction. This allows for a sufficient cross-sectional area of ​​the filter within a relatively small radial space compared to an arrangement where fluid flows in an axial direction.

[0061] The filter housing may include an exposed portion and a closed portion. The exposed portion of the filter housing may include a frame extending from the closed portion. Additional filters, if present, may be positioned around the frame.

[0062] Exposed sections allow efficient fluid flow to and around additional filters, providing a more uniform load on the flow around the filters. Closed sections allow a portion of the filter assembly to remain closed, enabling users to hygienically operate the filter assembly through the closed sections without getting filtered dirt or dust on their hands.

[0063] The filter may be a pleated filter, and / or additional filters (if present) may include layered filter media. Attached Figure Description

[0064] To facilitate a better understanding of the invention, embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is for understanding the filter assembly of the present invention; Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the filter assembly; Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 and Figure 2 A partial exploded view of the filter components; Figure 4 It shows Figure 1 Motor components and filter components; Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 The cross-section of the motor and filter assembly; Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 The components, wherein the filter components are assembled in the appropriate positions around the motor components; Figure 7 A handheld vacuum cleaner including the filter assembly shown in the foregoing figures is illustrated. Figure 8 The disassembly and reinstallation of the filter assembly are shown. Figure 7 Part of a vacuum cleaner; Figure 9 A stick vacuum cleaner for understanding the present invention is shown; Figure 10 A handheld vacuum cleaner is shown, which forms... Figure 9 Part of a stick vacuum cleaner; Figure 11 It shows Figure 10 The handheld vacuum cleaner from which the filter assembly was removed; Figure 12 A filter assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown; and Figure 13 Shown from different angles Figure 12 Filter components. Detailed Implementation

[0065] Figure 1 Filter component 1 is shown. Figure 2 A cross-section of the same filter component 1 is shown. Figure 3 A portion of filter assembly 1 is shown, with some components not shown. Referring to these figures, filter assembly 1 includes a filter housing 2 to which two filters are fixed: a filter 4 in the form of a post-motor filter and an additional filter 3 in the form of a pre-motor filter 4. Filter housing 2 defines the longitudinal axis A of filter assembly 1. Both the pre-motor filter 3 and the post-motor filter 4 are annular sections when viewed along the longitudinal axis A and are concentrically positioned about the longitudinal axis A. Therefore, the longitudinal axis A forms the common axis of filters 3 and 4. The pre-motor filter 3 is positioned axially adjacent to the post-motor filter 4 with a small space between them to minimize the overall size of filter assembly 1. However, the two filters 3 and 4 do not overlap axially.

[0066] The pre-motor filter 3 can be formed from any suitable filter material or combination of materials typically found in pre-motor filters. In this case, the pre-motor filter 3 includes a filter media layer comprising a layer of loosely woven or web material, a non-woven filter media such as wool, followed by another layer of loosely woven or web material. An electrostatic filter media may also be included if desired. Similarly, the post-motor filter 4 can be formed from any suitable filter material or combination of materials typically found in post-motor filters. In the present case, the post-motor filter 4 is formed from pleated HEPA (High-Efficiency Particulate Air) standard filter media.

[0067] The filter housing consists of two distinct areas: an exposed portion and a closed portion. The exposed portion of the filter housing 2 has a frame 5 that extends from the closed portion. The pre-motor filter 3 is positioned around the frame 5 of the exposed portion. The frame 5 supports the pre-motor filter 3, thereby maintaining its annular shape when the filter assembly 1 is in use. The closed portion of the filter housing 2 has a housing 6 (… Figure 3 (Not shown in the image), the housing 6 encloses the filter 4 behind the motor. The housing 6 has multiple vents 7 or openings through which fluid, such as air, can flow out of the filter assembly 1. Therefore, the vents 7 serve as the outlet of the filter assembly 1. Figure 1 In the middle, the rear filter 4 of the motor can be partially seen through the vent 7 in the outer shell 6 of the filter housing 2.

[0068] The filter housing 2 also includes an annular seal 8, which is typically located inside the filter assembly 1, between the pre-motor filter 3 and the post-motor filter 4. Another annular seal 9 is located at one axial end of the filter housing, opposite the end of the pre-motor filter 3 to the post-motor filter 4. When the filter assembly 1 is used, the annular seals 8 and 9 serve to seal against the motor assembly, as will be explained in detail later.

[0069] The housing 6 has a solid end wall 10, and the motor post-filter 4 is fixed inside the housing 6, thus defining an annular cavity 11 between the motor post-filter 4 and the housing 6. Figure 2 As shown, the annular cavity can be simply a void, or it can be used to contain another material, such as sound-absorbing foam.

[0070] With most of the axial length of the pre-motor filter 3, post-motor filter 4, frame 5, and housing 6 being annular, the filter assembly 1 defines a blind hole 12 extending along the longitudinal axis A and terminating at the end wall 10. More specifically, since the pre-motor filter 3, post-motor filter 4, frame 5, and most of the housing 6 are concentrically positioned about the longitudinal axis A, the blind hole 12 extends collinearly with respect to the longitudinal axis A.

[0071] Figure 4 The filter assembly 1 and the motor assembly including the cylindrical motor barrel 20 are shown. Figure 5 It shows crossing Figure 4 The cross-sections of the filter assembly 1 and the motor assembly. Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 The assembly, in which the filter assembly is positioned appropriately around the motor assembly.

[0072] The motor assembly includes a motor barrel 20 having a motor barrel inlet 21 and a motor barrel outlet 23. The motor barrel inlet 21 includes a plurality of through holes 22 serving as an inlet for a vacuum motor, and the motor barrel outlet 23 includes a plurality of similar through holes 24 serving as an outlet for a vacuum motor. A central portion 25 of the motor barrel separates the motor barrel inlet 21 and the motor barrel outlet 23.

[0073] Vacuum motor 26 is located inside motor barrel 20. Motor inlet 27 is aligned with motor barrel inlet 21, and motor outlet 28 is aligned with motor barrel outlet 23. Cavity 29 between motor outlet 28 and motor barrel outlet 23 can accommodate, for example, open-cell acoustic foam to provide further sound attenuation benefits.

[0074] although Figure 5 and Figure 6 The filter assembly 1 is shown as separate from the motor assembly, but Figure 6 A filter assembly is shown in its proper position around the motor assembly. The blind hole 12 of filter assembly 1 is fitted onto the motor barrel 20 such that it overlaps with the motor 26 in the direction along the longitudinal axis A. Therefore, filter assembly 1 is positioned around the motor 26, with the pre-motor filter 3 located around the motor barrel inlet 21 and the post-motor filter 4 located around the motor barrel outlet 23. Both the pre-motor filter 3 and the post-motor filter 4 overlap axially with the vacuum motor 26 – the entire axial length of the pre-motor filter 3 overlaps axially with the vacuum motor, and approximately 15% of the axial length of the post-motor filter overlaps axially with the vacuum motor. Filter assembly 1 can be removed and replaced from the motor assembly by sliding it rearward on the motor barrel 20 along the longitudinal axis A.

[0075] During operation, the vacuum motor 26 draws air through the pre-motor filter 3, as shown by arrow B. The air then flows into the motor barrel 20 through the through-hole 22 in the motor barrel inlet 21 and passes through the vacuum motor 26. After exiting the motor outlet 28, the fluid flows out of the motor barrel 20 through the through-hole 24 in the motor barrel outlet 23, passes through the post-motor filter 4, and exits the filter assembly 1 through the exhaust port 7 in the housing 6, as shown by arrow C. Figure 6 As shown, the directions of fluid inflow and outflow from filter assembly 1 are indicated by arrows B and C, respectively, and arrows B and C are opposite to each other. The flow direction of the pre-motor filter 3 is radially inward in the direction toward the longitudinal axis A, and the flow direction of the post-motor filter 4 is radially outward in the direction away from the longitudinal axis A.

[0076] An annular seal 8 seals against the central portion 25 of the motor barrel 20, thereby preventing any fluid flow between the inlet and outlet within the filter assembly 1. Another annular seal 9 seals against another portion of the motor barrel 20 on the side of the motor barrel inlet 21 opposite to the annular seal 8. Thus, annular seals 8 and 9 seal the filter assembly 1 on each side of the motor barrel inlet 21 to ensure that no fluid can leak around the filter assembly 1, which could reduce the performance and efficiency of the motor 26 (and therefore reduce the performance and efficiency of any product containing the vacuum motor 26).

[0077] Figure 7A vacuum cleaner 30 is shown, including the filter assembly 1 and motor assembly as described in the foregoing figures. The vacuum cleaner 30 is handheld, but the filter assembly is not limited to use with handheld vacuum cleaners. The vacuum cleaner 30 has a dirt separator 31, a handle in the form of a pistol grip 32, a power source in the form of a battery pack 33, a body 34 including the aforementioned motor assembly, and an inlet 36 through which air is drawn into the vacuum cleaner 30. The dirt separator 31 separates dirt from the dirt-laden air drawn into the vacuum cleaner through the inlet 36 by a motor housed within the body 34 and powered by the battery pack 33. After passing through the motor, clean air is discharged from the vacuum cleaner 30 through an exhaust port 7 in the housing 6 of the filter assembly 1.

[0078] The vacuum cleaner 30, particularly in this case, with its body 34, dirt separator 31, motor assembly, and inlet 36, defines the longitudinal axis E of the vacuum cleaner. The longitudinal axis extends from the front to the rear of the vacuum cleaner 30, with the inlet 36 located at the front and the filter assembly 1 at the rear. When the filter assembly 1 is properly positioned on the motor housing 20, the longitudinal axis A of the filter assembly 1 is collinear with the longitudinal axis E of the vacuum cleaner 30.

[0079] The housing 6 of the filter assembly 1 forms part of the outer surface of the product (more specifically, in this case, the end wall 10 forms the rearward-facing outer surface of the vacuum cleaner, and the remainder of the housing 6 forms part of the circumferential outer surface of the vacuum cleaner 30). This makes it easy for the user to operate the filter assembly, for example, during maintenance of the filter assembly, when it may be necessary for the user to remove the filter assembly from the vacuum cleaner. Additionally, air exiting the filter assembly is directly discharged into the atmosphere without the need for additional ducting.

[0080] Figure 8 It shows from Figure 7 The filter assembly 1 is removed and / or replaced from the vacuum cleaner 30. As indicated by double arrow D, the filter assembly is slid across the motor housing 20 along the longitudinal axes A and E, thereby removing the filter housing 1 from the vacuum cleaner and then reassembling it back onto the vacuum cleaner. Figure 8 The motor barrel outlet 23 can be seen, but the motor barrel inlet is located inside the body 34. The body 34 has an annular recess around the motor barrel 20, allowing the exposed portion of the filter assembly 1, including the pre-motor filter 3, to slide within the body 34 to a position around the motor barrel inlet.

[0081] Lugs 35, clips, or other temporary securing devices are provided on the body 34 of the vacuum cleaner 30 to lock the filter assembly 1 in place and prevent it from slipping off during use of the vacuum cleaner 30. A corresponding lug or engaging member is provided on the filter housing of the filter assembly (not shown), which engages with the clips 35 on the body 34. The filter assembly 1 needs to be rotated to engage the engaging member with the clip. Alternative temporary securing devices can be used instead of clips 35. For example, the filter assembly 1 can be held in place on the vacuum cleaner 30 by magnetic engagement.

[0082] The filter assembly 1 in this arrangement is designed for intermittent cleaning during its service life to remove dirt accumulated on the pre-motor filter 3 and / or the post-motor filter 4. In this case, the pre-motor filter 3 is cleaned by placing the filter assembly 1 under a tap – holding the filter assembly 1 horizontally under the water flow and rotating it while massaging the pre-motor filter 3 to release dirt; the post-motor filter 4 is cleaned by repeatedly filling the space inside the housing 6 with water (holding the filter assembly under the tap with the end walls facing down) and then inverting the filter assembly to empty the water.

[0083] Figure 9 Another vacuum cleaner 30A for understanding the present invention is shown. This arrangement of the vacuum cleaner 30A is a stick vacuum cleaner, comprising a handheld vacuum cleaner 30, a cleaning head 38, and an elongated rigid rod 40 connecting the cleaning head 38 to the handheld vacuum cleaner 30. This arrangement of the handheld vacuum cleaner 30 is generally the same as the handheld vacuum cleaner in the preceding figures; therefore, only the differences are described here.

[0084] The cleaner head 36 has a suction port (not visible) that engages with the floor, through which air can enter the cleaner head in a known manner. The rod 40 is hollow and provides fluid communication between the cleaner head 38 and the inlet 36 of the handheld vacuum cleaner 30. The rod 40 extends along (and is collinear with, in this case, the longitudinal axis E of the handheld vacuum cleaner 30). The cleaner head 38 has a housing 42 and an outlet pipe 44, which is rotatable about a horizontal axis relative to the housing 42. The outlet pipe 44 has a hinged connector 46 and a pair of dome wheels 48.

[0085] In operation, the user holds the pistol-style handle 32 of the handheld vacuum cleaner 30, with the rear of the handheld vacuum cleaner facing the user and the front facing away from the user and generally downward. The stick 40 extends towards the floor, and the cleaner head 38 rests on the floor, bearing some of the weight of the stick vacuum cleaner 30A. The user "points" the front of the handheld vacuum cleaner 30 to the area of ​​the floor they want to clean, and the cleaner head moves toward that area via the rigid connection provided by the stick 40. In this case, the user can also "manipulate" the cleaner head by rotating the handheld vacuum cleaner 30A about its longitudinal axis E. The stick 40 transmits this rotation to the outlet duct 40, causing it to also rotate about its longitudinal axis E. Therefore, the outlet duct 40 rotates relative to the housing 42, causing the wheel 48 to tilt and bend at the hinge joint 46. This causes the housing 42 of the cleaner head 38 to change orientation, rotating it in the horizontal plane while maintaining contact with the floor.

[0086] The arrangement of the handheld vacuum cleaner 30A is in Figure 10 and 11 The figures are shown in the diagram. These figures illustrate the differences between the handheld vacuum cleaner 30A and the one described above.

[0087] The filter assembly 1 in this arrangement differs from the filter assembly described above in that it has a through-hole 12A instead of a blind hole. The through-hole extends collinearly with the longitudinal axis of the filter assembly 1, as in the filter assembly described above; however, in this case, the through-hole extends throughout the filter assembly 1 instead of terminating at the end wall. The filter assembly 1 in this arrangement also differs in that it has an inclined surface 50 intersecting the circumferential wall 52 and the annular end wall 54. The annular end wall 54 still forms part of the rearward-facing outer surface of the vacuum cleaner, as in the previously arranged end wall 10. The end wall 54 surrounds the through-hole 12A and forms an edge 56. The edge 56 includes another annular seal 58.

[0088] The handheld vacuum cleaner 30 in this arrangement differs further in that the motor barrel 20 has a non-perforated axial end with a circumferential wall 60 and an end wall 62. The end wall 62 supports a screen 64, more specifically a flat, full-color backlit TFT screen. The end wall 62 also supports a pair of control components in the form of buttons 66. The screen 64 and buttons 66 face rearward, with the screen perpendicular to the longitudinal axis E and the action line of the buttons parallel to the longitudinal axis E, so that they are visible and accessible during use.

[0089] In this arrangement, the entire axial length of the through-hole 12A receives the motor barrel. Therefore, the screen 64 and button 66 are surrounded by the filter assembly 1 (in this case, a full 360-degree surround), but protrude through the through-hole 12A, causing them to slightly protrude from the end wall 54. However, in other embodiments, the motor barrel 20 may extend only partially into the through-hole 12A, such that the screen is recessed behind the end wall 54 and visible through the through-hole 12A (and that the button 66 is visible through and operable through the through-hole 12A).

[0090] With the filter assembly 1 in place around the motor housing 20, the annular seal 58 engages the circumferential wall 60 of the non-perforated axial end of the motor housing 20. Therefore, air leaving the motor housing 20 through the motor housing outlet 23 cannot leak between the motor housing 20 and the edge 56, but must pass through the post-motor filter 4 and exit from the exhaust port 7.

[0091] The filter assembly 1 in this arrangement is cleaned in the same manner as the device described above. The pre-motor filter 3 is cleaned in the same way as described above, but due to the through-hole 12A, it is not necessary to repeatedly fill and empty the space inside the housing 6 to clean the post-motor filter 4. The filter assembly 1 can simply be held under a tap at an angle so that water flows into the through-hole 12A, impacts the interior of the post-motor filter, and then flows out from the other end of the through-hole. Furthermore, if needed, the user can insert their fingers into the rear end of the through-hole 12A to agitate the post-motor filter. Therefore, the cleaning of the filter assembly 1 in this arrangement can be faster and / or more efficient.

[0092] Figure 12 and 13 A filter assembly 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The filter assembly 1 of this embodiment is... Figure 9-11 The filter assembly is largely the same and can actually replace the filter assembly in the handheld vacuum cleaner 30, so only the differences are described here.

[0093] In this configuration, the housing 6 of the filter assembly is transparent. This allows the rear filter 4 to be viewed through the housing 6, rather than only through the vent 7 or by removing the housing 6 from the frame 5. Since the entire housing 6 is transparent in this configuration, portions of the rearward-facing and circumferential surfaces defined by the housing 6 are also transparent.

[0094] The filter component 1 in this embodiment and Figures 9 to 11The arrangement also differs in that it has a chamfered surface 68 between the circumferential wall 52 and the annular end wall 54, instead of an inclined surface. This improves the aesthetics of the filter assembly 1 (and therefore the handheld vacuum cleaner), makes the filter assembly 1 easier to clean or dry when needed, and / or improves the airflow through the filter assembly.

[0095] Although specific embodiments have been described, it should be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims. For example, in the above embodiments, the pre-motor filter and the post-motor filter have a circular cross-sectional shape. However, in alternative embodiments, other cross-sectional shapes may be used. For example, the cross-sectional shapes of the pre-motor filter and the post-motor filter may be elliptical, obliquely circular, square, horseshoe-shaped, or rectangular. Furthermore, although the above embodiments all show pre-motor filters and post-motor filters having the same cross-sectional shape, it will be understood that in alternative embodiments, the pre-motor filter may have a different cross-sectional shape than the post-motor filter. Therefore, the shapes of the pre-motor filters and post-motor filters, as well as the filter assemblies housing them, can be adapted to the requirements of the vacuum cleaners using them.

[0096] Furthermore, although the above arrangements and embodiments have transparent or opaque housings, it should be understood that the filter assembly according to the invention may be translucent or opaque, having transparent / translucent windows.

[0097] For the avoidance of doubt, the optional and / or preferred features described above may be used in any suitable combination, particularly in the combinations set forth in the appended claims. Where appropriate, features described with respect to one aspect of the invention may also be applied to another aspect of the invention, and / or features described with respect to arrangements useful for understanding the invention may also be applied to one aspect of the invention.

Claims

1. A handheld vacuum cleaner, comprising: A vacuum motor is used to draw airflow through the handheld vacuum cleaner. A pistol-style handle, positioned generally transversely to a longitudinal axis extending from the front end to the rear end of the vacuum cleaner; An air inlet is located in front of the pistol handle; A filter assembly located at the rear of the vacuum cleaner and behind the pistol handle, the filter assembly including a filter and a housing surrounding at least a portion of the filter. At least a portion of the outer shell is transparent or translucent. The filter assembly is positioned around the motor. The filter assembly includes an additional filter. The filter assembly defines a longitudinal axis, and the filter and the additional filter do not overlap in the axial direction, with the additional filter positioned axially adjacent to the filter.

2. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein, The outer shell is substantially transparent or translucent.

3. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein, At least a portion of the housing defines a portion of the outer surface of the vacuum cleaner.

4. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 3, wherein, At least a portion of the housing defines at least a portion of the rearward-facing outer surface of the vacuum cleaner.

5. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The housing includes one or more vents through which air is discharged from the filter assembly.

6. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The filter overlaps the vacuum motor in the axial direction.

7. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein, The handheld vacuum cleaner is configured to direct airflow through the filter and an additional filter in generally opposite directions.

8. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The filter is roughly annular in shape.

9. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The filter assembly surrounds the electronic vision display.

10. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The filter assembly defines a longitudinal axis and a through-hole extending along the longitudinal axis through the filter assembly, the through-hole of the filter assembly being configured to be mounted around the motor.

11. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 10, wherein, The filter is positioned around the motor outlet, and the additional filter is positioned around the motor inlet.

12. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The filter assembly is detachably mounted to the body of the vacuum cleaner.

13. A stick vacuum cleaner, comprising: Handheld vacuum cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims; A cleaner head with a defined suction opening; and A slender, rigid rod defines a suction path extending from the cleaner head to the air inlet of the handheld vacuum cleaner, the rod being positioned substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the handheld vacuum cleaner.

14. A filter assembly for use in a handheld vacuum cleaner or stick vacuum cleaner according to any one of the preceding claims.

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