Portable vacuum cleaner with sound absorbing wall

Abstract

The portable vacuum cleaner (2) comprises a body (3) with a suction duct (6) and a suction motor (5) housed in the body (3) and configured to generate an air flow through the suction duct (6), the body (3) comprising an exhaust circuit (18) through which the air flow generated by the suction motor (5) is exhausted outside the body (3). The exhaust circuit (18) comprises a filter (19) having a generally cylindrical shape and defining an internal chamber fluidly connected to an air exhaust orifice of the suction motor (5), a sound absorbing wall (23) extending at least partially into the internal chamber of the filter (19), an inner surface of the filter (19) and the sound absorbing wall (23) defining a first air conduit and a second air conduit, each of the first air conduit and the second air conduit intended to circulate a portion of the air flow.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of vacuum cleaners that make it possible to clean dust and waste present on the surface to be cleaned, which may be, for example, a tile, parquet, laminate, carpet or rug. [Background technology]

[0002] The vacuum cleaner, more particularly the portable vacuum cleaner, comprises in a known manner a main body with a suction duct, a waste separating and collecting device attached to the main body, and a suction motor housed in the main body, the suction motor having a motor shaft and configured to generate an air flow through the suction duct and the waste separating and collecting device. The main body further comprises an exhaust circuit through which the air flow generated by the suction motor is exhausted outside the main body. Advantageously, the exhaust circuit comprises a filter configured to filter the air flow flowing through the exhaust circuit.

[0003] Nevertheless, the noise generated during operation of such portable vacuum cleaners can be significant and can make using such portable vacuum cleaners unpleasant. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The present invention aims to remedy all or part of these drawbacks.

[0005] The technical problem underlying the present invention consists in particular in providing a portable vacuum cleaner that is simple and economical in construction while significantly reducing the noise generated by the portable vacuum cleaner during its use.

[0006] To this end, the present invention relates to a portable vacuum cleaner comprising a main body with a suction duct, a waste separation and collection device attached to the main body, and a suction motor housed in the main body, the suction motor having a motor shaft and configured to generate an air flow through the suction duct and the waste separation and collection device, the main body further comprising an air exhaust circuit through which the air flow generated by the suction motor is exhausted outside the main body, and the exhaust circuit comprises a filter configured to filter the air flowing through the exhaust circuit.

[0007] The filter has a generally cylindrical shape and includes an inner surface defining an internal chamber fluidly connected to the air discharge orifice of the suction motor, the exhaust circuit includes a sound-absorbing wall extending at least partially into the internal chamber of the filter, and the inner surface of the filter and the sound-absorbing wall define first and second air conduits, respectively, intended to circulate a portion of the air flow.

[0008] By a filter having a generally cylindrical shape, it is understood that the filter may have a generally cylindrical shape with a section having a substantially frustoconical shape or a C-shaped section or a horseshoe shape. The interior chamber also adopts a generally cylindrical shape.

[0009] The specific configuration of the filter according to the present invention, which involves the presence of a sound-absorbing wall housed in the filter's internal chamber, allows for reduced noise generated by the portable vacuum cleaner while generating low pressure loss. In fact, the fact that the filter's internal chamber is separated into two allows for a significant reduction in the amplitude of the sound waves passing through the filter's internal chamber. The amplitude of the sound waves is generally halved. This reduction in sound amplitude significantly reduces the acoustic emissions of the airflow passing through the filter. Therefore, this configuration of the portable vacuum cleaner makes the latter much more comfortable to use without significantly reducing the vacuum cleaner's suction performance.

[0010] The portable vacuum cleaner may further have one or more of the following features, either alone or in combination:

[0011] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sound absorbing wall extends over at least a portion of the length of the filter, for example over the entire length of the filter or over only a portion of the length of the filter.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the internal chamber has a circular cross section.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second air conduits are separated from each other by a sound absorbing wall.

[0014] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sound absorbing wall is configured such that the first and second air conduits have substantially the same passage section and, for example, a generally semi-cylindrical shape.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the filter has a longitudinal axis at the center of the filter.

[0016] Advantageously, the exhaust circuit includes a single sound-absorbing wall arranged centrally along the longitudinal axis of the filter, such that the sound-absorbing wall divides the internal chamber into two substantially identical air conduits. Advantageously, the use of a single sound-absorbing wall centered on the longitudinal axis of the generally cylindrical filter makes it possible to obtain two air conduits with substantially identical passage sections. Therefore, the pressure losses caused by the airflow circulating in the two air conduits, i.e., the amplitude and frequency of the sound waves passing through the air conduits, are substantially identical, which allows further optimization of sound absorption in the configuration according to the invention, in which the sound-absorbing wall is arranged in the internal chamber of the generally cylindrical filter. Conversely, an off-center sound-absorbing wall in the internal chamber or several sound-absorbing walls arranged parallel to the internal chamber will not produce optimal results, due to the passage sections differing in cross-section or cross-sectional shape.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the internal chamber includes a first open end and a second closed end opposite the first open end, the first open end of the internal chamber being oriented toward the suction motor. Such a configuration of the internal chamber with a sound-absorbing wall further reduces noise generated by the portable vacuum cleaner.

[0018] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sound-absorbing wall includes a first end and a second end opposite the first end, and the first end of the sound-absorbing wall is axially disposed substantially at the first open end of the internal chamber or protrudes outside the internal chamber from the first open end.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sound absorbing wall is elongate and extends in a direction of extension, advantageously substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the filter.

[0020] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sound absorbing wall extends along the longitudinal axis of the filter.

[0021] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sound absorbing wall has a generally planar shape and extends in an extension plane. Such a configuration of the sound absorbing wall makes it possible to further limit the pressure loss caused by the sound absorbing wall.

[0022] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sound absorbing wall comprises the longitudinal axis of the filter. Advantageously, the sound absorbing wall symmetrically separates the internal chambers such that the first and second air conduits are substantially identical.

[0023] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the longitudinal axis of the filter is substantially coaxial with the motor axis of the suction motor.

[0024] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the extension plane of the sound absorbing wall is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the filter. Such an arrangement of the sound absorbing wall makes it possible to further limit the pressure loss caused by the sound absorbing wall. Advantageously, the extension plane of the sound absorbing wall is substantially parallel to the motor axis of the suction motor.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first and second air conduits extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the filter. Advantageously, the first and second air conduits extend substantially parallel to the motor axis of the suction motor.

[0026] In an alternative embodiment to the above mode, the longitudinal axis of the filter is parallel to and different from the motor axis of the aspiration motor.

[0027] In an alternative embodiment to the previous mode, the longitudinal axis of the filter is inclined relative to the motor axis of the suction motor.

[0028] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the motor shaft of the suction motor intersects with the sound absorbing wall, which arrangement of the sound absorbing wall further reduces the noise generated by the portable vacuum cleaner.

[0029] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sound-absorbing wall includes a structural support element and a sound-absorbing member made of a porous material and secured to the structural support element. The sound-absorbing member can be secured to the structural support element, for example, by adhesive bonding or any other fastening means. This configuration of the sound-absorbing wall makes it easy to secure and hold in place within the interior chamber. Furthermore, the structural element limits deformation of the sound-absorbing wall and prevents vibration of the sound-absorbing wall when airflow circulates within the interior chamber.

[0030] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sound absorbing member is made of a porous material having an open cavity.

[0031] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the structural support element is a structural support core.

[0032] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the structural support element is perforated. Such a configuration of the structural support element makes it possible to limit the pressure loss generated by the sound absorbing wall.

[0033] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sound absorbing member is secured to the structural support element in such a way that the airflow must flow through the sound absorbing member before it can encounter the structural support element, in other words, the sound absorbing member is attached to the structural support element such that the airflow cannot directly encounter the structural support element.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sound absorbing member comprises first and second sound absorbing portions each having a generally flat shape and extending substantially parallel to one another, and a third sound absorbing portion connecting the first and second sound absorbing portions together, the structural support element being arranged between the first and second sound absorbing portions, and advantageously the third sound absorbing portion being oriented towards the suction motor.

[0035] According to one embodiment of the invention, the sound absorbing member is folded onto itself to form first and second sound absorbing portions.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sound absorbing member is an acoustic foam.

[0037] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the structural support element is rigid.

[0038] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the structural support element is a support frame.

[0039] According to another embodiment of the invention, the structural support element is a support plate provided with a plurality of through orifices distributed on the support plate.

[0040] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the exhaust circuit includes at least one exhaust opening provided in the main body through which the airflow generated by the suction motor is discharged to the outside of the household vacuum cleaner, the at least one exhaust opening being oriented in a direction extending substantially perpendicular to the sound-absorbing wall. This configuration allows for optimizing the air conduit between the filter inlet and the exhaust opening provided in the main body. More specifically, this configuration allows for limiting pressure loss between the filter inlet and the exhaust opening, further improving the sound-attenuation performance of the filter. Advantageously, at least two exhaust openings are provided in the main body. The two exhaust openings are arranged so that an exhaust opening is formed on the main body on each side of the sound-absorbing wall.

[0041] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one exhaust opening opens to the upper outer surface of the body.

[0042] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the suction duct is located in the front part of the body.

[0043] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the filter is located at the rear of the suction motor.

[0044] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the exhaust circuit further comprises an additional sound-absorbing element made of a porous material and located upstream of the filter, the additional sound-absorbing element being fluidly connected to the air discharge orifice of the suction motor and comprising a passage opening located opposite the first open end of the internal chamber of the filter.

[0045] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the sound absorbing wall extends partially into the passage opening.

[0046] According to another embodiment of the invention, the first end of the sound absorbing wall may be set back from the passage opening and therefore does not extend through the passage opening.

[0047] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the additional sound absorbing element is made of a porous material with open cavities.

[0048] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the additional sound absorbing element is an acoustic foam.

[0049] According to one embodiment of the present invention, an additional sound absorbing element is arranged between the suction motor and the filter.

[0050] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the additional sound absorbing element has an annular shape.

[0051] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the filter includes a first axial end face and a second axial end face opposite the first axial end face, and the additional sound absorbing element at least partially covers the first axial end face of the filter.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the invention, the additional sound absorbing element has a first axial surface that is annular and oriented towards the suction motor and a second axial surface that is annular and oriented towards the filter, advantageously the second axial surface of the additional sound absorbing element being in contact with the first axial end face of the filter.

[0053] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the filter includes a filtering portion made of pleated filter media and having a generally tubular shape. Alternatively, the filtering portion can be made of tubular foam. Such a filter configuration further improves the filter's sound attenuation performance, thus further reducing noise generated by the portable vacuum cleaner.

[0054] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the body at least partially defines a receiving chamber in which the filter and the sound absorbing wall are removably received.

[0055] According to one embodiment of the present invention, a portable vacuum cleaner includes a removable cover removably attached to a main body, the removable cover configured to prevent access to the filter and the sound absorbing wall when the removable cover is attached to the main body and to allow access to the filter and the sound absorbing wall when the removable cover is removed. These configurations allow easy access to the filter and the sound absorbing wall and to allow them to be removed from the main body for maintenance, particularly cleaning and / or replacement.

[0056] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the removable cover is disposed on the rear side of the main body of the portable vacuum cleaner.

[0057] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the portable vacuum cleaner includes at least one energy storage element, such as a rechargeable battery, configured to electrically power the portable vacuum cleaner, in particular the suction motor.

[0058] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the at least one energy storage element is housed in the body, for example in a grip handle provided on the body.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the waste separation and collection device is of the cyclone type.

[0060] According to one embodiment of the invention, the waste separating and collecting device extends along an extension axis transverse to the motor axis of the suction motor. Advantageously, the extension axis of the waste separating and collecting device is substantially perpendicular to the motor axis.

[0061] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the waste separation and collection device is removably attached to the body.

[0062] According to the illustrated embodiment, the portable vacuum cleaner includes a support structure disposed on the body and configured to support the filter, the support structure being, for example, generally tubular and including a peripheral perforated support portion to which the filter is attached, the perforated support portion being configured to support the filter and extend between the sound-absorbing wall and the filter.

[0063] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the support structure is also configured to support additional sound absorbing elements. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0064] In any event, the invention will be clearly understood with the aid of the following description, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings which represent, by way of non-limiting example, two embodiments of this vacuum cleaner. [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a portable vacuum cleaner according to the present invention. [Figure 2] 2 is a partial longitudinal cross-sectional view of the portable vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 taken along a cross section perpendicular to that of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an enlarged scale view of a detail of FIG. [Figure 4] 4 is a cross-sectional view of the portable vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1. FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0065] In this document, the terms "upstream" and "downstream" are defined relative to the direction of airflow within the portable vacuum cleaner.

[0066] 1 to 4 show a portable vacuum cleaner 2 comprising a main body 3, a waste separating and collecting device 4 removably attached to the main body 3, and a suction motor 5 housed in the main body 3.

[0067] The main body 3 includes, in particular, a suction duct 6 that allows outside air to be sucked in by the portable vacuum cleaner 2, and a grip handle 7 that allows the portable vacuum cleaner 2 to be held by a user. Advantageously, the suction duct 6 is arranged at the front of the main body 3, and the grip handle 7 is arranged at the rear of the main body 3.

[0068] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the waste separation collector 4 comprises a waste collection container 8 including a sidewall of generally tubular shape. The waste separation collector 4 is advantageously of the cyclone type and further comprises a tubular separating member 9, such as a tubular grid, arranged coaxially with the central axis of the waste collection container 8, and a cyclone separation chamber 10 defined externally by the sidewall of the waste collection container 8 and internally by the tubular separating member 9. The waste separation collector 4 further comprises an air intake 11 fluidly connected to the suction duct 6 and opening into the cyclone separation chamber 10.

[0069] The suction motor 5 is more particularly configured to generate an air flow through the suction duct 6 and the waste separating and collecting device 4 .

[0070] 1, the suction motor 5 includes a motor casing 12 and an electric fan 13 disposed in the motor casing 12. In a known manner, the electric fan 13 includes a fan and an electric motor configured to rotate the fan.

[0071] The suction motor 5 further includes an air inlet orifice 14 and an air outlet orifice 15, and the portable vacuum cleaner 2 further includes a connecting duct 16 fluidly connecting the air inlet orifice 14 of the suction motor 5 to the air outlet opening of the waste separation collection device 4.

[0072] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the waste separation and collection device 4 extends along an extension axis A, and the suction motor 5 includes a motor axis B extending transversely to the extension axis A and advantageously perpendicularly to the extension axis A.

[0073] The portable vacuum cleaner 2 further comprises an energy storage element 17, such as a rechargeable battery, configured to electrically power the electric fan 13. The energy storage element 17 is advantageously housed in the main body 3, for example in the grip handle 7.

[0074] The main body 3 further includes an exhaust circuit 18 through which the airflow generated by the suction motor 5 is exhausted to the outside of the main body 3 .

[0075] The exhaust circuit 18 includes a filter 19 configured to filter the airflow passing through the exhaust circuit 18. The filter 19 has a generally cylindrical shape, with a longitudinal axis at the center of the filter extending substantially coaxially with the motor axis B. Advantageously, the filter 19 is located at the rear of the suction motor 5.

[0076] The filter 19 includes a first axial end face 19.1 and a second axial end face 19.2 opposite the first axial end face 19.1, and further includes a filtration portion 21 created by pleated filter media and having a generally tubular shape.

[0077] The filtering section 21 includes an inner surface that defines an internal chamber 22 that is fluidly connected to the air discharge orifice 15 of the suction motor 5. Advantageously, the internal chamber 22 has a circular cross-section and includes a first open end 22.1 oriented toward the suction motor 5 and a second closed end 22.2 opposite the first open end 22.1 and located downstream of the first open end 22.1.

[0078] The exhaust circuit 18 further includes an acoustic wall 23 that extends at least partially within the internal chamber 22 of the filter 19, such that the inner surface of the filter 19 and the acoustic wall 23 define a first air conduit 24.1 and a second air conduit 24.2, respectively, intended to circulate a portion of the air flow.

[0079] Advantageously, the sound absorbing wall 23 is elongated and extends in an elongation direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the filter 19. The sound absorbing wall 23 may, for example, extend over the entire length of the filter 19 or over only a portion of the length of the filter 19.

[0080] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first and second air conduits 24.1, 24.2 are separated from each other by a sound-absorbing wall 23, the latter being configured such that the first and second air conduits 24.1, 24.2 have substantially identical and, for example, generally semi-cylindrical passage sections.

[0081] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the sound absorbing wall 23 has a generally planar shape and extends in an extension plane that is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the filter 19. Advantageously, the sound absorbing wall 23 includes the longitudinal axis of the filter 19, and the first and second air conduits 24.1, 24.2 extend substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the filter 19. Advantageously, the longitudinal axis of the filter 19 lies in the mid-plane of the sound absorbing wall.

[0082] The sound-absorbing wall 23 includes a first end 23.1 located on a side of the suction motor 5 and a second end 23.2 opposite the first end 23.1. According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the first end 23.1 of the sound-absorbing wall 23 protrudes from the first open end 22.1 of the internal chamber 22 to the outside of the internal chamber 22. However, according to one variant of the invention, the first end 23.1 of the sound-absorbing wall 23 may be axially arranged substantially at the first open end 22.1 of the internal chamber 22, or may be arranged axially apart from the first open end 22.1 of the internal chamber 22.

[0083] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the sound absorbing wall 23 comprises a structural support element 24 which is advantageously rigid and perforated, and a sound absorbing member 25 made of a porous material and fixed to the structural support element 24, for example by gluing or any other fixing means.

[0084] The structural support element 24 may be formed, for example, by a support frame or by a support plate provided with a plurality of through orifices distributed over the support plate. Advantageously, the sound absorbing member 25 is an acoustic foam which may have a thickness comprised between 3 and 7 mm, and for example about 5 mm.

[0085] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the sound absorbing member 25 comprises a first sound absorbing portion 25.1 and a second sound absorbing portion 25.2, each of which has a generally planar shape and extends substantially parallel to one another, and a third sound absorbing portion 25.3, which connects the first and second sound absorbing portions 25.1, 25.2 to one another. Such a configuration of the sound absorbing member 25 is obtained by folding the sound absorbing member 25 onto itself.

[0086] The structural support element 24 is disposed between the first and second sound-absorbing portions 25.1, 25.2, thus forming a structural support core. Advantageously, the third sound-absorbing portion 25.3 is oriented toward the suction motor 5, so that the airflow must flow through the sound-absorbing member 25 before it can meet the structural support element 24. In other words, the sound-absorbing wall 23 is configured so that the airflow cannot directly meet the structural support element 24.

[0087] The exhaust circuit 18 further comprises an additional sound absorbing element 26 made of a porous material and positioned upstream of the filter 19. Advantageously, the additional sound absorbing element 26 is arranged between the suction motor 5 and the filter 19. The additional sound absorbing element 26 may be, for example, an acoustic foam.

[0088] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the additional sound-absorbing element 26 has an annular shape, is fluidly connected to the air discharge orifice 15 of the suction motor 5 and includes a passage opening 27 located opposite the first open end 22.1 of the internal chamber 22 of the filter 19.

[0089] The additional sound absorbing element 26 is annular and has a first axial surface 26.1 oriented towards the suction motor 5 and a second axial surface 26.2 oriented towards the filter 19.

[0090] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the portable vacuum cleaner 2 comprises a support structure 30 arranged on the main body 3 and configured to support the filter 19 and the additional sound absorbing element 26. The support structure 30 more particularly comprises: a generally tubular, peripheral perforated support portion 30.1 on which the filter 19 is mounted, the perforated support portion 30.1 being configured to support the filter 19 and extend between the sound absorbing wall 23 and the filter 19; an additional support part 30.2 of generally tubular shape surrounding the additional sound absorbing element 26, the additional support part 30.2 being configured to support the additional sound absorbing element 26; a bearing 30.3 connecting the perforated support part 30.1 to the additional support part 30.2 and interposed between the filter 19 and the additional sound-absorbing element 26, the bearing 30.3 having a first side against which the second axial surface 26.2 of the additional sound-absorbing element 26 bears and a second side oriented towards the filter 19. The filter 19 can, for example, be pressed against the second surface of the bearing 30.3.

[0091] The support structure 30 may also include an end wall 30.4 disposed opposite the second closed end 22.2 of the interior chamber 22.

[0092] However, according to one variant of the invention, the second axial surface 26.2 of the additional sound-absorbing element 26 can be in contact with the first axial end face 19.1 of the filter 19, and the additional sound-absorbing element 26 can at least partially, and for example completely, cover the first axial end face 19.1 of the filter 19.

[0093] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the sound absorbing wall 23 extends partially into the passage opening 27. However, according to one variant of the invention, the first end 23.1 of the sound absorbing wall 23 can be located rearward from the passage opening 27 and therefore does not extend through it.

[0094] The exhaust circuit 18 further comprises an exhaust opening 28 provided on the outer surface of the main body 3 , through which the airflow generated by the suction motor 5 is exhausted to the outside of the main body 3 .

[0095] Advantageously, at least one, and for example each, of the exhaust openings 28 is oriented in an orientation direction that extends substantially perpendicular to the sound absorbing wall 23 .

[0096] According to the embodiment shown in the figures, the main body 3 at least partially defines a receiving chamber 29 in which the filter 19 and the sound absorbing wall 23 are removably received, and the portable vacuum cleaner 2 includes a removable cover 31 removably secured to the main body 3 and configured to prevent access to the filter 19 and the sound absorbing wall 23 when the removable cover 31 is secured to the main body 3 and to allow access to the filter 19 and the sound absorbing wall 23 when the removable cover 31 is removed. Advantageously, the removable cover 31 is located on a rear side of the main body 3 of the portable vacuum cleaner 2.

[0097] The operation of the vacuum cleaner 2 will now be described. When the electric fan 13 is electrically driven, a cavity is formed in the waste separation and collection device 4, and air and waste are sucked in by the suction duct 6. The air filled with waste then penetrates the waste collection container 8 via the air intake 11, which may emerge tangentially, for example, in the cyclone separation chamber 10. The air is thus rotated, and the waste is centrifuged outwards, and this waste is collected by the waste collection container 8.

[0098] The air flow then flows successively through the air outlet orifice 11 of the suction motor 5, the connecting duct 16, and the air inlet orifice 14 and the air discharge orifice 15. The air flow then flows through the passage opening 27 of the additional sound-absorbing element 26 and the first and second air conduits 24.1, 24.2, and then through the filtering section 21 before escaping from the body 3 via the exhaust opening 28.

[0099] Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the described and illustrated embodiments, given solely by way of example: modifications are possible, particularly in terms of the arrangement of the various elements or by the substitution of technical equivalents, without departing from the scope of protection of the invention.

[0100] The present invention includes the following embodiments: [Configuration 1] A portable vacuum cleaner (2) comprising a main body (3) having a suction duct (6), a waste separation and collection device (4) attached to the main body (3), and a suction motor (5) housed in the main body (3), the suction motor (5) having a motor shaft (B) and configured to generate an air flow through the suction duct (6) and the waste separation and collection device (4), the main body (3) further comprising an exhaust circuit (18) through which the air flow generated by the suction motor (5) is discharged to the outside of the main body (3), the exhaust circuit (18) being configured to filter the air flowing through the exhaust circuit (18). a filter (19) configured to have a generally cylindrical shape and include an inner surface defining an internal chamber (22) fluidly connected to an air discharge orifice (15) of the suction motor (5); the exhaust circuit (18) includes a sound-absorbing wall (23) extending at least partially into the internal chamber (22) of the filter (19); and the inner surface of the filter (19) and the sound-absorbing wall (23) define a first air conduit (24.1) and a second air conduit (24.2), respectively, for circulating a portion of the air flow. [Configuration 2] The portable vacuum cleaner (2) of configuration 1, wherein the internal chamber (22) includes a first open end (22.1) and a second closed end (22.2) opposite the first open end (22.1), and the first open end (22.1) of the internal chamber (22) is oriented toward the suction motor (5). [Configuration 3] The portable vacuum cleaner (2) of configuration 2, wherein the sound-absorbing wall (23) includes a first end (23.1) and a second end (23.2) opposite the first end (23.1), and the first end (23.1) of the sound-absorbing wall (23) is axially disposed substantially at the first open end (22.1) of the internal chamber (22) or protrudes from the internal chamber (22) from the first open end (22.1). [Configuration 4] 4. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) of configuration 2 or 3, wherein the exhaust circuit (18) further comprises an additional sound-absorbing element (26) made of a porous material and positioned upstream of the filter (19), the additional sound-absorbing element (26) being fluidly connected to the air discharge orifice (15) of the suction motor (5) and comprising a passage opening (27) positioned opposite the first open end (22.1) of the internal chamber (22) of the filter (19). [Configuration 5] 5. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) of configuration 4, wherein the sound-absorbing wall (23) extends partially into the passage opening (27). [Configuration 6] 6. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) of configuration 4 or 5, wherein the additional sound-absorbing element (26) is acoustic foam. [Configuration 7] 7. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) of any one of configurations 1 to 6, wherein the sound absorbing wall (23) has a generally planar shape and extends in an extension plane. [Configuration 8] A portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to configuration 7, wherein the filter (19) has a longitudinal axis at the center of the filter (19), and the extension plane of the sound-absorbing wall (23) is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the filter (19). [Configuration 9] 9. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) of claim 8, wherein the longitudinal axis of the filter (19) extends substantially coaxially with the motor axis (B) of the suction motor (5). [Configuration 10] 10. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of configurations 1 to 9, wherein the motor shaft (B) of the suction motor (5) intersects with the sound-absorbing wall (23). [Configuration 11] 11. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) of any one of configurations 1 to 10, wherein the sound-absorbing wall (23) comprises a structural support element (24) and a sound-absorbing member (25) made of a porous material and fixed to the structural support element (24). [Configuration 12] 12. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) of claim 11, wherein the structural support element (24) is perforated. [Configuration 13] 13. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) of configuration 11 or 12, wherein the sound-absorbing member (25) comprises a first sound-absorbing portion (25.1) and a second sound-absorbing portion (25.2), each having a generally planar shape and extending substantially parallel to one another, and a third sound-absorbing portion (25.3) therebetween connecting the first sound-absorbing portion (25.1) and the second sound-absorbing portion (25.2), and the structural support element (24) is disposed between the first and second sound-absorbing portions (25.1, 25.2). [Configuration 14] A portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of configurations 1 to 13, wherein the exhaust circuit (18) is provided in the main body (3) and includes at least one exhaust opening (28) through which the air flow generated by the suction motor (5) is discharged to the outside of the household vacuum cleaner, and the at least one exhaust opening (28) is oriented in an orientation direction extending substantially perpendicular to the sound-absorbing wall (23).

Claims

1. A portable vacuum cleaner (2) comprising a main body (3) having a suction duct (6), a waste separation and collection device (4) attached to the main body (3), and a suction motor (5) housed in the main body (3), the suction motor (5) having a motor shaft (B) and configured to generate an air flow passing through the suction duct (6) and the waste separation and collection device (4), the main body (3) further comprising an exhaust circuit (18) through which the air flow generated by the suction motor (5) is discharged to the outside of the main body (3), the exhaust circuit (18) being configured to filter the air flow passing through the exhaust circuit (18). a filter (19) configured to have a generally cylindrical shape and include an inner surface defining an internal chamber (22) fluidly connected to an air discharge orifice (15) of the suction motor (5); the exhaust circuit (18) includes a sound-absorbing wall (23) extending at least partially into the internal chamber (22) of the filter (19); and the inner surface of the filter (19) and the sound-absorbing wall (23) define a first air conduit (24.1) and a second air conduit (24.2), respectively, for circulating a portion of the air flow.

2. 2. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) of claim 1, wherein the internal chamber (22) includes a first open end (22.1) and a second closed end (22.2) opposite the first open end (22.1), and the first open end (22.1) of the internal chamber (22) is oriented toward the suction motor (5).

3. 3. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) of claim 2, wherein the sound-absorbing wall (23) includes a first end (23.1) and a second end (23.2) opposite the first end (23.1), and the first end (23.1) of the sound-absorbing wall (23) is axially disposed substantially at the first open end (22.1) of the internal chamber (22) or protrudes from the internal chamber (22) from the first open end (22.1).

4. 3. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) of claim 2, wherein the exhaust circuit (18) further comprises an additional sound-absorbing element (26) made of a porous material and positioned upstream of the filter (19), the additional sound-absorbing element (26) being fluidly connected to the air discharge orifice (15) of the suction motor (5) and comprising a passage opening (27) positioned opposite the first open end (22.1) of the internal chamber (22) of the filter (19).

5. 5. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) of claim 4, wherein the sound absorbing wall (23) extends partially into the passage opening (27).

6. 5. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) of claim 4, wherein the additional sound absorbing element (26) is acoustic foam.

7. 2. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) of claim 1, wherein the sound absorbing wall (23) has a generally planar shape and extends in an extension plane.

8. 8. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) of claim 7, wherein the filter (19) has a longitudinal axis at the center of the filter (19), and the extension plane of the sound-absorbing wall (23) is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the filter (19).

9. 9. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) of claim 8, wherein the longitudinal axis of the filter (19) extends substantially coaxially with the motor axis (B) of the suction motor (5).

10. 2. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 1, wherein the motor shaft (B) of the suction motor (5) intersects with the sound-absorbing wall (23).

11. 2. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) of claim 1, wherein the sound-absorbing wall (23) comprises a structural support element (24) and a sound-absorbing member (25) made of a porous material and fixed to the structural support element (24).

12. 12. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) of claim 11, wherein the structural support element (24) is perforated.

13. 12. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) of claim 11, wherein the sound-absorbing member (25) comprises a first sound-absorbing portion (25.1) and a second sound-absorbing portion (25.2), each of which has a generally planar shape and extends substantially parallel to one another, and a third sound-absorbing portion (25.3) therebetween connecting the first sound-absorbing portion (25.1) and the second sound-absorbing portion (25.2), and the structural support element (24) is disposed between the first and second sound-absorbing portions (25.1, 25.2).

14. The portable vacuum cleaner (2) of claim 1, wherein the exhaust circuit (18) is provided in the main body (3) and includes at least one exhaust opening (28) through which the air flow generated by the suction motor (5) is discharged outside the portable vacuum cleaner (2), and the at least one exhaust opening (28) is oriented in an orientation direction extending substantially perpendicular to the sound-absorbing wall (23).

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