Vacuum cleaner

Abstract

A vacuum cleaner comprising a non-cyclone separation system and a cyclone separation system is described. The vacuum cleaner may be a handheld vacuum cleaner. The cyclone separation system may be positioned vertically above the non-cyclone separation system, and / or the vacuum cleaner may comprise a suction motor positioned vertically above the cyclone separation system. The vacuum cleaner may comprise a chamber for collecting dust separated by the non-cyclone separation system and a further chamber for collecting dust separated by the cyclone separation system. One of the chambers may surround the other of the chambers, and / or one of the chambers may be positioned within, or in parallel with, the other of the chambers. The cyclone separation system may be positioned downstream of the non-cyclone separation system. The vacuum cleaner may comprise one or more filters positioned downstream of the cyclone separation system and upstream and / or downstream of the suction motor of the vacuum cleaner.

Description

Background Art

[0001] A vacuum cleaner may include one or more separation systems for separating dust from an air flow drawn through the vacuum cleaner.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0002]

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DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The vacuum cleaner 1 is shown in FIG. 1. The vacuum cleaner 1 includes a main unit 10, a wand 1000, and a cleaning head 1100. The vacuum cleaner 1 is typically called a stick-type vacuum cleaner. The wand 1000 and the cleaning head 1100 are detachable from the main unit 10. The main unit 10 can be used as a stand-alone hand-held vacuum cleaner as shown in FIG. 2.

[0004] The main unit 10 is shown alone in FIGS. 2 and 3 and includes a bin assembly 100, a primary separation system 200, a compression assembly 300, a runner assembly 350, a secondary separation system 400, a suction motor 500, a housing and handle assembly 600, a PCB assembly 627, a user interface 632, a filter assembly 604, and a battery assembly 800.

[0005] The bin assembly 100 is shown in FIGS. 4 to 21. The bin assembly 100 includes a bin base 102, a bin base cover 104, a cuff seal 106, a bin base seal 107, a dust collection chamber seal 108, a bin body 110, a bin closure fixture 112, a wand interlock mechanism 120, and an inlet valve assembly 144.

[0006] The bin base 102 includes a base plate 116 and a base nozzle 118.

[0007] The base plate 116 is generally circular and includes a base plate opening 122 and a base hinge portion 124. The base plate opening 122 is shaped and dimensioned to receive an electrical connector 238 of the primary separation system 200 that passes therethrough. The base hinge portion 124 defines a first half of the hinge connection between the bin base 102 and the bin body 110. The base hinge portion 124 is located above the base plate 116 when the main unit 10 is positioned in a horizontal orientation. The base hinge portion 124 defines a hinge axis 123.

[0008] The lower region of the base plate 116 includes a bin push rod engagement protrusion 125. The bin push rod engagement protrusion 125 extends from the base plate 116 such that when the bin base 102 is in the closed position, the bin push rod engagement protrusion 125 extends below the bin body 110. The bin push rod engagement protrusion 125 includes a bin hook opening 126. Through the bin hook opening 126, a hook 188 of the bin body 110 protrudes when the bin base 102 is in the closed position, as described in more detail below.

[0009] The base nozzle 118 extends through the base plate 116. The base nozzle 118 includes a main portion that extends away from the bin body 110 from the first side surface of the base plate 116. The base nozzle 118 has a hollow shape and is provided with an air inlet 134 at one end. Through the air inlet 134, the air flow enters the interior of the bin assembly 100 during use when the bin base 102 is in the closed position. In some examples, the base nozzle 118 may be omitted, and the air inlet 134 may be defined by an opening formed in the bin base 102. The base nozzle 118 has a substantially circular cross-sectional profile when viewed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 119 of the base nozzle 118. The longitudinal axis 119 of the base nozzle 118 defines a central axis. Along the central axis, the air flow enters the bin assembly 100 during use. This will be further described below.

[0010] The distal end 136 of the base nozzle 118, which is distal to the base plate 116, has a chamfered shape and includes a flat portion 138 and a corner portion 140. Since the flat portion 138 extends in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 119 of the base nozzle 118, it is substantially parallel to the base plate 116. The corner portion 140 is longer than the flat portion 138 and extends rearward from the flat portion 138 in a plane angled with respect to the longitudinal axis 119 of the base nozzle 118. In this example, the corner portion 140 extends in a plane forming an acute angle of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the longitudinal axis 119 of the base nozzle 118.

[0011] The base nozzle 118 includes a plurality of bleed holes 141 that extend through the wall of the base nozzle 118. The bleed holes 141 are located toward the distal end 136 of the base nozzle 118 and are grouped into three sets in this example. The first set is located at the top of the base nozzle 118, and the other two sets are located on both sides of the base nozzle 118. The bleed holes are not located at the bottom of the base nozzle 118.

[0012] The outer surface of the base nozzle 118 has four tapered ribs 142. The four tapered ribs 142 are each shaped and dimensioned to be received within corresponding channels formed in the inner surface of the cuff 1006 of the wand 1000 when attached to the main unit 10. This will be further described below.

[0013] The base nozzle 118 includes an inlet valve stopper 143 located inside the base nozzle 118 at an end proximal to the base plate 116. The inlet valve stopper 143 takes the form of a protrusion that projects upward from the bottom of the inner surface of the base nozzle 118. In this example, the inlet valve stopper 143 is wedge-shaped and has a cross-section that resembles a right triangle. The inlet valve stopper 143 is thus inclined and its height gradually increases in the direction towards the proximal end of the base nozzle 118. As will be further described below, the inlet valve stopper 143 acts to stop or limit the movement of the inlet valve member 146. The inclined profile of the inlet valve stopper 143 helps to reduce the disturbance to the air flow moving within the base nozzle 118 caused by the inlet valve stopper 143.

[0014] 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 surface of the base plate 116 at a position above the base nozzle 118.

[0015] The inlet valve assembly 144 includes an inlet valve member 146, a fabric hinge 148, and an inlet valve guard 150.

[0016] The inlet valve member 146 is attached to the inlet valve guard 150 by a fabric hinge 148 such that the inlet valve member 146 is movable relative to the inlet valve guard 150. More specifically, the inlet valve member pivots via the fabric hinge 148 between a closed position, shown in FIG. 8(a), where the air inlet 134 is closed by the inlet valve member 146, and an open position, shown in FIG. 8(b), where the air inlet 134 is not closed by the inlet valve member 146.

[0017] When in the open position, the inlet valve member 146 is configured to shape the air flow entering the bin body 110 through the air inlet 134. More specifically, the inlet valve member 146 shapes the air flow such that the profile of the air flow is well adapted to the surfaces of the primary filter 204 and the first core portion 212 of the primary separation system 200, as will be described in more detail below. For this reason, the inlet valve member 146 has a downwardly convex shape. The depth of the convex surface of the inlet valve member 146 increases from the first upstream end of the inlet valve member 146 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 projects towards the axis 119, and the depth of the convex surface increases from the upstream end to the downstream end. This can be most clearly seen in FIG. 6. As a result, 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 layer portion of the air flow 110 downward, so that the air flow entering the bin chamber 105 enters as a substantially U-shaped air column.

[0018] The fabric hinge 148 is attached to both the inlet valve member 146 and the inlet valve guard 150. The fabric hinge 148 enables movement of the inlet valve member 146 relative to the inlet valve guard 150 from a closed position to an open position. By employing the fabric hinge 148, the force required to move the inlet valve member 146 to the open position is relatively small. As a result, the inlet valve member 146 moves to the open position in response to a relatively low flow rate moving within 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 creates a pressure differential across the inlet valve member 146, whereby the air upstream of the inlet valve member 146 pushes and moves the inlet valve member 146 to the open position. The inlet valve member 146 pivots about a horizontal axis. The inlet valve member 146 thus moves upward to the open position. When the suction force is removed, the inlet valve member 146 returns to the closed position under gravity. The inlet valve member 146 can thus be said to be biased to the closed position and moves to the open position in response to the suction force generated by the suction motor 500. In this example, the fabric hinge 148 is made of nylon, although other fabrics or materials that can provide low hinge torque may be used.

[0019] The inlet valve guard 150 is shaped as a concave hood that spreads over the inlet valve member 146. The inlet valve guard 150 includes a contact portion 151. When the inlet valve member 146 is in the open position, the contact portion 151 engages a corresponding contact portion 147 of the inlet valve member 146. This thereby prevents over-rotation of the inlet valve member 146. Otherwise, over-rotation could cause the inlet valve member 146 to jam within the inlet valve guard 150.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 8(a), when the inlet valve member 146 is in the closed position, the inlet valve member 146 abuts against the inlet valve stopper 143. This thereby prevents, in turn, the possibility that the inlet valve member 146 jams within the base nozzle 118 when returning to the closed position.

[0021] The wand interlock mechanism 120 is shown in FIGS. 9 to 11. The wand interlock mechanism 120 includes a wand interlock actuator 152, a wand interlock slider 154, and a wand interlock spring 155.

[0022] The wand interlock actuator 152 includes a wand contact portion 156, a pivot pin 157, and a pair of push arms 158. The wand interlock actuator 152 is pivotally installed on the base plate 116 by a pivot pin 157 received in a notch of the base plate 116, which is best seen in FIG. 11. The wand contact portion 156 projects through an opening 1701 of the bin base cover 104, which is seen in FIG. 10. The wand interlock actuator 152 pivots with respect to the base plate 116 about an axis parallel to the hinge axis 123.

[0023] The push arm 158 is received in a corresponding notch 180 of the wand interlock slider 154. In response to the pivoting of the wand interlock actuator 152, the push arm 158 engages with the wand interlock slider 154 and moves or displaces the wand interlock slider 154 in a direction perpendicular to the pivot axis of the wand interlock actuator 152. The direction of movement of the wand interlock slider 154 is indicated by an arrow in FIG. 11. The movements of the wand interlock actuator 152 and the wand interlock slider 154 are thus interlocked. That is, when one of the wand interlock actuator 152 and the wand interlock slider 154 moves, the other also moves.

[0024] The wand interlock slider 154 includes a pair of arms 164 attached to the base portion 166. The arms 164 are generally elongated in shape and extend upward from both ends of the base portion 166. The free end of each arm 164 (i.e., the distal end of the base portion 166) includes a notch 180 for receiving a respective push arm 158 of the wand interlock actuator 152. The arms 164 extend upward on both sides of the base nozzle 118.

[0025] The base portion 166 includes a hook 168 for selectively engaging the bin body 110. The base portion 166 further includes a recess or pocket 187 for receiving one end of the wand interlock spring 155. The base plate 116 includes a similar recess or pocket 127 for receiving the opposite end of the wand interlock spring 155. As a result, the wand interlock spring 155 is held between the base plate 116 and the wand interlock slider 154.

[0026] The wand interlock mechanism 120 has three configurations. In the first configuration, the wand interlock mechanism 120 prevents attachment of the wand 1000 or other fixture to the base nozzle 118 when the bin base 102 is in the open position. In the second configuration, the wand interlock mechanism 120 permits attachment of the wand 1000 or other fixture to the base nozzle 118 when the bin base 102 is in the closed position. And in the third configuration, the wand interlock mechanism 120 prevents movement of the bin base 102 from the closed position to the open position when the wand 1000 or other fixture is attached to the base nozzle 118.

[0027] The first form of the wand interlock mechanism 120 is shown in FIG. 11. The wand interlock mechanism 120 takes the first form when the bin base 102 is in the open position. The wand interlock spring 155 is held between the base plate 116 and the wand interlock slider 154. When the bin base 102 is in the open position, the wand interlock spring 155 biases the wand interlock slider 154 to the first position. Thereby, the wand interlock actuator 152 is biased to the first position. In this example, the wand interlock spring 155 biases the wand interlock slider 154 downward. The first position of the wand interlock slider 154 may thus be regarded as the lowermost position. The wand interlock actuator 152, on the other hand, pivots to the uppermost position at its first position. As described above, the wand interlock actuator 152 projects through the opening 1701 of the bin base cover 104. When the wand 1000 or other fixture is inserted beyond the base nozzle 118 for attachment, the wand interlock actuator 152 abuts against the wand 1000 or fixture, preventing further movement of the wand 1000 or fixture along the base nozzle 118, thereby preventing the wand 1000 or fixture from being attached to the base nozzle 118.

[0028] The second form of the wand interlock mechanism 120 is shown in FIGS. 12 and 14. In response to the movement of the bin base 102 to the closed position, the wand interlock mechanism 120 moves from the first form to the second form. More specifically, when the bin base 102 moves to the closed position, the bin body 110 engages with the base portion 166 of the wand interlock slider 154 and moves the wand interlock slider 154 from its first position to its second position against the biasing force of the wand interlock spring 155. Accordingly, the wand interlock actuator 152 pivots from its first position to its second position. In this particular example, the wand interlock slider 154 moves upward from its first position to its second position, and the wand interlock actuator 152 pivots downward from its first position to its second position. When the wand 1000 or other fixture is inserted beyond the base nozzle 118 for attachment, the wand 1000 or fixture engages with the wand interlock actuator 152. Due to its second position on the lower side, the wand interlock actuator 152 no longer prevents the wand 1000 or fixture from being attached to the base nozzle 118. Instead, when engaged with the wand interlock actuator 152, the wand 1000 or fixture moves further along the base nozzle 118, and the wand interlock actuator 152 pivots downward from its second position to its third position against the biasing force of the wand interlock spring 155. Accordingly, the wand interlock slider 154 moves from its second position to its third position. In this particular example, the wand interlock actuator 152 pivots downward from its second position to its third position, and the wand interlock slider 154 moves upward from its second position to its third position. FIG. 14 shows the position of the wand interlock slider 154 in the second portion, and FIG. 15 shows the position of the wand interlock slider 154 in the third position.

[0029] The third form of the wand interlock mechanism 120 is shown in FIGS. 13 and 15. In the third form, the wand interlock actuator 152 and the wand interlock slider 154 are in their third positions. When the wand interlock slider 154 is in its third position, the base portion 166 of the wand interlock slider 154 engages with the bin body 110 and prevents movement of the bin base 102 from the closed position. More specifically, the hook 168 of the wand interlock slider 154 engages with the hook 188 of the bin body 110 and prevents movement of the bin base 102 from the closed position. As a result, when the wand 1000 or other fixture is attached to the base nozzle 118, the bin assembly 100 cannot be opened.

[0030] When the wand 1000 or fixture is subsequently removed from the base nozzle 118, the wand interlock mechanism 120 moves from the third form to the second form. In particular, the wand interlock actuator 152 moves from its third position to its second position under the biasing force of the wand interlock spring 155. Accordingly, the wand interlock slider 154 moves from its third position to its second position. The hook 168 of the wand interlock slider 154 is thereby disengaged from the hook 188 of the bin body 110, whereby the bin base 102 is free to move from the closed position to the open position.

[0031] When the bin base 102 subsequently moves from the closed position to the open position, the wand interlock mechanism 120 moves from the second form to the first form. In particular, since the wand interlock slider 154 no longer engages with the bin body 110, the wand interlock slider 154 moves from its second position to its first position under the biasing force of the wand interlock spring 155. Accordingly, the wand interlock actuator 152 moves from its second position to its first position, thereby preventing the wand 1000 or other fixture from being attached to the base nozzle 118.

[0032] The bin base cover 104 includes a first portion 170 that extends over and covers the base plate 116 and the wand interlock mechanism 120, and a second portion 172 that extends over and covers a part of the base nozzle 118. The first portion 170 includes a first opening 1701 through which the wand interlock actuator 152 protrudes, as seen in FIG. 10, and a second opening 1702 through which the electrical connector 238 protrudes. The second portion 172 includes an opening 1721. Through the opening 1721, the wand catch 1022 of the wand 1000 may extend to engage the locking protrusion 135 of the base nozzle 118, as will be described in more detail below.

[0033] The cuff seal 106 is annular, surrounds the base nozzle 118, and is positioned between the base nozzle 118 and the second portion 172 of the bin base cover 104. As a result, the second portion 172 of the bin base cover 104 extends over the cuff seal 106 and protects the cuff seal 106.

[0034] The bin base seal 107 is annular and is fixed to the second side surface of the base plate 116. When the bin base 102 is in the closed position (described in more detail below), the bin base seal 107 forms an airtight seal against the bin body 110. In this particular example, the bin base seal 107 includes a pair of lip seals that seal the inner surface of the bin body 110.

[0035] The dust collection chamber seal 108 includes a first seal 131, a second seal 132, and a third seal 133. The first seal 131 and the second seal 132 form an airtight seal against the walls of the first dust collection chamber 228 and the second dust collection chamber 230, which will be described below. In this example, since the ends of the first dust collection chamber 228 and the second dust collection chamber 230 are formed in an arcuate shape, the first seal 131 and the second seal 132 are also formed in an arcuate shape accordingly. The third seal 133 forms an airtight seal against the electrical connector 238 that extends through the bin base 102. Since the electrical connector 238 is substantially rectangular, the third seal 133 is also rectangular accordingly. In this example, the first seal 131 and the second seal 132 each include a lip seal that seals the inner surface of each respective dust collection chamber 228, 230, and the third seal 133 includes a lip seal that seals the outer surface of the electrical connector 238.

[0036] Next, referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the bin body 110 includes a bin case 174, a bin hinge portion 175, a pair of rails 176, a first channel 178 and a second channel 179, and a bin base hook 188. In this example, the bin case 174, the bin hinge portion 175, the rails 176, the channels 178, 179, and the bin base hook 188 are all integrally formed.

[0037] The bin case 174 is substantially cylindrical and includes an opening 184 located toward the second end 182 of the bin case 174. In this example, the opening 184 is located on the upper side of the bin case 174. When the bin assembly 100 is attached to the primary separation system 200, the opening of the bin case 174 receives the bin release catch 252. The user can then release and remove the bin assembly 100 by pressing the bin release catch 252.

[0038] The bin hinge part 175 is located at the first end 181 of the bin case 174 and defines the second half of the hinge connection between the bin base 102 and the bin body 110. More specifically, the bin hinge part 175 and the base hinge part 124 are held together by a hinge pin 114 to define a hinge connection. The bin hinge part 175 is located above the bin case 174 when the vacuum cleaner 1 is positioned in a horizontal orientation. The bin base 102 is movable relative to the bin body 110 about a hinge axis 123. The bin base 102 is movable between a closed position shown in FIG. 10 and an open position shown in FIG. 18. In this example, the bin assembly 100 includes a torsion spring 115 that surrounds the hinge pin 114 and biases the bin base 102 to the open position.

[0039] The rail 176 is located on the outer surface of the bin case 174. In this example, the rail 176 is located below the bin case 174 and extends along the main length of the bin case 174. The rail 176 is used to attach the bin assembly 100 to the runner assembly 350, which will be described in more detail below.

[0040] The channels 178, 179 are located at the first end 181 of the bin case 174 on both sides of the bin hinge part 175. Each of the channels 178, 179 is formed by a pair of parallel protrusions or tracks 198, 199 that partially extend around the bin case 174. As will be described below, the channels 178, 179 receive and hold the bin closure fixture 112.

[0041] The bin base hook 188 extends from the first end 181 of the bin case 174. When the bin base 102 is in the closed position, the bin base hook 188 extends through the bin hook opening 126 of the base plate 116. As described above, the wand interlock slider 154 selectively engages the bin base hook 188 to prevent and permit movement of the bin 102 from the closed position.

[0042] Next, referring to FIGS. 19 - 21, the bin closure fastener 112 includes a first fastener 190, a second fastener 192, and a tension spring 193. Each of the fasteners 190, 192 is generally arcuate or C - shaped and is installed within respective channels 178, 179 of the bin body 110. Each fastener 190, 192 is attached to the bin body 110 at a first end. In this example, the first ends of each fastener 190, 192 are attached to the base hinge portion 175 of the bin body 110. Each fastener body 190, 192 is subsequently attached to the tension spring 193 at a second opposite end. The tension spring 193 thus extends between the two fasteners 190, 192. The tension spring biases the second ends of the fasteners 190, 192 together. As a result, the fasteners 190, 192 clamp around the first end 181 of the bin body 110.

[0043] The width of each fastener 190, 192 is such that the fasteners 190, 192 extend beyond the first end 181 of the bin body 110. Each fastener 190, 192 includes a pair of protrusions 194, 195 provided on the inner surface of the arcuate portion of the fasteners 190, 192. As seen in FIG. 21, the fasteners 190, 192 are held within respective channels 178, 179 of the bin body 110 by protrusions or tracks 198, 199. And the axial movement (i.e., the direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the bin assembly 100) of the fasteners 190, 192 is resisted by the tracks 198, 199 of the bin body 110. In particular, the axial movement of each fastener 190, 192 in a first direction (to the left in FIG. 21) causes the first protrusion 194 of the fasteners 190, 192 to abut against the second track 199 of the bin body 110, and the axial movement of each fastener 190, 192 in a second opposite direction (to the right in FIG. 21) causes the ends of the fasteners 190, 192 to abut against the first track 198 of the bin body 110.

[0044] The second protrusions 195 of the respective fasteners 190, 192 are provided on that portion of the fasteners 190, 192 that extends beyond the first end portion 181 of the bin body 110. And the second protrusions 195 of the fasteners 190, 192 engage with a pair of protrusions 128 of the bin base 102 when the bin base 102 is in the closed position. FIG. 20 shows only one of the pair of protrusions 128 that engages with the second fastener 192. The corresponding protrusion 128 is provided on the opposite side of the bin base 102 and is seen in FIG. 21.

[0045] The bin base 102 includes a pair of protrusions 128, each of which extends circumferentially only around a part of the base plate 116 of the bin base 102. Similarly, the second protrusions 195 of the respective fasteners 190, 192 extend circumferentially only around a part of the fasteners 190, 192. When the bin base 102 is in the closed position, as shown in FIG. 21, the second protrusion 195 of the first fastener 190 engages with one of the pair of protrusions 128 of the bin base 102, and the second protrusion 195 of the second fastener 192 engages with the other of the pair of protrusions 128. As a result, the movement of the bin base 102 from the closed position to the open position is blocked.

[0046] The bin closing fastener 112 has a contracted form and an expanded form. The bin closing fastener 112 is shown in the contracted form in FIGS. 18, 19, and 21. When the bin base 102 is in the closed position and the bin closing fastener 112 is in the contracted form, the bin closing fastener 112 holds the bin base 102 in the closed position. To release the bin base 102 from the closed position, the bin closing fastener 112 moves to the expanded form.

[0047] To move the bottle closure fastener 112 to the expanded configuration, the bottle push rod 356, which forms part of the runner assembly 350 and is described in more detail below, is pushed in the direction of the bottle base 102. The end of the bottle push rod 356 projects into the gap 196 between the two fasteners 190, 192. The end of the bottle push rod 256 is wedge-shaped. As a result, when the bottle push rod 356 is pushed towards the bottle base 102, the bottle push rod 356 engages the two fasteners 190, 192 and pushes the two fasteners 190, 192 apart against the biasing force of the tension spring 193. When the fasteners 190, 192 are pushed apart, each fastener 190, 192 bends or pivots outward about a first end that is attached to the bottle body 110. When the fasteners 190, 192 pivot, the second projections 195 of the fasteners 190, 192 move away from or release the projections 128 of the bottle base 102. As a result, the bottle base 102 is no longer held by the bottle closure fastener 112 and is free to move to the open position.

[0048] The first projections 194 of the fasteners 190, 192 and the tracks 198, 199 of the bottle body 110 extend more circumferentially. As a result, while the second projections 195 of the fasteners 190, 192 move away from the projections 128 of the bottle base 110, the first projections 194 continue to engage the projections 199 of the bottle body 110. As a result, each fastener 190, 192 remains held within the channels 178, 179 of the bottle body 110.

[0049] The fasteners 190, 192 of the bottle closure 112 move apart from each other in the expanded form. More specifically, while the second ends of the fasteners 190, 192 move apart from each other, the first ends of the fasteners 190, 192 remain fixed in position. When moving apart, the fasteners 190, 192 effectively expand outwardly in a direction away from the bottle body 110 and the bottle base 102. The fasteners 190, 192 can perhaps be considered as a band or a C-clip that collectively surrounds the end of the bottle body 110 and the bottle base 102. The diameter of this band or C-clip thus expands in the expanded form and contracts in the contracted form. The fasteners 190, 192 can therefore be said to have a first equivalent diameter in the contracted form and a second larger equivalent diameter in the second form.

[0050] The protrusion 128 of the bottle base 110 is inclined, as can be seen in FIG. 21. When the bottle closure 112 is in the contracted form and the bottle base 102 moves from the open position to the closed position, the inclined surface of the protrusion 128 contacts the second protrusion 195 of the fasteners 190, 192. As the bottle base 110 continues to move to the closed position, the second protrusion 195 of the fasteners 190, 192 rides up on the inclined surface of the protrusion 128 of the bottle base 110. Thereby, the fasteners 190, 192 pivot outwardly about the first end attached to the bottle body 110. The two fasteners 190, 192 are thus pushed apart by the pushing force used to move the bottle base 110, which moves against the biasing force of the tension spring 193. Finally, when the movement of the bottle base 110 to the closed position is completed, the second protrusion 195 of the fasteners 190, 192 rides up on the top of the protrusion 128 of the bottle base 110. Then, due to the biasing force of the tension spring 193, the two fasteners 190, 192 snap down on the protrusion 128 of the bottle base 110. As a result, the bottle base 110 is again held in the closed position by the bottle closure 112. The inclined surface of the protrusion 128 of the bottle base 102 can therefore move the bottle closure 112 from the contracted form to the expanded form during the closing of the bottle base 102.

[0051] In some examples, each of the fasteners 190, 192 may include a roller, a bearing, or a low friction bushing against which the end of the bin push rod 356 engages. As a result, friction, and thus wear of the fasteners 190, 192 and / or the bin push rod 356, may be reduced.

[0052] The bin base 102 and the bin body 110 together define the internal chamber 105 of the bin assembly 100. As will be described in more detail below, in use, an air flow enters the chamber 105 through the air flow inlet 134. The dust entrained in the air flow is then separated by the primary separation system 200 and retained within the chamber 105 of the bin assembly 100. The chamber 105 is then emptied by moving the bin base 102 to the open position.

[0053] The primary separation system 200 is shown in FIGS. 22 - 33 and includes a core 202, a primary filter 204, a first auxiliary filter 206 and a second auxiliary filter 208, a dust detection assembly 210, an electrical connector 238, an electrical harness 239, a bin body seal 250, and a bin release catch 252. The primary separation system 200 is a non - cyclone separation system as will be described in more detail below.

[0054] 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 bin assembly 100 and the second core portion 214 closes the open end of the bin assembly 100.

[0055] The first core portion 212 is generally U - shaped along its length. The cross - sectional shape of the first core portion 212 is substantially uniform along its length. The outer profile of the first core portion 212 can be said to include recesses and protrusions. The recesses define troughs or air flow channels 220 that extend along the length of the first core portion 211. The first core portion 212 is considered to include a first arm 217 and a second arm 218, each of which is arcuate and forms half of the U - shaped core 212.

[0056] The first core portion 212 is positioned within the bin assembly 100 and extends from the first end 181 to the second end 182 of the bin body 110. The first core portion 212 is positioned within the bin assembly 100 such that the chamber 105 of the bin 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. Thus, the first core portion 212 has a substantially U-shaped cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 119. The first core portion 212 extends partially about the longitudinal axis 119 of the base nozzle 118, as shown in FIG. 30 which shows the position of the longitudinal axis 119. It can be said that the first arm 217 and the second arm 218 extend upwardly on both sides of the longitudinal axis 119. And the air flow channel 220 of the first core portion 212 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis 119. Also, the longitudinal axis 119 extends through the air flow channel 220.

[0057] The first core portion 212 has a first end 222 proximal to the bin base 102 and thus proximal to the air inlet 134 defined by the base nozzle 118, and a second end 224 distal to the bin base 102 and thus distal to the air inlet 134. The first core portion 212 is substantially hollow-shaped and includes an inner wall 225 or partition that divides the interior of the first core portion 212. More specifically, the inner wall 225 defines a primary outlet passage 226, a first dust collection chamber 228, a second dust collection chamber 230, a routing passage 232, a first auxiliary outlet passage 234, and a second auxiliary outlet passage 236.

[0058] The primary outlet passage 226 extends across both the first arm 217 and the second arm 218 of the first core portion 212. The primary outlet passage 226 is located in the radially inner region of the first arm 217 and the second arm 218 of the first core portion 212 and is positioned to extend beneath the primary filter 204. The primary outlet passage 226 begins midway along the axial length of the first core portion 212 as 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.

[0059] The first dust collection chamber 228 is located within the first arm 217 of the first core portion 212. The first dust 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 dust collection chamber 228 shares a common wall with the primary outlet passage 226, the first auxiliary outlet passage, and the rumbling passage 232 at various points along the length of the first dust collection chamber 228. The end of the first dust collection chamber 228 at the second end 224 of the first core portion 212 is in fluid communication with the dust outlet of the first subset 474 of the cyclone body 464 of the secondary separation stage 400 as described in more detail below. The opposite end of the first dust collection chamber 228 at the first end 222 of the first core portion 212 is open. When the bin base 102 is in the closed position, the base plate 116 and the dust collection chamber seal 108 (more specifically, the first seal 131) close and seal the end of the first dust collection chamber 228.

[0060] The second dust collection chamber 230 is located within the second arm 218 of the first core portion 212. The second dust 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 dust collection chamber 230 shares a common wall with the primary outlet passage 226, the second auxiliary outlet passage 236, and the routing passage 232 at various points along the length of the second dust collection chamber 230. The end of the second dust collection chamber 230 at the second end 224 of the first core portion 212 is in fluid communication with the dust outlet of the second subset 476 of the cyclone body 464 of the secondary separation stage 400, as will be described in more detail below. The opposite end of the second dust collection chamber 230 at the first end 222 of the first core portion 212 is open. When the bin base 102 is in the closed position, the base plate 116 and the dust collection chamber seal 108 (more specifically, the second seal 132) close and seal the end of the second dust collection chamber 230.

[0061] The routing passage 232 is of a hollow shape and houses the electrical harness 239 and the dust detection assembly 210. For a better illustration of the routing passage, the electrical harness 239 and the components of the dust detection assembly 210 are omitted in FIGS. 26 - 30. The routing passage 232 is located between the first dust collection chamber 228 and the second dust collection chamber 230 and below the primary outlet passage 226 within the generally U-shaped cross-section of the first core portion 212. The routing passage 232 extends along the entire length of the first core portion 212. The end of the routing passage 232 at the first end 222 of the first core portion 212 is closed by an electrical connector 238. The electrical connector 238 is connected to the corresponding electrical connector 1026 of the wand 1000 and provides both power and communication signals from the main unit 10 to the wand 1000 and the vacuum head 1100. The electrical harness 239 comprises a first portion extending between the electrical connector 238 and the circuit board 290 of the dust detection assembly 210 and a second portion extending from the circuit board 290 to the housing and the handle assembly 600.

[0062] The first auxiliary outlet passage 234 is located within the first arm 217 of the first core portion 212. The first auxiliary outlet passage 234 is located below the first dust collection chamber 228 and extends along a part of the first core portion 212 from the first end 222 of the first core portion 212. The first auxiliary outlet passage 234 is closed at both ends. That is, the passage 234 is closed at the first end 222 of the first core portion 212 and is also closed at the opposite end. The first auxiliary outlet passage 234 is located in the radially outer region of the first core portion 212. The first auxiliary outlet passage 234 is in fluid communication with the primary outlet passage 226 via a first connecting passage 240 that extends through the first dust collection chamber 228.

[0063] The second auxiliary outlet passage 236 is located within the second arm 218 of the first core portion 212. The second auxiliary outlet passage 236 is located below the second dust collection chamber 230 and extends along a part of the first core portion 212 from the first end 222 of the first core portion 212. The second auxiliary outlet passage 236 is closed at both ends. That is, the passage 236 is closed at the first end 222 of the first core portion 212 and is also closed at the opposite end. The second auxiliary outlet passage 236 is located in the radially outer region of the first core portion 212. The second auxiliary outlet passage 236 is in fluid communication with the primary outlet passage 226 via a second connecting passage 242 that extends through the second dust collection 230. The first auxiliary outlet passage 234 and the second auxiliary outlet passage 236 are located on both sides of the routing passage 232.

[0064] The second core portion 214 is substantially 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 abuts against the second end 224. In this example, the second core portion 214 is integrally formed with the first core portion 212. The outer diameter of the second core portion 214 is larger than the outer diameter of the first core portion 212. As a result, the end wall 244 extends radially outward beyond the second end 224 of the first core portion 212.

[0065] The end wall 244 closes the end of the air flow channel 220 of the first core portion 212. The air flow channel 220 is thus 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.

[0066] The second core portion 214 is formed outside the side wall 243 and includes an annular channel and a catch recess. The bin body seal 250 is installed in the annular channel 246, and the bin release catch 252 is installed in the catch recess. The second core portion 214 further includes an inner wall 255 or partition that divides the interior of the second core portion 214. More specifically, the inner wall 255 defines an outlet passage 256, a first dust transfer passage 258, a second dust transfer passage 260, and a routing passage 262.

[0067] The outlet passage 256 is substantially cylindrical and is located at the center of the interior of the second core portion 214. The outlet passage 256 is in fluid connection with the primary outlet passage 226 of the first core portion 212. The outlet passage 256 may thus be regarded as an extension of the primary outlet passage 226. The end of the outlet passage 256 defines the air outlet of the primary separation system 200.

[0068] The first dust transfer passage 258 and the second dust transfer passage 260 are substantially C-shaped, located on both sides of the outlet passage 256, and extend around the main portion of the outlet passage 256. One end of the first dust transfer passage 258 is in fluid connection with the first dust collection chamber 228, and the opposite end is in fluid connection with the dust outlet of the first subset 474 of the cyclone body 464 of the secondary separation stage 400. The first dust transfer passage 258 functions as a conduit through which dust from the first subset 474 of the cyclone body 464 is conveyed to the first dust collection chamber 228. Similarly, one end of the second dust transfer passage 260 is in fluid connection with the second dust collection chamber 230, and the opposite end is in fluid connection with the dust outlet of the second subset 476 of the cyclone body 464 of the secondary separation stage 400. And the second dust transfer passage 260 conveys dust from the second subset 476 of the cyclone body 464 to the second dust collection chamber 230.

[0069] The routing passage 262 is located below the outlet passage 256 when the main unit 10 is positioned in a horizontal orientation. The routing passage 262 and the dust transfer passages 258, 260 collectively surround the outlet passage 256. The routing passage 262 is connected to the routing passage 232 of the first core portion 212 and may be regarded as an extension of the routing passage 232 of the first core portion 212. Thus, the routing passage 262 houses the electrical harness 239.

[0070] The primary filter 204 is shown separately in FIGS. 31 and 32. The primary filter 204 has a substantially U-shaped cross section, and its shape corresponds to the profile of the recess of the first core portion 212. The primary filter 204 is attached to the core 202, more specifically, to the recess of the first core portion 212. In this example, the core 202 covers the primary filter 204, and the primary filter 204 includes a mechanism (e.g., flange 266 and oversize hole 268) that supports good fixation between the core 202 and the primary filter 204. The primary filter 204 provides a continuation of the profile of the recess of the first core portion 212. The first core portion 212 and the primary filter 204 thus collectively define a concave outer surface that defines the air flow channel 220.

[0071] The primary filter 204 is made of metal. The primary filter 204 includes a perforated area or mesh 270 having a plurality of holes. The holes of the mesh 270 have a hole size (i.e., diameter or equivalent diameter) of 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm, and the mesh has an open area of 20% to 35%. Further, the ratio of the cross-sectional area of the air inlet 134 to the total open area of the mesh is 0.4 to 0.6. That is, the cross-sectional area of the air inlet 134 is 2 / 5 to 3 / 5 of the total open area of the primary filter 204.

[0072] For clarity, the mesh 270 is shown as a shaded area in FIGS. 31 and 32. The mesh 270 has a U-shaped cross section. The width of the mesh 270 tapers along the length of the mesh 270. That is, the width of the mesh 270 decreases along a part of the length of the primary filter 204. Since the mesh 270 has a U-shaped cross section, it should be understood that the width of the mesh 270 means the arc length of the mesh 270 and does not mean, for example, the width of the air flow channel 220 that is constant along the length of the primary filter 204. Since the mesh 270 tapers along the length of the primary filter 204, the open area of the primary filter 204 decreases along its length. The primary filter 204 has a notch 272 at one end for accommodating the dust detection assembly 210.

[0073] The primary filter 204 has a length extending in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis 119 of the base nozzle 118, such as the first core portion 212. The primary filter 204 thus has a substantially U-shaped cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 119. The primary filter 204 extends partially about 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 outer upstream surface of the primary filter 204 is 0.7 to 1.2 times the radius of the air inlet 134. That is, if the air inlet 124 has an effective radius of R1 and the radial distance between the longitudinal axis 119 and the primary filter 204 is R2, the ratio R2 / R1 is 0.7 to 1.2.

[0074] As already described, the open area of the primary filter 204 decreases along a part of the length of the primary filter 204. More specifically, the open area of the primary filter 204 decreases in a direction away from the open end of the air flow channel 220 and toward the closed end of the air flow channel 220. The open area of the primary filter 204 thus decreases in a direction away from the air inlet 134.

[0075] The primary filter 204 covers the opening or the inlet of the primary outlet passage 226. As will be described in more detail below, the air flow entering the chamber 105 flows along the air flow channel 220 and over the primary filter 204. And a first portion of the air flow passes through the primary filter 204 and flows along the primary outlet passage 226.

[0076] The insert 274 is positioned within the primary outlet passage 226. The insert 274 corresponds in shape to a peripheral edge portion of a part of the mesh 270 of the primary filter 204 and extends thereunder. In this example, the insert 274 forms the shape of the peripheral edge of the mesh 270 that is positioned towards the second end 224 of the first core portion 212, that is, the edge of the mesh 270 that is furthest from the air inlet 134, and extends thereunder. The insert 274 is positioned under the peripheral edge and acts to restrict the airflow passing through the peripheral edge. Otherwise, the flow rate through the primary filter 204 would be relatively high.

[0077] The first auxiliary filter 206 and the second auxiliary filter 208 are shown separately in FIG. 33. Each of the auxiliary filters 206, 208 includes a mesh 276 attached to a peripheral frame 277. Each of the auxiliary filters 206, 208 has a substantially arcuate cross-section and corresponds in shape to the profile of the convex portion of the first core portion 212. The auxiliary filters 206, 208 are attached to the core 202, more specifically, to the convex portion 216 of the first core portion 212. In this example, the first core portion 212 and the frames 277 of the respective auxiliary filters 206, 208 are provided with an interlock mechanism for attaching 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 passage 234, and the second auxiliary filter 208 covers the opening or inlet of the second auxiliary outlet passage 236.

[0078] The meshes of the auxiliary filters 206, 208 are made of metal. The holes of the mesh have a hole size of 0.2 mm to 0.5 mm, and the mesh has an open area of 20% to 35%. The total open area of the auxiliary filters 206, 208 combined is less than the total open area of the primary filter 204.

[0079] During use, the airflow entering the chamber 105 flows along the airflow channel 220 and beyond the primary filter 204. Then, the 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 bin assembly 100. Then, the second portion of the airflow passes through the auxiliary filters 206 and 208 and flows along the auxiliary outlet passages 234 and 236. Since the first portion is 65% - 85% of the airflow, the second portion is 15% - 35% of the airflow. In this particular example, the first portion is approximately 75% of the airflow.

[0080] The dust detection assembly 210 is shown separately in exploded view in FIG. 34 and includes an impact area 280 that forms part of the core 202, a piezoelectric acoustic sensor 282, a pressure plate 284, a spring 286, a cap 288, and a dust detection assembly circuit board 290.

[0081] The impact area 280 is formed as part of the surface of the first core portion 212. The impact plate area 280 is shaped and dimensioned to fit within the notch 272 of the primary filter 204 while also extending outside the notch 272 towards the airflow inlet 134. Thus, the primary filter 204 extends partially 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, together with the dust detection assembly circuit board 290, are located within the lumen passage 232 of the first core portion 212. The components of the dust detection assembly 210 enable the detection of dust that impacts the impact area 280, and in some examples, the vacuum cleaner 1 can be automatically controlled in response to the detected dust. In an alternative embodiment, a separate impact plate may form the impact area. The impact plate may be installed on the upper surface of the first core portion by vibration isolation components.

[0082] The compression assembly 300 is shown separately in FIGS. 35-37. The compression assembly 300 may be regarded as a compression mechanism. The compression assembly 300 includes a compression plate sub-assembly 302, a core wiping member 304 (which may be regarded as a filter wiping member), a bin wiping member 306, a first compression rod 308 and a second compression rod 310, and a compression handle assembly 312. The compression assembly 300, or its various components, may be regarded as forming a wiping mechanism, in which case, in response to a single actuation of the wiping mechanism, it is configured to wipe the inner surface of the bin body 110, the primary mesh 204, and the first auxiliary mesh 206 and the second auxiliary mesh 208. However, in other examples, it will be understood that there may be a separate compression assembly 300 and a wiping mechanism.

[0083] The compression plate sub-assembly 302 includes a front plate 314, a middle plate 316, and a rear plate 318. At least one of the plates of the compression plate sub-assembly 302 may be regarded as a plate of the wiping mechanism and / or a compression plate of the compression assembly 300, and each of these plates is slidably installed substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chamber 105 (which is coaxial with the central longitudinal axis 119 of the base nozzle 118 in this case). The front plate 314 includes a compression body 320, a front plate through-hole 322, and a front flange 324. The compression body 320 is substantially circular and defines a substantially flat compression surface. The compression body 320 has a diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the bin body 110. The front plate through-hole 322 is substantially U-shaped and is shaped and dimensioned to slidably receive the first core portion 212 of the primary separation system 200. The front plate through-hole 322 is formed in the compression plate 320. The front flange 324 is substantially U-shaped and curves around the base of the substantially U-shaped front plate through-hole 322. The front flange 324 extends only partway along the arms of the substantially U-shaped front plate through-hole 322. The front flange 324 extends from the compression body 320 such that the front flange 324 is located on the opposite side of the compression plate sub-assembly 302 with respect to the first compression rod 308 and the second compression rod 310. The front flange 324 is integrally formed with the compression body 320 and extends from the compression body. In an alternative embodiment, the front flange 324 may be omitted.

[0084] The middle plate 316 has substantially the same form as the compression body 320 and is located on the opposite side of the compression body 320 with respect to the front flange 324.

[0085] The rear plate 318 has substantially the same form as the middle plate 316 and further includes a rod receiving opening 326. The rear plate 318 is located on the opposite side of the middle plate 316 with respect to the front plate 314, and the rod receiving opening 326 faces in a direction away from the front plate 314. Each rod receiving opening 326 is shaped and dimensioned to receive a corresponding one of the first compression rod 308 and the second compression rod 310.

[0086] Each of the rear plate 318, the middle plate 316, and the front plate 314 includes a rod receiving opening. The rod receiving opening is shaped and dimensioned to receive a corresponding one of the first compression rod 308 and the second compression rod 310.

[0087] The core wiping member 304 is substantially U-shaped and is shaped and dimensioned to correspond to the outer edge of the front plate through hole 322 and to correspond to the outer edge of the first core portion 212 of the primary separation system 200. The core wiping member 304 is made of an elastically deformable material such as rubber and is installed on the middle plate 316 around the outer edge of the through hole of the middle plate 316 such that the outer edge of the core wiping member 304 is angled toward the front plate through hole. In other words, the core wiping member 304 extends at an oblique angle from the outer edge toward the air inlet 134 and toward the central longitudinal axis of the chamber 105. In this example, the core wiping member 304 is installed along the entire outer edge of the front plate through hole 322, but in other cases, the core wiping member 304 may instead be installed along only a part, rather than the entire outer edge. In an alternative embodiment, the core wiping member is installed on the front plate 314 around the outer edge of the front plate through hole 322 such that the outer edge of the core wiping member is angled toward the front plate through hole 322.

[0088] The bin wiping member 306 is substantially annular, shaped and dimensioned to correspond to the outer edge of the front plate 314. The bin wiping member 306 is made of an elastically deformable material such as rubber and is installed on the front plate 314 around the outer edge of the front plate 314 so that the outer edge of the bin wiping member 306 forms an angle away from the front plate 314. In other words, the bin wiping member 306 extends obliquely from the outer edge towards the air inlet 134 and away from the central longitudinal axis of the chamber 105. In this example, the bin wiping member 306 is installed along the entire outer edge of the front plate 314, but in other cases, the bin wiping member 306 may instead be installed along a part rather than the entire outer edge.

[0089] The core wiping member 304 and the bin wiping member 306 have substantially the same width such that the core wiping member 304 and the bin wiping member 306 extend forward of the front plate 314 to the same extent.

[0090] The first compression rod 308 and the second compression rod 310 are each substantially cylindrical and elongated between a first end and a second end. The first compression rod 308 and the second compression rod 310 can be received within the rod receiving opening 326 of the rear plate 318 through corresponding openings in the middle plate 316 and the front plate 314. In some examples, the rod receiving opening 326 can include an outer coating so that the first compression rod 308 and the second compression rod 310 are securely received within the rod receiving opening 326 by an interference fit or a friction fit. The abutting mechanism 331 is located in the region of each second end of the first compression rod 308 and the second compression rod 310. The abutting mechanism 331 extends annularly around each of the first compression rod 308 and the second compression rod 310 and constitutes a region with an increased diameter compared to the remaining portions of the first compression rod 308 and the second compression rod 310.

[0091] The compression handle assembly 312 includes a compression handle 332, a first compression handle connector 334 and a second compression handle connector 336, and a compression magnet 354. The magnet 354 forms part of the compression sensor assembly. The compression handle 332 is substantially semi-circular and is pivotally mounted to the first compression handle connector 334 and the second compression handle connector 336. The first compression handle connector 334 and the second compression handle connector 336 are coordinated such that the first compression handle 334 slides along the first compression rail and the second compression handle slides along the second compression rail, and are slidably mounted to the compression rail 364 of the runner assembly 350. The runner assembly 350 will be described in more detail below.

[0092] The compression sensor assembly includes a magnet 354 and a Hall sensor. The Hall sensor is installed within the bin assembly 100. In an alternative embodiment, the Hall sensor may be installed on the lower side of the bin assembly 100. The magnet 354 is connected to the compression handle 332 such that when the compression handle 334 pivots with respect to the first compression handle connector 334 and the second compression handle connector 336, the magnet 354 moves relative to the Hall sensor. The Hall sensor is connected to a controller 526 of the suction motor 500 as will be described in more detail below.

[0093] The compression handle assembly 312 has an axial length less than the axial lengths of the first compression rod 308 and the second compression rod 310. The compression handle 332 is spaced rearwardly from the compression plate sub-assembly 302 by the compression handle assembly 312 positioned at an appropriate position relative to the first compression rod 308 and the second compression rod 310, and the first compression rod 308 and the second compression rod 310 received within the rod receiving openings 326 of the rear plate 318 of the compression plate sub-assembly 302.

[0094] The runner assembly 350 is attached to the housing and the handle assembly 600 and is shown separately in FIGS. 38 to 40. The runner assembly 350 includes a runner body 352, a runner body cover 354, a bin push rod 356, and a compression spring 358.

[0095] The runner body 352 includes a push rod channel 360, a series of runners 362, and a pair of compression rails 364. The bin push rod 356 is received within the push rod channel 360. The series of runners 362 includes two pairs of runners, with each pair located on both sides of the push rod channel 360. The runners 362 are received within the bin rails 176 of the bin assembly 100. More specifically, the runners 362 slide along the bin rails 176 during the attachment and detachment of the bin assembly 100 from the main unit 10. The compression rails 364 receive a compression handle assembly 312 that is slidably installed within the compression rails 364. More specifically, the compression handle connectors 334, 336 are received within their respective compression rails 364 and slide along their respective compression rails 364.

[0096] The bin push rod 356 includes a body portion 370 and a handle portion 372. The body portion 370 has an elongated shape and is attached to the handle portion 372 at one end. In this example, the body portion 370 and the handle portion 372 are integrally formed. The opposite end of the body portion 370 is wedge-shaped and engages with the bin closure fixture 112 when opening the bin assembly 100. The handle portion 372 protrudes downward from the end of the body portion 370 and is substantially semi-circular. The bin push rod 356 is slidably installed within the push rod channel 360 of the runner body 352. The runner body 352 includes a protrusion 366 that protrudes through the elongated slot 374 of the body portion 370. And the bin push rod 356 can move freely with respect to the runner body 352 in the direction of the elongated slot 374. The bin push rod 356 is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The compression spring 358 is attached to both the bin push rod 356 and the runner body 352 and acts to bias the bin push rod 356 to the retracted position. The bin push rod 356 moves to the extended position by gripping the handle portion 372 and pushing the bin push rod 356 in the direction of the bin base 102. Accordingly, the wedge-shaped end of the bin push rod 356 engages with the bin closure fixture 112 and moves the bin closure fixture to an expanded configuration, thereby releasing the bin base 102 from the closed position. And with further movement of the bin push rod 356, the end of the bin push rod 356 pushes the bin base 102 away from the bin body 110, thereby moving the bin base 102 from the closed position to the open position. The bin push rod 356 may thus be regarded as a bin opening mechanism that, when actuated, releases the bin base 102 from the bin closure fixture 112 and pushes the bin base 102 out of the closed position.

[0097] The runner body cover 354 is attached to the lower side of the runner body 352 and covers the lower side of the runner body 352.

[0098] The secondary separation system 400 is shown in FIGS. 41-46 and includes an aerodynamic insert 402, a diverter 404, a valve assembly 406, a cone assembly 408, a vortex plate 410, and a dust collector seal 409. The secondary separation system 400 is a cyclone separation system, as will be described in more detail below.

[0099] The aerodynamic insert 402 is generally semi-circular and has a lower end 412 and an upper end 414. The upper portion 414 includes a duct lip 416 that is shaped and dimensioned to correspond to the edge portion 417 of the diverter 404.

[0100] The diverter 404 is shown in more detail in FIG. 42 and includes a separator body 418, a central bore 420, a valve seat 422, an extension member seat 424, and an outlet opening 428. The separator body 418 has a first end and a second end. The central bore 420 extends between the first end and the second end.

[0101] The valve seat 422 is annular and is located on the inner surface of the wall that defines the central bore 420. The valve seat 422 is defined by a region where the diameter of the inner surface of the wall of the central bore 420 decreases and is shaped and dimensioned to selectively engage a valve member 438 of the valve assembly 406, as will be described in more detail below.

[0102] The extension member seat 424 is also annular and is defined by the upper surface of the inner surface of the wall of the central bore 420. The extension member seat 424 is shaped and dimensioned to receive an extension member 440 of the valve assembly 406, as will be described in more detail below.

[0103] The outlet opening 428 extends through the separator body, is in fluid communication with the central bore 420, and is located between the valve sheet 422 and the expansion member sheet 424. The outlet opening 428 is shaped, dimensioned, and positioned to correspond to the cyclone inlet 472 of a second subset 476 of the cyclone body 464 of the cone assembly 408. Collectively, the central bore 420 and the outlet opening 428 define an internal flow path through the diverter 404.

[0104] 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.

[0105] The valve member 438 is generally conical and includes a rod receiving channel 450 that extends rearwardly from the apex of the valve member 438. The rod receiving channel 450 is shaped and dimensioned to receive the end of a connecting rod formed as part of the vortex plate 410. The valve member 438 is generally shaped and dimensioned to selectively engage the valve sheet 422 of the diverter 404. The valve member 438 is made of an elastically deformable material such as rubber.

[0106] The expansion member 440 is hollow and made of an elastically deformable material such as rubber. The expansion member 440 is shaped to allow for linear expansion and contraction by buckling, rolling, folding, 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 sheet 424.

[0107] The sealing unit 442 includes a central opening 456 through which the connecting rod 444 extends. The sealing unit 442 is located inside the expansion member 440 at the first end of the expansion member 440.

[0108] The connecting rod 444 is formed as part of the vortex plate 410, has a substantially T-shaped cross-sectional shape, and includes a body portion 458 and a head portion 460. The body portion 458 has an elongated shape and a diameter substantially corresponding to the diameter of the rod receiving channel 450 of the valve member 438 and the central opening 456 of the sealing unit 442. In some examples, the body portion 548 can include one or more engagement mechanisms, such as a keyway, to engage with a corresponding keyway of either the valve member 438 or the sealing unit 442. The head portion 460 has a diameter larger than the diameter of the body portion 458.

[0109] The spring 446 is a coil spring, is connected to the head portion 460 of the connecting rod 444 at one end, and is connected to the vortex plate 410 at the opposite end. The spring 446 is biased in an extended configuration when no force is applied.

[0110] A valve actuator assembly 448 as shown in FIG. 44 includes a housing 482, a blocking member 484 movable within the housing 482, a coil 486 for selectively moving the blocking member 484, and a first air flow path 488, a second air flow path 490, and a third air flow path 492 that are in fluid connection with the housing 482.

[0111] The blocking member 484 takes the form of a solenoid core. The blocking member 484 is elastically biased by a spring 494 to a position where the blocking member 484 blocks the air flow through the first air flow path 488, and realizes the air flow through the second air flow path 490 and the third air flow path 492. The blocking member 484 may be provided with a suitable sealing surface. The coil 486 is configured to move the blocking member 484 when a voltage is applied in response to a user input operation. Alternatively, the coil 486 is configured to have a voltage applied automatically and in response to a sensor of the device. For example, the coil 486 is configured to have a voltage applied according to the output of the piezoelectric sensor 282, which will be described in more detail below. The first air flow path 488 is in fluid connection with a position upstream of the electric motor 502 of the suction motor 500. The second air flow path 490 is in fluid connection with a position downstream of the electric motor 502. It will be understood that the terms downstream and upstream are utilized in relation to the direction of the flow rate through the vacuum cleaner during use. The third air flow path 492 is in fluid connection with the expansion member 440. The operation of the valve actuator assembly 448 will be described in more detail below.

[0112] The valve member 438, the expansion member 440, the sealing unit 442, and the spring 446 of the valve assembly 406 are basically located within the central bore 420 of the diverter 404, and the valve member 438 is movable between an extended position where the air flow through the internal flow path and the outlet opening 428 is blocked and a retracted position where the air flow through the internal flow path and the outlet opening 428 is realized by the valve member 438, as will be described in more detail below.

[0113] The valve actuator assembly 448 is positioned within the channel 477 of the cone assembly 408 and has a housing 482, a blocking member 484, and a coil 486, and the associated first air flow path 488, second air flow path 490, and third air flow path 492 are in fluid connection with the respective positions described above. Other positions of the valve actuator assembly 448 are also envisioned.

[0114] The cone assembly 408 includes a single molded body that defines a central channel 462 and eleven cyclone bodies 464 that are arranged about the central channel 462. The central channel 462 is defined by a frustoconical wall. The central channel 462 has a channel inlet defined by the frustoconical wall, and the base of the frustoconical wall defines a duct receiving channel for receiving the duct lip 416 of the aerodynamic insert 402. The central channel 462 also receives the diverter 404.

[0115] Each of the cyclone bodies 464 is hollow, substantially conical in shape, and is arranged about the central channel 462 such that the cyclone body is inclined toward the central axis C of the cone assembly 408. Each of the cyclone bodies 464 can be said to have a central cyclone body axis. And the cyclone bodies 464 are inclined such that the cyclone body axes converge toward the central axis C of the cone assembly 408. Each of the cyclone bodies 464 has substantially the same configuration and has a cyclone inlet 472 that is in fluid communication with the central channel 462 when the cone assembly 408 is viewed alone. Each of the cyclone bodies 464 has a cyclone dust outlet 473 that faces the central axis C of the cone assembly 408. The cyclone dust outlets 473 are arranged in a substantially U-shape.

[0116] The cyclone body 464 is divided into a first subset 474 consisting of six cyclone bodies 464 and a second subset 476 consisting of five cyclone bodies 464. The first subset 474 and the second subset 476 of the cyclone bodies 464 are continuous with each other at the periphery of the cone assembly 408, and the cyclone bodies 464 of the first subset 474 are sequentially present, followed by the cyclone bodies 464 of the second subset 476 being sequentially present. The channel 477 is located between the end of the first subset 474 of the cyclone body 464 and the end of the second subset 476. The first subset 474 and the second subset 476 of the cyclone body 464 are arranged such that their cyclone inlets 472 take a common distance along the central axis C of the cone assembly 408.

[0117] Those skilled in the art will understand that the number of all cyclone bodies 464, as well as the number of cyclone bodies 464 constituting the first subset 474 and the second subset 476, can be changed according to the requirements of the vacuum cleaner 1. Further, each of the cyclone bodies 464 can have different dimensions and sizes according to the requirements of the vacuum cleaner 1.

[0118] The cyclone bodies 464 of the first subset 474 are arranged in fluid connection parallel to each other, and the cyclone bodies 464 of the second subset 476 are arranged in fluid connection parallel to each other. As will be described in more detail below, in different operating modes of the vacuum cleaner 1, either the first subset 474 of the cyclone bodies 464, or both the first subset 474 and the second subset 476 of the cyclone bodies 464, can be utilized. In the latter configuration, the first subset 474 and the second subset 476 of the cyclone bodies 464 are arranged in fluid connection parallel to each other.

[0119] The vortex plate 410 includes a plate body 478, a connecting rod 444, and eleven vortex finders 480. The plate body 478 is shaped to correspond to the top of the cone assembly 408. The vortex finder 480 includes a hollow tubular member defined by the lower side of the plate body 478 and having a central bore extending through the plate body 478. The vortex plate 478 is placed on the top of the cone assembly 408 such that each vortex finder 480 extends into a corresponding one of the cyclone bodies 464 of the cone assembly 408. The vortex finder 480 defines an 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 leakage of air flow between the vortex plate 410 and the cone assembly 408.

[0120] The suction motor 500 is schematically shown alone in FIG. 47 and 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. As an example of a motor, at the filing date of the present application, the Dyson V10 digital motor manufactured and sold by Dyson Technology Limited may be mentioned. Another example of a motor is described in UK 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 contemplated.

[0121] The stator assembly 508 includes a stator core 512 and windings 514 wound around the stator core 512. It will be understood that a number of different stator assembly arrangements are contemplated. The rotor assembly 510 includes a shaft 516 and permanent magnets 518 mounted on the shaft 516. The shaft 516 defines the axis of rotation R of the electric motor 502.

[0122] The impeller 504 is installed on the shaft 516 downstream of the permanent magnet 518 such that the electric motor 502 serves as an inlet cooling motor. The impeller 504 is a mixed flow impeller.

[0123] The motor can 505 defines a casing for the electric motor 502 and houses the stator assembly 508 and the rotor assembly 510. The motor can 505 at least partially defines both an inlet passage for the electric motor 502 and an outlet passage for the electric motor 502, and in some examples, at least partially functions as a cover for the impeller 504.

[0124] 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 connection with the outlet of the impeller 504 and extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the shaft 516, and thus substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis R of the electric motor 502. The axial portion 522 is downstream of the radial portion 520 and is in fluid connection with the radial portion 520. The axial portion 522 extends in a direction substantially parallel to the shaft 516, and thus substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis R of the electric motor 502. The axial portion 522 extends toward the opposite end of the shaft 516 away from the impeller 504, toward the end of the shaft 516 where the impeller 504 is installed. The transition between the radial portion 520 and the axial portion 522 is smooth and has a curved shape. The radial portion 520 and the axial portion 522 are integrally formed and collectively define an air outlet channel downstream of the impeller 504.

[0125] In this example, the diffuser 506 does not include vanes extending into the radial portion 520, but has vanes extending into the axial portion 522. However, other examples with different configurations of vanes are also envisioned. The controller 526 of the suction motor 500 is installed on the control printed circuit board (PCB) 628 of the vacuum cleaner 1.

[0126] The housing and the handle assembly are shown in FIGS. 48 to 54. The housing and the handle assembly 600 include a main housing body 602 and a handle portion 700.

[0127] The main housing body 602 includes eleven cyclone portions 606, an outer wall 608, an inner wall 610, a motor inlet passage or first passage 612, an internal housing portion 614, a motor outlet passage or second passage 616, a first housing outlet 618, and a second housing outlet 620.

[0128] The cyclone portions 606 are each tubular, curved, and hollow and are in fluid connection with the motor inlet passage 610. The cyclone portions 606 thereby at least partially define the outlet of the secondary separation system 400. Each cyclone outlet 606 has substantially the same shape and dimensions.

[0129] The outer wall 608 is curved and substantially cylindrical. The outer wall 608 defines the outer surface of the main housing body 602.

[0130] The inner wall 610 is also curved and substantially cylindrical and has a curvature that substantially matches the curvature of the outer wall 608. The inner wall 610 has an axis that extends shorter than the outer wall 608 such that the outer wall 608 overlies the inner wall 610 at the downstream end of the inner wall 610.

[0131] The motor inlet passage 612 is a substantially annular channel having 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 the overhang of the outer wall 608 and a pre-filter sub-assembly 648 of a filter assembly 604 described in detail below. The motor inlet passage 612 is located radially outside of the main housing body 602.

[0132] The inner housing part 614 is substantially cylindrical and hollow, and the curved surface of the inner housing part is provided with a plurality of inlet openings 626. The inner housing part is positioned at the upstream end of the motor can 505 between the motor can 505 and the motor inlet passage 612. A control printed circuit board (PCB) 628, a user interface PCB 630, a user interface 632, and an end cap 634 are installed in the inner housing part 614. The control printed circuit board (PCB) 628 and the user interface PCB 630 form a PCB assembly 627.

[0133] The control PCB 628 is installed inside the inner housing part 614 and has a first right-angle part and a second right-angle part so that the control PCB 628 is substantially T-shaped. The control PCB 628 is located within the area of the inlet opening 626. Various electronic components, such as one or more processors for controlling the vacuum cleaner 1, are installed on the control PCB.

[0134] The user interface PCB 630 is installed inside the inner housing part 614 and is substantially circular. The user interface PCB 630 is located farther from the electric motor 502 of the suction motor 500 than the control PCB 628. The user interface PCB 630 is installed in the area of the inner housing part that does not include the inlet opening 626. The user interface PCB 630 is in electrical communication with the control PCB 628.

[0135] The user interface 632 includes a display screen 636, a first button 638, and a second button 640. The display screen is configured to present information to the user of the vacuum cleaner 1 during 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 modes of operation of the vacuum cleaner 1, as will be described in more detail below.

[0136] The end cap 634 is generally circular and is installed at the end of the inner housing portion 614 that is distal to the electric motor 502. The end cap 634 has a through hole. The first button 638 and the second button 640 extend through the through hole, and the electrical connection of the display screen 636 can extend through the through hole. The display screen 636 is installed on the end cap 634 such that the display screen 636 spreads over the through hole.

[0137] The motor outlet passage 616 is generally annular and is located downstream of the shaft portion 522 of the diffuser 506 of the suction motor 500. The motor outlet passage 616 is defined by the radial extension 611 of the inner wall 610, the motor can 505, and the post-filter sub-assembly 650 of the filter assembly 604. The motor outlet passage 616 is located radially inside the motor inlet passage 612.

[0138] The first housing outlet 618 and the second housing outlet 620 are located on both sides of the main housing body 602 and are each defined by a series of separate, spaced channels 644. The channels are defined by tubes that extend from the annular passage 645 downstream of the post-filter 650 to the first housing outlet 618 and the second housing outlet 620. It will be understood that the tubes need not necessarily have a circular cross-section and, in fact, need not have a uniform cross-section along their length. The channels 644 are in fluid communication with the motor outlet passage 616 and extend through the motor inlet passage 612 before venting to the surrounding external environment of the vacuum cleaner 1. In that way, the motor inlet passage 612 can surround the channels 644. In particular, the tubes defining the channels 644 can extend through the motor inlet passage 612 such that the motor inlet passage 612 surrounds the tubes. This can be seen in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 50.

[0139] The first housing outlet 618 and the second housing outlet 620 are located approximately in the middle along the axial length of the main housing body 602.

[0140] The handle portion 700 includes a main handle body 702, a guard body 704, and a battery connection body 706.

[0141] The main handle body 702 is integrally formed with the outer wall 608 of the housing and the main housing body 602 of the handle assembly 600 and protrudes outward from the outer wall 608. The main handle body 702 extends from a first end 710 proximal to the outer wall 608 to a second end 712 distal to the outer wall 608. The first end 710 of the main handle body 702 extends from the outer wall 608 in an axial region of the main housing body 602 between the cyclone outlet 608 and the first housing outlet 614 and the second housing outlet 616.

[0142] The main handle body 702 has a hollow shape and houses an electrical connection portion together with a battery terminal connection portion 714 for connecting to the battery connector 812 of the battery assembly 800 as will be described in more detail below. The main handle body 702 is shaped and dimensioned to receive a battery connector within the main handle body 702.

[0143] The main handle body 702 is shaped and dimensioned so that it can be grasped by a user with one hand during use. The main handle body 702 has a generally obround cross-section when viewed in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis M of the main handle body 702. The maximum width of the cross-sectional shape of the main handle body 702 extends in a direction generally parallel to the shaft 516 of the rotor assembly 510 of the suction motor 500. The main handle body 702 is angled obliquely with respect to the outer wall 608 of the main housing body 602.

[0144] The guard body 704 has a substantially oval cross-section, and the major axis of the oval cross-section of the guard body 704 is arranged substantially perpendicular to the major axis of the oval shape of the main handle body 702. The guard body 704 has a first end 716 proximal 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.

[0145] The guard body 704 is disposed at a distance from the main handle body 702. The distance between the main handle body 702 and the guard body 704 is substantially constant along the length of the main handle body 702. The guard body 704 is positioned in front of the main handle body 702, and the guard body 704 is positioned closer to the primary separation system 200 and the secondary separation system 400 than the main handle body 702.

[0146] The battery connection body 706 extends between the main handle body 702 and the guard body 704 and includes a hook 720 for engaging with a corresponding catch member 814 of the battery pack release mechanism 806.

[0147] 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 cell housing portion 808 is shaped and dimensioned 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 and recharging the battery cells 804. The terminal housing portion 810 projects outward from the cell housing portion 808 and houses a battery connector 812 for connecting to the battery terminal connection portion 714 of the main handle body 702. The terminal housing portion 810 is shaped to be received within the second end 712 of the main handle body 702.

[0148] The battery cell 804 is a cylindrical lithium-ion battery.

[0149] The battery pack release mechanism 806 includes a catch member 814 and a push button 816. The catch member 814 is spring-loaded so that the catch member 814 moves with the movement of the push button 816 by the user.

[0150] The filter assembly 604 is shown separately in FIGS. 55-61. The filter assembly 604 includes a cap sub-assembly 646, a pre-filter sub-assembly 648, and a post-filter sub-assembly 650.

[0151] The cap sub-assembly 646 includes a cap body 652, a cap seal 654, 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 substantially annular and has a diameter substantially corresponding to the diameter of the outer wall 608 of the main housing body 602. The end of the side wall 660 distal from the end wall 662 tapers slightly outward. The end wall 662 is substantially circular and includes a through hole 664. The through hole 664 is shaped and dimensioned to substantially correspond to the shape and dimensions of the display screen so that the display screen is visible through the through hole 662 when the filter assembly 604 is installed in the main housing body 602.

[0152] Collectively, the side wall 660 and the end wall 662 define a chamber 666 for receiving a portion of the pre-filter sub-assembly 648. A positioning wall 668 extends from the end wall 662 into the chamber 666. The positioning wall 668 is annular and dimensioned to substantially correspond to the end of the inner housing portion 614. The positioning wall 668 includes notches 670 for receiving the first magnet 656 and the second magnet 658. The cap seal 654 is annular and is positioned surrounding the positioning wall 668 and engages the end of the inner housing portion 614 when the filter assembly 604 is installed in the main housing body 602.

[0153] The side wall 660 includes first and second positioning tabs 674 that connect with corresponding mechanisms at the ends of the inner housing portion 614 and removably attach the filter assembly 604 to the main housing body 602. In some examples, the corresponding mechanisms are located at the ends of the outer wall 608 distal from the tapered cyclone outlet 608. Relative rotation between the cap sub-assembly 646 and the outer wall 608 can connect and / or release the connection between the filter assembly 604 and the main housing body 602.

[0154] The pre-filter sub-assembly 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.

[0155] The pre-filter frame 678 is generally cylindrical and has a frame side wall 688, a first open end 690, and a second open end 692. The connecting protrusion 694 extends axially away from the second open end 692. The second open end 692 includes an annular channel 683, the inner circumference of which is defined by the connecting protrusion 694. The annular channel 683 extends radially inward from the outer diameter of the frame side wall 688. The frame side wall 688 includes a plurality of pre-filter inlet openings 696, each of which is generally rectangular. The frame side wall 688 has a diameter less than the diameter of the side wall 660 of the cap body 650 of the cap sub-assembly 646.

[0156] The pre-filter media 680 consists of a layer of filter media that includes a layer of scrim or web material, a non-woven filter media such as fleece, and subsequently a further layer of scrim or web material. Electrostatic filter media may also be included as required. The pre-filter media 680 is disposed annularly around the outer surface of the frame side wall 688 such that the pre-filter media 680 spreads over the pre-filter inlet openings 696. The pre-filter media 680 is in a non-pleated shape.

[0157] The first outer seal 682 is generally annular and is shaped and dimensioned to fit around the first open end 690 of the pre-filter frame 678. The first outer seal 682 is configured to seal the inner surface of the outer wall 608 of the main body housing 602 when the filter assembly 604 is attached to the main housing body 602.

[0158] The second outer seal 684 is generally annular and is shaped and dimensioned 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 the inner surface of the inner wall 610 of the main body housing 602 when the filter assembly 604 is attached to the main housing body 602.

[0159] The post-filter sub-assembly 650 includes a post-filter frame 698, a post-filter media 699, and a face seal 697. The post-filter frame 698 includes frame sidewalls 695, a frame lip 693, a first open end 691, and a second open end 689. A connecting notch 687 is formed in the first open end 691 of the post-filter frame 698 and is shaped and dimensioned to receive a connecting projection of the pre-filter frame 678.

[0160] The frame sidewalls 695 of the post-filter frame 698 include a plurality of post-filter outlet openings 685, each of which is generally rectangular. The frame sidewalls 695 of the post-filter frame 698 have a diameter less than the diameter of the frame sidewalls 688 of the pre-filter frame 678.

[0161] The frame lip 693 defines a post-filter media receiving channel 681 at the second open end 689 of the post-filter frame 698. The post-filter media receiving channel 681 is shaped and dimensioned to receive the end of the post-filter media 699. The outer diameter of the post-filter media receiving channel 681 substantially corresponds to the outer diameter of the frame side wall 688 of the pre-filter frame 678. The post-filter media 699 consists of any suitable filter material, or combination of materials, typically found in a post-motor filter. In this embodiment, the post-motor filter media 699 consists of a pleated HEPA standard filter media. The post-filter media 699 is annularly disposed around the outer surface of the frame side wall 695 of the post-filter frame 698 such that the post-filter media 699 extends over the post-filter outlet opening 685. The post-filter media 699 is in a pleated shape. The post-filter media 699 is received within the frame lip 693 of the post-filter frame 698 and within the annular channel 683 of the pre-filter frame 678.

[0162] The face seal 697 is substantially annular. The face seal 697 is shaped and dimensioned to fit around the second open end 689 of the post-filter frame 698. The face seal 697 is configured to seal the radial extension 611 of the inner wall 610 of the main body housing 602 when the filter assembly 604 is attached to the main housing body 602.

[0163] As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 56, when the filter assembly 604 is assembled, the pre-filter media 680 is axially positioned between the post-filter media 699 and the cap sub-assembly 464, and the pre-filter media 680 is also positioned radially outward of the post-filter media 699.

[0164] The wand 1000 is shown alone in FIGS. 62 to 67. The wand 1000 includes an inner wall 1002, an outer wall 1004, a first connection cuff 1006, a second connection cuff 1008, a connection release mechanism 1010, a cleaning nozzle 1012, and a wand electrical connection portion 1013.

[0165] The inner wall 1002 is substantially cylindrical. The inner wall 1002 is shaped and dimensioned to receive the base nozzle 118 of the bin base 102 therein. The inner wall 1002 extends between the first connection cuff 1006 and the second connection cuff 1008. The inner surface of the inner wall 1002 defines a wand flow path, and the inner surface is substantially smooth and continuous in shape.

[0166] The outer wall 1004 is substantially cylindrical and extends between the first connection cuff 1006 and the second connection cuff 1008. The outer surface of the outer wall 1004 defines the outer surface of the wand 100. The inner surface of the outer wall 1004, together with the outer surface of the inner wall 1002, defines a hollow chamber 1016.

[0167] The first connection cuff 1006 is located at the first end 1018 of the wand 1000, and the second connection cuff 1008 is located at the second end 1020 of the wand 1000, which is opposite to the first end 1018 of the wand 1000.

[0168] The first connecting cuff 1006 includes a wand catch 1022, a contact member 1024, and a first connecting cuff electrical connector 1026. The wand catch 1022 includes a biasing hook 1027 for releasably engaging with a locking projection 135 of the base nozzle 118 of the bin assembly 100. The first connecting cuff 1006 is shaped and dimensioned to extend around the cylindrical cover portion 168 when the wand 1000 is connected to the main unit 10. The contact member 1024 is defined by a substantially planar end face of the first connecting cuff 1006. The contact member 1024 is shaped to engage with a wand abutment portion 152 of the bin assembly as will be described in more detail below. The first connecting cuff electrical connector 1026 is configured to engage with an electrical connection portion 238 of the primary separation system 200 when the wand 1000 is connected to the main unit 10. The first connecting cuff electrical connector 1026 is located directly opposite the wand catch 1022.

[0169] The second connecting cuff 1008 includes a vacuum head connecting portion 1028 and a second connecting cuff electrical connector 1030. The vacuum head connecting portion 1028 is shaped and dimensioned to receive therein a portion of a vacuum head catch 1124 of the vacuum head 1100 as will be described in more detail below. The vacuum head connecting portion 1028 is located on the same side of the wand 1000 as the wand catch 1022 of the first connecting cuff 1006. The second connecting cuff electrical connector 1030 is configured to engage with an electrical connection member of the vacuum head 1100. The second connecting cuff electrical connection portion is positioned on the opposite side of the second connecting cuff 1008 from the vacuum head connecting portion 1028, and on the same side of the wand 1000 as the first connecting cuff electrical connector 1026.

[0170] The connection release mechanism 1010 includes a user-actuable collar or user-actuable part 1032, a connection cable 1034, a pulley 1036, a first locker 1038, a second locker 1039, a brake wedge or connection brake member 1040, a first push member 1042, and a second push member 1045. The user-actuable collar 1032 is located around the first connection cuff 1006 and the outer wall 1004 at the first end 1018 of the wand 1000. The user-actuable collar 1032 is slidably installed so that the user-actuable collar 1032 can move from a first position with respect to the first connection cuff 1006 to a second position with respect to the first connection cuff 1006. The first position is close to the free end of the first end 1018 of the wand 1000, and the movement of the user-actuable collar 1032 in the direction toward the second end 1020 of the wand 1000 causes the user-actuable collar to move from the first position to the second position and vice versa. In some examples, the user-actuable collar 1032 is biased toward the first position by a spring or the like.

[0171] The connection cable 1034 is made of steel. Alternatively, the connection cable may be made of any other suitable metal wire, woven thread, plastic wire, or any other suitable material. The first end of the connection cable 1034 is connected to the user-actuable collar 1032, and the second end 1046 of the connection cable 1034, which is opposite to the first end 1044 of the connection cable 1034, is connected to the brake wedge 1040. The connection cable 1034 is housed in the hollow chamber between the inner wall 1002 and the outer wall 1004 of the wand 1000.

[0172] The pulley 1036 is rotatably installed in the first connection cuff housing 1035 of the wand 1000, and the first connection cuff housing 1035 houses a part of the actuable collar 1032. The pulley 1036 defines a surface around which the connection cable 1034 loops between the first end and the second end. The rotation pulley axis P of the pulley 1036 extends substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal wand axis W.

[0173] The first rocker 1038 is pivotally installed between the inner wall 1002 and the second connection cuff housing 1037 in a region proximal to the second connection cuff 1008, and includes a first rocker arm 1048 and a second rocker arm 1050. The pivotal attachment of the first rocker 1038 is such that the first rocker 1038 can rotate about a rocker axis that is parallel to the rotary pulley shaft P and perpendicular to the central longitudinal wand axis W. The pivotal attachment portion of the first rocker 1038 is located at approximately 90 degrees around the periphery of the wand 1000 from the connection cable 1034.

[0174] The first rocker arm 1048 of the first rocker 1038 extends on the first side of the rocker axis toward the break wedge 1040 such that the free end of the first rocker arm 1048 of the first rocker 1038 aligns with the break wedge 1040 in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal wand axis W. The second rocker arm 1050 of the first rocker 1038 extends on the second side of the rocker axis, opposite the first side of the rocker axis, toward the first push member 1042 such that the free end of the second rocker arm 1050 of the first rocker 1038 aligns with the first push member 1042 in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal wand axis W.

[0175] The second rocker 1039 is pivotally installed between the inner wall 1002 and the second connection cuff housing 1037 in a region proximal to the second connection cuff 1008, and includes a first rocker arm 1041 and a second rocker arm 1043. The pivotal attachment of the second rocker 1039 is such that the second rocker 1039 can rotate about a rocker axis that is parallel to the rotary pulley shaft P and perpendicular to the central longitudinal wand axis W. The pivotal attachment portion of the second rocker 1039 is located at approximately 90 degrees around the periphery of the wand 1000 from the connection cable 1034, such that the second rocker 1039 is located directly opposite the first rocker 1038 on the wand 1000.

[0176] The first rocker arm 1041 of the second rocker 1039 extends on the first side of the rocker shaft toward the break wedge 1040 such that the free end of the first rocker arm 1041 of the second rocker 1041 aligns with the break wedge 1040 in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal wand axis W. The second rocker arm 1043 of the second rocker 1039 extends on the second side of the rocker shaft, opposite the first side of the rocker shaft, toward the second push member 1045 such that the free end of the second rocker arm 1043 of the second rocker 1039 aligns with the second push member 1045 in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal wand axis W.

[0177] The break wedge 1040 includes a body portion 1052 and a protruding wedge 1054. The body portion 1052 is shaped and dimensioned to be located below the vacuum cleaner head connection portion 1028 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 overlies the second end of the connection cable 1034. The first end aligns 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 wand axis W.

[0178] The protruding wedge 1054 protrudes outward from the body portion 1052 and extends from the central region of the body portion toward the second end of the body portion 1052. The protruding wedge 1054 is angled such that the height of the protruding wedge 1054 is greater than that of the body portion 1052 in the direction from the central region of the body portion 1052 to the second end 1058 of the body portion 1052.

[0179] The first push member 1042 is substantially cylindrical and is installed between the inner wall 1002 of the wand 1000 and the second connecting cuff housing 1037 by the first slide channel 1060 such that the first push member 1042 is slidable in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal wand axis W. The first push member 1042 is slidable within the first slide channel 1060 such that the first end 1062 of the first push member 1042 can move beyond the end of the second connecting cuff 1008. The first push member 1042 includes a first abutting portion 1064. The first abutting portion 1064 abuts against the wall of the first slide channel 1060 and can prevent the second end 1066 of the first push member 1042, which is opposite to the first end 1062 of the first push member 1042, from moving away from the wand 1000 through the end of the second connecting cuff 1008. The first push member 1042 is located closer to the side surface of the wand 1000 corresponding to the second connecting cuff electrical connector 1030 than the sweeper head connecting portion 1028.

[0180] The second push member 1045 is substantially cylindrical and is installed between the inner wall 1002 of the wand 1000 and the second connection cuff housing 1037 by the second slide channel 1068 so that the second push member 1045 is slidable in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal wand axis W. The second push member 1045 is located on the opposite side of the wand 1000 with respect to the first push member 1042. The second push member 1045 is slidable within the second slide channel 1068 such that a first end 1070 of the second push member 1045 can move beyond an end of the second connection cuff 1008. The second push member 1045 includes a second abutting portion 1072. The second abutting portion 1072 abuts against the wall of the second slide channel 1068 and can prevent the second end 1074 of the second push member 1045, which is opposite to the first end 1070 of the second push member 1045, from moving away from the wand 1000 through the end of the second connection cuff 1008. The second push member 1045 is located closer to the side surface of the wand 1000 corresponding to the second connection cuff electrical connector 1030 than the vacuum head connection portion 1028. In some examples, each of the first push member 1042 and the second push member 1045 is biased away from the vacuum head 1100 when the vacuum head 1100 is connected to the second end 1020 of the wand 1000.

[0181] The cleaning nozzle 1012 extends along the central longitudinal wand axis W in a direction away from the first connection cuff 1006 from the second connection cuff 1008. The cleaning nozzle 1012 has substantially the same shape and dimensions as the base nozzle 118 of the bin assembly 100.

[0182] The cleaning nozzle 1012 is of a hollow shape such that the cleaning nozzle 1012 defines an inlet 1076 for wand air flow into the wand 1000. The cleaning nozzle 1012 has a generally circular or substantially circular cross-sectional profile when viewed in a plane perpendicular to the central longitudinal wand axis W, or in a plane perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the nozzle 1012. The dimensions of the cleaning nozzle 1012 are such that the cleaning nozzle 1012 can be received within the neck portion 1104 of the cleaning head 1100 as will be described in more detail below. In some examples, the cleaning nozzle 1012 may be oval.

[0183] The free end of the cleaning nozzle 1012, distal to the second connecting cuff 1008, defines a profile such that the free end of the cleaning nozzle 1012 has a flat portion 1080 and a corner portion 1082. The flat portion 1080 extends in a direction corresponding to the radial direction of the wand 1000, and the corner portion 1082 extends obliquely with respect to the flat portion 1080. Due to the profile of the free end 1078 of the cleaning nozzle 1012, the cleaning nozzle 1012 has various axial lengths, which are measured in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal wand axis W of the wand 1000. The free end 1078 of the cleaning nozzle 1012 includes a plurality of bleed holes 1079 that extend through the wall of the free end 1078 of the cleaning nozzle 1012.

[0184] The cleaning nozzle 1012 is configured to be connected to the cleaning head 1100. The outer surface of the cleaning nozzle 1012 has four tapered ribs 1084. The four tapered ribs 1084 are each shaped and dimensioned to be received within corresponding rib receiving channels 1128 formed on the inner surface of the movable duct 1118 of the neck portion 1104 of the cleaning head 1100 as described in more detail below. In other examples, the outer surface of the cleaning nozzle 1012 may have more than four or less than four tapered ribs 1084, such as at least one. The rib 1084 is tapered such that the width of the rib 1084 decreases in a direction away from the bin 110. The rib 1084 and the rib receiving channel 1128 are each a cooperating mechanism that cooperates to guide the movement of the cleaning head 1100 relative to the wand 1000, particularly the movement of the cleaning head 1100 away from the wand 1000 when removing the cleaning head 1100 from the wand 1000.

[0185] The wand electrical connection 1013 includes three electrical cables 1086 that extend between the first connection cuff electrical connector 1026 of the first connection cuff 1006 and the second connection cuff electrical connector 1030 of the second connection cuff 1008. The electrical cables 1086 are provided within the hollow chamber 1016 between the inner wall 1002 and the outer wall 1004 of the wand 1000. The electrical cables 1086 begin and end aligned with the first connection cuff electrical connector 1026 and the second connection cuff electrical connector 1030 in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal wand axis W, but extend within the hollow chamber 1016 at circumferentially spaced positions that are approximately aligned with the second rocker 1039 in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal wand axis W. In that way, the electrical cables 1086 are circumferentially spaced around the wand 1000 from the connection cable 1034 by approximately 90 degrees each.

[0186] The cleaning head 1100 is shown in FIGS. 68 and 69. The cleaning head includes a main cleaning head housing 1102 and a neck portion 1104.

[0187] The main vacuum head housing 1102 is substantially hollow and includes an internal chamber 1106. The base of the main vacuum head housing 1102 includes an air inlet. A brush bar and a drive motor are located within the chamber, and the drive motor is configured to drive the rotation of the brush bar within the chamber.

[0188] The neck portion 1104 extends outwardly from the main vacuum head housing 1102 and includes a fixed duct 1116, a movable duct 1118, a first wheel 1120 and a second wheel 1122, a vacuum head catch 1124, and a vacuum head electrical connection 1125.

[0189] The fixed duct 1116 extends outwardly from the main vacuum head housing 1102, is substantially hollow, and is cylindrical. The fixed duct 1116 is fixed to the main vacuum head housing 1102 and defines an air outlet of the main vacuum head housing 1102. The movable duct 1118 is substantially hollow in shape and is movably installed with respect to the fixed duct 1116. The movable duct 1118 has a free end 1126 that is remote from the fixed duct 1116, and four rib receiving channels 1128 are located on the inner surface of the free end 1126. Each of the rib receiving channels 1128 is shaped and dimensioned to receive one of four tapered ribs 1084 on the outer surface of the cleaning nozzle 1012 of the wand 1000. The free end 1126 of the movable duct 1118 is shaped and dimensioned to cover the cleaning nozzle 1012 of the wand 1000 when the vacuum head 1100 is connected to the wand 1000. The inner surface of the free end 1126 of the movable duct 1118 is configured to cover the bleed hole 1079 such that the airflow through the bleed hole 1079 is blocked when the vacuum head 1100 is connected to the wand 1000.

[0190] The first wheel 1120 and the second wheel 1222 are rotatably installed on the movable duct 1118 and facilitate the movement of the vacuum head 1100 on the surface during use.

[0191] The vacuum head catch 1124 is located at the free end 1126 of the movable duct 1118 and includes an elastically biased hook portion and an inclined surface. The elastically biased hook portion is shaped and dimensioned to engage with the vacuum head connection portion 1028 of the second connection cuff 1008 of the wand 1000 and to hold the vacuum head 1100 and the wand 1000 in place relative to each other. The inclined surface is shaped and dimensioned to selectively engage with the protruding wedge 1054 of the break wedge 1040 and to move the position of the elastically biased hook portion.

[0192] The vacuum head electrical connection 1125 is located at the free end 1126 of the movable duct 1118 and is positioned diametrically opposite the vacuum head catch 1124. The vacuum head electrical connection 1125 is releasably connectable to the second connection cuff electrical connector 1030 to enable power and control commands to reach the drive motor 1114.

[0193] The main unit 10 is shown in a vertical orientation in FIGS. 70 and 71.

[0194] When the main unit 10 is vertically disposed, 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 bin assembly 100 extends annularly about the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 and, in this example, has a central longitudinal axis coaxial with the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10.

[0195] The bin push rod 356 is slidable in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. The hinge axis 123 of the bin base 102 extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 19 and thus substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 119 of the base nozzle 118. The hinge axis 123 is positioned on the opposite side of the bin assembly 100 relative to the runner assembly 350 such that the bin base 102 is openable in a direction pivoting away from the runner assembly 350.

[0196] The cloth 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 cloth hinge 148 is substantially parallel to the hinge axis 123 of the bin base 102. In this vertical orientation, the inlet valve member 146 pivots to the closed position, thereby preventing the dust collected in the chamber 105 of the bin assembly 100 from exiting through the base nozzle 118.

[0197] The primary separation system 200 is positioned such that the first core portion 212 is located within the bin case 174 of the bin assembly 100. The first core portion 212 is offset from the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 and thus from the central axis 19 of the bin nozzle 118. The central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10, like the central axis of the bin nozzle 118, extends through the air flow channel 220 defined by the first core portion 212 and the primary filter 204 such that the first core portion 212 and the primary filter 204 partially surround the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10.

[0198] In this vertical orientation, the U-shaped trough of the first core portion 212 faces in the direction towards the front of the bin assembly 100 where the bin hinge portion 175 is formed.

[0199] The primary filter 204 extends over the primary outlet passage 226 and the insert 274 is 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 thus the central axis 119 of the bin nozzle 118. Further, in this vertical orientation, the trough of the primary filter 204 faces in the direction towards the front of the bin assembly 100 where the bin hinge portion 175 is formed. The primary filter 204 extends away from the air flow inlet 134 in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 and thus parallel to the central longitudinal axis 119 of the base nozzle 118.

[0200] The impact area 280 of the dust detection assembly 210 is positioned between the air inlet 134 and the primary filter 204, and the inlet valve member 146 partially extends over the impact area 280 when the inlet valve member 146 is in the open configuration.

[0201] The first auxiliary filter 206 and the second auxiliary filter 208 are positioned in this vertical orientation such that the first auxiliary filter 206 and the second auxiliary filter 208 are positioned toward the bottom end of the bin assembly 100. The outer upstream surfaces of the first auxiliary filter 206 and the second auxiliary filter 208 face in a direction substantially opposite to the outer upstream surface of the primary filter 204, and the upstream surfaces of the first auxiliary filter 206 and the second auxiliary filter 208 face in a direction toward the rear of the bin assembly and thus toward the runner 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 thus are also spaced apart within the chamber 105 of the bin assembly 100.

[0202] 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 bin nozzle 118, but is radially spaced apart from the central longitudinal axes 19, 119. The primary outlet passage 226 is in fluid communication with the chamber 105 of the bin assembly 100 via the primary filter 204.

[0203] The first auxiliary outlet passage 234 and the second auxiliary outlet passage 236 are positioned within the first core portion 212 such that when the main unit 10 is held vertically, the first auxiliary outlet passage 234 and the second auxiliary outlet passage 236 are positioned further rearward of the bin assembly 100 than the primary outlet passage 226. The first connecting passage 240 and the second connecting passage 242 extend between the respective first auxiliary outlet passage 234 and second auxiliary outlet passage 236 and the primary outlet passage 226 to fluidly couple the first auxiliary outlet passage 234 and the second auxiliary outlet passage 236 with the primary outlet passage 226.

[0204] The first dust collection chamber 228 and the second dust collection chamber 230 extend longitudinally along the entire length of the first core portion 212 and thus along the entire length of the bin assembly 100. The first dust collection chamber 228 and the second dust collection chamber 230 are located further radially away from the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 than the primary outlet passage 206.

[0205] The rumbling passage 232 extends longitudinally along the entire length of the first core portion 212 and thus along the entire length of the bin assembly 100. The rumbling passage 232 is located further radially away from the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 than the primary outlet passage 206. The rumbling passage 232 is located closer to the rear of the bin assembly 100 than the primary outlet passage 226.

[0206] The electrical connector 238 of the primary separation system 200 is located at the end of the rumbling passage 232 proximal to the air inlet 134 and extends through the plate opening 122.

[0207] The second core portion 214 is located at the end of the first core portion 212 distal to the air inlet 134. The end wall 244 of the second core portion 214 extends substantially over the entire inner diameter of the bin body 110, and the annular bin body seal 250 forms a fluid seal against the inner surface of the bin body 110. The bin release catch 252 is installed in the catch recess so that the bin release catch is a hinge connection between the bin base 102 and the bin body 110 and is located on the same side of the bin body 110.

[0208] The compression plate sub - assembly 302 of the compression assembly 300 is positioned within the bin case 174 such that the first core portion 212 is received within the front plate through - hole 322. The compression plate sub - assembly 302 is positioned adjacent to the bin plate 244 of the second core portion 214, and the compression plate sub - assembly 302 is located closer to the air inlet 134 than the bin plate 244. The front flange 324 of the front plate 314 of the compression plate sub - assembly 302 extends from the front plate 314 in a direction towards the air inlet 134. The front flange 324 is positioned beneath the looking channel 232 of the first core portion 212 such that the front flange 324 is positioned towards the side of the bin case 174 closest to the runner assembly 350.

[0209] The core wiping member 304 extends around the outer edge of the first core portion 212 distal from the air inlet such that the core wiping member 304 does not cover the primary filter 204. The bin wiping member 306 extends around the inner surface of the bin case 174 in contact with the inner surface.

[0210] The first compression handle connector 334 and the second compression handle connector 336 are aligned and are slidably installed on the compression rail 364 of the handle assembly 312 such that the first compression handle 334 slides along the first compression rail and the second compression handle slides along the second compression rail. The first compression handle connector 334 and the second compression handle connector 336 are substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit and thus to the central axis B of the bin case 174. The first compression rod 308 and the second compression rod 310 extend through the channel 477 of the cone assembly 408 of the secondary separation system 400.

[0211] The compression handle 332 of the compression handle assembly 312 is slidably received within the runner assembly 350 such that the compression handle 332 projects downwardly from the runner assembly 350. The compression handle 332 extends outwardly from the runner assembly 350 more than the handle portion 372 of the bin push rod 356.

[0212] The relative arrangement among the compression handle 332, the handle portion 372 of the bin push rod 356, and the main handle body 702 and guard body 704 of the handle portion 700 is shown in FIG. 51. The guard body 704 is located closer to the air inlet 134 in a direction measured parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 than the main handle body 702. The handle portion 372 of the bin push rod 356 is located closer to the air inlet 134 in a direction measured parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 than the guard body 704. The compression handle 332 is located closer to the air 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 bin push rod 356. The front plate 314 is located closer to the air inlet 134 in a direction measured parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 than the compression handle.

[0213] The secondary separation system 400 is located downstream of the primary separation system 200, and the aerodynamic 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 diverter 404 is located downstream of the aerodynamic insert 402, and the valve member 438 and the expansion member 440 are located within the central bore 420 of the diverter 404. The connecting rod 444 of the vortex plate 410 is positioned such that the connecting rod 444 extends axially along the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10, and the expansion member 440 and the valve member 438 extend about the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 and are axially movable along the central longitudinal axis 19.

[0214] As shown in FIG. 46, the air flow to the cyclone inlet 472 of the first subset 474 of the cyclone body 464 is not suppressed by the valve assembly 406, as indicated by the arrow passing through the central channel 462 in FIG. 46(a). The air flow to the cyclone inlet 472 of the second subset 476 of the cyclone body 464 moves through the outlet opening 428 of the diverter 404 when the valve assembly 406 is actuated.

[0215] The cyclone dust outlet 473 of the first subset 474 of the cyclone body 464 is in fluid communication with the first dust transfer passage 258 of the second core portion 214 of the primary separation system 200, and thus is also in fluid communication with the first dust collection chamber 228 of the first core portion 212 of the primary separation system 200.

[0216] The cyclone dust outlet 473 of the second subset 476 of the cyclone body 464 is in fluid communication with the second dust transfer passage 260 of the second core portion 214 of the primary separation system 200, and thus is also in fluid communication with the second dust collection chamber 230 of the first core portion 212 of the primary separation system 200.

[0217] 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 portion 606 of the housing and handle assembly 600. The motor inlet passage 612 extends downstream of the cyclone outlet in a direction away from the air flow inlet 134 parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10.

[0218] The suction motor 500 is positioned within the inner housing portion 614 of the main housing body 602 of the housing and the handle assembly 600 such that the suction motor 500 is located downstream of the motor inlet passage 612. The electric motor 502 of the suction motor 500 is positioned such that the shaft 516 extends along the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 and the rotational axis R of the electric motor 502 is coaxial with the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. Therefore, the shaft 516 also extends parallel to the direction of the bulk air flow passing through the air inlet 134, similar to the rotational axis R of the electric motor 502.

[0219] The electric motor 502 is positioned radially inward 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 is located further away from the air inlet 134 in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the main unit 10 than the outlet of the electric motor 502 via the inlet of the motor can 505.

[0220] The impeller 504 is located downstream of the electric motor 502 and is positioned within the inner housing portion 614 of the main housing body 602 of the housing and the handle assembly 600 such that the impeller 504 is closer to the air inlet 134 than the electric motor 502 in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the main unit 10.

[0221] The diffuser 506 is located downstream of the electric motor 502 and is positioned within the inner housing portion 614 of the main housing body 602 of the housing and the handle assembly 600 such that the radial portion 520 of the diffuser 506 extends radially with respect to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. The shaft portion 522 of the diffuser 506 extends away from the radial portion 520 in a direction away from the air inlet 134 and substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10.

[0222] 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 and away from the shaft portion 522 of the diffuser 506.

[0223] The filter assembly 604 is installed in the main body housing 602 at the end of the main body housing 602 distal to the air inlet 134. The first and second positioning tabs 674 engage with the inner housing portion 614 and removably attach the filter assembly 604 to the main housing body 602. The display screen 636 as well as the first button 638 and the second button 640 are exposed through the through hole 662 of the cap body 652 of the filter assembly 604. The cap seal 654 engages with the end of the inner housing portion 614.

[0224] The pre-filter frame 678 is provided between the motor inlet passage 612 and the curved surface of the inner housing portion 614 having a plurality of inlet openings 626 such that the pre-filter media 680 is positioned between the motor inlet passage 612 and the plurality of inlet openings 626. The pre-filter media 680 is annularly positioned about the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10.

[0225] The first outer seal 682 seals the inner surface of the outer wall 608 of the main body housing 602. The second outer seal 684 seals the inner surface of the inner wall 610 of the main body housing 602.

[0226] The post-filter frame 698 is located closer to the air inlet 134 than the pre-filter frame 678 in a direction along the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. The post-filter frame 698 is annularly positioned about the motor can 505 such that the post-filter frame 698 partially defines the motor outlet passage 616 and is spaced from the motor can 505.

[0227] The post-filter media 699 is positioned between the motor outlet passage 616 and the first housing outlet 618 and the second housing outlet 620. The post-filter media 699 is annularly positioned about the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. The post-filter media 699 is positioned closer to the air inlet 134 than the pre-filter media 680 in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. The post-filter media 699 is positioned closer in the radial direction to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 than the pre-filter media 680. The face seal 697 seals the radial extension 611 of the inner wall 610 of the main body housing 602.

[0228] 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 has an angle between the central handle axis 703, which is 90 to 120 degrees, in this example about 105 degrees, and the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10, and is oblique with respect to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. Accordingly, the angle between the axis 119 of the base nozzle 118 through which the air flow enters the chamber 105 and the central handle axis 703 of the handle portion 700 is similarly 90 to 120 degrees, in this example about 105 degrees.

[0229] The main handle body 702 is positioned further away from the air inlet 134 in a direction measured parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 than each of the primary separation system 200 and the secondary separation system 200.

[0230] The battery assembly 800 is located at the second end 712 of the main handle body 702. The terminal housing portion 810 of the battery assembly 800 is located within the second end 712 of the main handle body 702. 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 such 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 connection body 706 to hold the battery assembly 800 relative to the handle portion 700.

[0231] As can be seen from FIG. 71, 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. Also, since the central axis C of the cone assembly 408 is coaxial with the longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10, the individual cyclone body axes of the cyclone body 464 converge toward the longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. The minimum distance between the primary separation system 200 and the air inlet 134 in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 is less than the minimum distance between the secondary separation system 400 and the air inlet 134. The minimum distance between the secondary separation system 400 and the air inlet 134 in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 is less than the minimum distance between the suction motor 500 and the air inlet 134. The minimum distance between the suction motor 500 and the air inlet 134 in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 is less than the minimum distance between the filter assembly 604 and the air inlet 134.

[0232] When the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 is vertically disposed and the base nozzle 118 is directed downward, the primary separation system 100 is vertically positioned above the base nozzle 118. And the secondary separation system 400 is vertically positioned above the primary separation system 200. The suction motor 500 is vertically positioned above the secondary separation system 400. Also, the suction motor 500 is arranged or oriented such that the electric motor 502 is vertically positioned above the impeller 504. And the PCB assembly 627 is positioned above the suction motor 500. The filter assembly 604 is likewise vertically positioned above the secondary separation system 400. The pre-filter sub-assembly 648 of the filter assembly 604 is vertically positioned above the post-filter sub-assembly 650 of the filter assembly 604. Also, the pre-filter sub-assembly 648 is positioned at a higher location than the suction motor. And the filter assembly 604 is removably upward from the main unit 10.

[0233] The handle portion 700 is positioned behind the suction motor 500 at a location higher than the primary separation system 200 and the secondary separation system 400. And the battery assembly 800 is positioned behind the handle portion 700 and at a location higher than the primary separation system 200 and the secondary separation system 400. As a result, when the main unit 10 is horizontally oriented (i.e., the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 extends horizontally), the suction motor 500 is vertically positioned above the handle portion 700, and the handle portion 700 is vertically positioned above the battery assembly 800.

[0234] When the main unit 10 is horizontally disposed (i.e., the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10 extends horizontally), the handle portion 700 is positioned below the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit, and thus below the longitudinal axis 199 of the base nozzle 118. The primary filter 204 of the primary separation system 200 is positioned below the longitudinal axis 19 and extends upward to partially surround the longitudinal axis 19.

[0235] In use, the air flow, in a first direction, flows from the secondary separation system 400 to the pre-filter sub-assembly 648. Then, the air flow passes 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 sub-assembly in the first direction. The air flow is thus drawn to the inlet of the impeller 504 in the second direction and discharged from the outlet of the diffuser 506 in the first direction. As shown in FIG. 71, when the main unit 10 is vertically arranged and the base nozzle 118 is directed downward, the first direction is upward and the second direction is downward. And the air flow flows through the pre-filter sub-assembly 648 and the post-filter sub-assembly 650 in a substantially horizontal direction (i.e., in a radial direction perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 19).

[0236] During use of the vacuum cleaner 1, the main unit 10 is typically held in the orientation shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the base nozzle 118 is directed downward at an angle of approximately 45 degrees relative to the horizontal. In this orientation, the trough formed by the U-shaped cross-section of the core 202 and the primary filter 204 faces substantially upward. The recess of the core 202 thus faces substantially upward while the protrusions to which the auxiliary filters 206, 208 are attached face substantially downward.

[0237] When the wand 1000 is connected to the main unit 10, the central longitudinal wand axis W is substantially coaxial with the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. The wand catch 1022 connects the wand 1000 to the main unit 10 via the engagement of the biasing hook 1027 with the locking protrusion 135 on the base nozzle 118 of the bin assembly 100. The first connection cuff electrical connector 1026 engages with the electrical connection 238 of the primary separation system 200.

[0238] The contact member 1024 of the first connecting cuff 1006 of the wand 1000 is engaged with the wand abutment portion 156 of the wand interlock actuator 152 such that the wand interlock actuator 152 and the wand interlock slider 154 are in their third positions. The hook 168 of the wand interlock slider 154 is engaged with the hook 188 of the bin body 110, preventing the opening of the bin base 102 relative to the bin body 110. The base nozzle 118 of the bin assembly 100 is received within the inner wall 1002 of the wand 1000.

[0239] The user-operable collar 1032 is slidable in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10, and the connecting cable 1034 normally extends in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10.

[0240] The vacuum head 1100 is connected to the second end 1020 of the wand 1000, and the vacuum head catch 1124 is engaged with the vacuum head connection portion 1028. The cleaning nozzle 1012 is received within the free end 1126 of the movable duct 1118 of the neck portion 1104 of the vacuum head 1100.

[0241] In use, the user can turn on the vacuum cleaner 1 by using one of the first button 638 and the second button 640, and power is provided from the battery assembly 800 to the electric motor 502. The vacuum cleaner 1 is operable in one of a low power mode, a medium power mode, or a high power mode. When the vacuum cleaner 1 is first turned on, the vacuum cleaner operates in the medium power mode, but the user can switch the operating mode by toggling one of the first button 638 and the second button 640. In the following description, it is assumed that the vacuum cleaner 1 is initially in the medium power mode. By rotating the impeller 504 by the electric motor 502, an air flow is generated through the main unit 10, the wand 1000, and the vacuum head 1100.

[0242] The user can operate the vacuum cleaner head 1100 on the surface to be cleaned by grasping the main handle body 702 and moving the arm. Power is provided from the battery assembly 800 to the vacuum cleaner head 1100 via the electrical connection part 238, the first connecting cuff electrical connector 1026, the wand electrical connection part 1013, the second connecting cuff electrical connector 1030, and the vacuum cleaner head electrical connection part 1125. The drive motor 1114 drives the rotation of the brush bar 1112 in the internal chamber 1106, and the brush bar 1112 acts to stir up the surface to be cleaned.

[0243] The air flow path through the vacuum cleaner 1 is schematically shown in FIGS. 70 and 71. The air flow enters the vacuum cleaner head 1100 through the air flow inlet 1110 together with the captured dust such as dirt. The air flow passes through the internal chamber 1106 and exits the vacuum cleaner head 1100 via the fixed duct 1116 and the movable duct 1118.

[0244] The air flow passes through the wand 1000 and flows through the wand flow path towards the base nozzle 118 of the bin base 102. The air flow passes through the base nozzle 118 and enters the chamber 105 of the bin assembly 100 through the air flow inlet 134. Due to the suction generated by the suction motor 500 in the chamber 105, the inlet valve member 146 pivots from its closed position to its open position, allowing the air flow to enter the chamber 105 through the air flow 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 air flow at the air flow inlet 134 has a flow rate of 5 l / s to 25 l / s. The direction of the air flow at the air flow inlet 134 is parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. The direction of the air flow at the air flow inlet 134 can be considered to be from the bottom of the bin assembly 100 to the top of the bin assembly when the base nozzle 118 is directed downward.

[0245] The inlet valve member 146 guides the air flow exiting from the air inlet 134 toward the impact area 280 of the dust detection assembly 210 and toward the primary filter 204. The inlet valve member 146 forms the air flow exiting from the air inlet 134 into a substantially U-shape when viewed in a plane perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. More specifically, the air flow formed 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 thus perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 119 of the base nozzle 118, and the center line of the cross-sectional shape is substantially U-shaped.

[0246] Due to the air flow containing dust from the air inlet 134 hitting the impact area 280, the piezoelectric acoustic sensor 282 can sense the number and / or size of particulate matter incorporated into the air flow, and in some examples, the corresponding visualization of the number and / or size of particulate matter can be displayed to the user via the display screen 636.

[0247] The air flow from the air inlet 134 flows over the primary filter 204 in a direction substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. When the air flow flows over the primary filter 204, the first portion of the air flow passes through the mesh 270 of the primary filter 204, and the primary filter 204 acts to filter relatively large dust from the air flow. The dust thus filtered is collected in the chamber 105 of the bin assembly 100. The air flow passing through the primary filter 204 flows into the primary outlet passage 226 of the first core portion 212.

[0248] The second portion of the air flow (i.e., the portion that did not pass through the primary filter 204) remains within the chamber 105 of the bin assembly 100 and, as a result of the positioning of the first auxiliary filter 206 and the second auxiliary filter 208, typically recirculates towards the air flow inlet 134. Such recirculation can, in some instances, draw dust towards the lower region of the chamber 105 adjacent to the air flow inlet 134 such that dust accumulates in the chamber 105 in a direction from the lower end 181 to the upper end 182 of the bin body 110.

[0249] The air flow passes through the first auxiliary filter 206 and the second auxiliary filter 208 and enters the first auxiliary outlet passage 234 and the second auxiliary outlet passage 236, respectively. The first auxiliary filter 206 and the second auxiliary filter 208, similar to the primary filter 204, act to filter relatively large dust from the air flow. The dust thus filtered is collected within the chamber 105 defined by the bin assembly 100.

[0250] The air flow reaches the primary outlet passage 226 from the first auxiliary outlet passage 234 and the second auxiliary outlet passage 236 through the first connecting passage 240 and the second connecting passage 242, respectively. Then, the air flow proceeds from the primary outlet passage 226 of the first core portion 212 to the outlet passage 256 of the second core portion 214.

[0251] From the outlet passage 256, the air flow enters into the aerodynamic insert 402 of the secondary separation system 400. As described above, the vacuum cleaner 1 is in the medium power mode. In the medium power mode, the valve assembly 406 acts to block the air flow through the second subset 476 of the cyclone body 464 of the secondary separation system 400 as seen in FIG. 46(a).

[0252] In particular, no voltage is applied to the coil 486 of the valve actuator assembly 448, and the blocking member 484 is elastically biased by a spring 494 to a position where the blocking member 484 blocks the air flow through the first air flow path 488 and permits the air flows through the second air flow path 490 and the third air flow path 492. When the second air flow path 490 is in fluid connection with a position downstream of the electric motor 502 and the air flow is permitted to pass through the second air flow path 490 and the third air flow path 492, pressure is applied inside the expansion member 440 and the expansion member 440 is held in an expanded state. In such an expanded state, the expansion member 440 urges the valve member 438 to engage with the valve seat 422 of the diverter 404.

[0253] When the valve member 438 engages with the valve seat 422 of the diverter 404, the air flow is blocked from passing through the central bore 420 of the diverter 404 and is blocked from passing through the outlet opening 428 of the diverter 404. When the cyclone inlet 472 of the second subset 476 of the cyclone body 464 is in fluid connection with the outlet opening 428 of the diverter 404, the air flow is blocked from entering the second subset 476 of the cyclone body. In contrast, the air flow is permitted to pass through the cyclone inlet 472 of the first subset 474 of the cyclone body 464 because the air flow bypasses the valve assembly 406. Thus, the air flow enters the first subset 474 of the cyclone body 464 through the respective cyclone inlets 472. The position of the cyclone inlet 472 is such that the air flow is introduced tangentially into the first subset 474 of the cyclone body 464. The first subset 474 of the cyclone body 464 acts to separate dust from the air flow in a cyclone-like manner.

[0254] The dust separated from the air flow by the first subset 474 of the cyclone body 464 freely passes through the respective cyclone dust outlets 473, through the first dust transfer passage 258 of the second core portion 214 of the primary separation system 200, and into the first dust collection chamber 228 of the first core portion 212.

[0255] The air flow exits from the first subset 474 of the cyclone body through respective vortex finders 480 and enters the motor inlet passage 612 through respective cyclone portions 606 of the main housing body 602. The air flow flows through the motor inlet passage away from the air flow inlet 134 and thus away from the secondary separation system 400 in a direction substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. The air flow turns radially inwards, passes through the prefilter media 680, and enters the inner housing portion 614 through a plurality of inlet openings 626 of the inner housing portion 614.

[0256] Then, the impeller 504 draws the air flow in a direction towards the air flow inlet 134, through the motor can 505, over the electric motor 502, and towards the secondary separation system 400 in a direction substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. The air flow passes through the impeller 504, enters radially outside into the radial portion 520 of the diffuser 506 before turning to pass through the shaft portion 522 of the diffuser 506. The air flow passes through the shaft portion 522 of the diffuser 506 away from the air flow inlet 134 and away from the secondary separation system 400 in a direction substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10.

[0257] The air flow enters from the shaft portion 522 of the diffuser 506 into the motor outlet passage 616 in a direction substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10, and typically flows through the motor outlet passage 616 away from the air flow inlet 134 and away from the secondary separation system 400. The air flow turns radially outward, passes through the post filter media 699, and is then discharged to the external environment around the vacuum cleaner 1 through the channels 644 of the first housing outlet 618 and the second housing outlet 620. The air flow is discharged through the first housing outlet 618 and the second housing outlet 620 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. The air flow through the main unit 110 between the secondary cyclone 400 and the first housing outlet 618 and the second housing outlet 620 is shown in FIG. 70. The air flow through the vacuum cleaner 1 is fully shown in FIG. 71.

[0258] During use of the vacuum cleaner 10, the chamber 105 of the bin assembly 100 is filled with relatively coarse dust. To extend the period during which the user can clean without having to empty the bin assembly 100, the user can utilize the compression assembly 300 to compress the dust contained within the chamber 105.

[0259] To utilize the compression assembly, the user grasps the handle body 340 of the compression handle 332 and pivots the compression handle 332 with respect to the first compression handle connector 334 and the second compression handle connector 336. Pivoting of the compression handle 332 causes the magnet 354 to move away from the hall sensor, and as a result, a control signal is sent to the controller 526 of the suction motor 500. By the control signal, the controller 526 of the suction motor 500 stops the operation of the motor 500 so that the air flow is no longer generated through the vacuum cleaner 1.

[0260] Once the first connecting part 342 and the second connecting part 344 are pivoted to disengage from the runner assembly 350, the user slides the compression handle 332 relative to the runner assembly 350 in a direction towards the bin base 102 that is substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. When the user slides the compression handle 332, the compression plate sub-assembly 302 slides within the bin body 110, and the first compression rod 308 and the second compression rod 310 slide within the rails 364 of the runner assembly 350.

[0261] When the compression plate sub - assembly 302 slides within the bin body 110, the front plate 314 of the compression assembly 300 acts to compress the dust contained within the chamber 105 of the bin assembly 100. Further, when the compression plate sub - assembly 302 slides within the bin body 110, the core wiping member 304 contacts the outer edge of the first core portion 212, and the bin wiping member 306 contacts the inner surface of the bin case 174. The core wiping member 304 wipes dust from the first core portion 212, including from the upstream surfaces of the primary filter 204 and the first and second auxiliary filters 206 and 208. The bin wiping member 306 wipes dust from the inner surface of the bin case 174. Thus, by a single actuation of the compression handle 332, both the first core portion 212 and the bin body 110 are wiped. The compression handle 332 may be regarded as the handle of the wiping mechanism for actuating the wiping mechanism. The dust wiped by the core wiping member 304 and the bin wiping member 306 is compressed by the front plate 314 of the compression assembly 300. When the bin base 102 is in the open configuration, at least a portion of the wiping mechanism (such as at least a portion of the core wiping member 304, the bin wiping member 306, etc.), and / or the compression assembly 300 (such as the compression handle 332, etc.) is movable from a position within the bin body 110 to a position beyond the end of the bin body 110 and may assist in wiping dust from the bin 110. In this example, the actuation of the compression assembly 300 for compressing the dust collected within the bin body 110 causes the wiping mechanism to operate. However, in other examples, the compression assembly 300 and the wiping mechanism may be operable independently.

[0262] Once the compression operation is performed by the user, the user can retract the compression plate sub-assembly 302 to its initial position by sliding the compression handle 332 in a direction away from the air inlet 134, substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. In some examples, the first coupling portion 342 and the second coupling portion 344 can include a latch that provides tactile feedback so that the user knows when the compression handle 332 has been repositioned to its correct position. When the compression 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.

[0263] When desired, the user can also empty the chamber 105, as well as the first dust collection chamber 228 and the second dust collection chamber 230. To do so, the user must first remove the wand 1000 from the main unit 10. As described above, when the wand 1000 is connected to the main unit 10, the contact member 1024 of the first coupling cuff 1006 of the wand 1000 engages the wand abutment portion 156 of the wand interlock actuator 152 such that the wand interlock actuator 152 and the wand interlock slider 154 are in their third positions. In such a position, the hook 168 of the slidable interlock member 154 engages the hook 188 of the bin body 110, preventing the opening of the bin base 102 relative to the bin body 110.

[0264] To remove the wand 1000 from the main unit 10, the user can manually release the wand catch 1022 of the first connecting cuff 1006 of the wand 1000 by pressing the wand catch 1022, move the resiliently biased hook 1027, and disengage it from the locking projection 135 on the base nozzle 118 of the bin assembly 100 so that the bin base 102 can be opened with respect to the bin case 174. Then, the user can slide the wand 1000 away from the main unit 10 in a direction substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10.

[0265] When the wand 1000 is removed from the main unit 10, the wand interlock actuator 152 and the wand interlock slider 154 move to their second positions. In such positions, the hook 168 of the wand interlock slider 154 is spaced from the hook 188 of the bin body 110 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. Accordingly, the hook 168 of the wand interlock slider 154 is no longer engaged with the hook 188 of the bin base 110 and no longer prevents the opening of the bin base 102 with respect to the bin body 110.

[0266] To move the bin base 102 to the open position, the user grasps the handle portion 372 of the bin push rod 356 and applies a force to the handle portion 372 in the direction toward the bin base 102. Thereby, the bin push rod 356 slides within the push rod channel 360 in a direction toward the bin base 102 that is substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis 19 of the main unit 10. When the bin push rod 356 slides within the push rod channel 360, the bin push rod 356 contacts the compression handle 332 and pivots the compression handle 332 in the manner described above. Accordingly, by sliding the bin push rod 356, the suction motor 500 can be turned off.

[0267] When the user continues to press the handle portion 372 of the bin push rod 356, the wedge-shaped end portion of the bin push rod 356 contacts the bin closing fixture 112, and more specifically, the first fixture 190 and the second fixture 192. Due to the end portion of the bin push rod 356, the first fixture 190 and the second fixture 192 are separated. Therefore, the first fixture 190 and the second fixture 192 no longer prevent the movement of the bin base 102 relative to the bin body 110.

[0268] When the user continues to press the handle portion 372 of the bin push rod 356 further, the end portion of the bin push rod 356 contacts the bin push rod engaging protrusion 125 of the bin base 102. The bin push rod 356 can thereby push the bin base 102 away from the bin body 110. Although the bin assembly 100 includes a spring 115 that biases the bin base 102 to the open position, the engagement of the bin base seal 107 with the bin case 174 and the engagement of the dust collection chamber seal 108 with the first core portion 212 may mean that when the bin closing fixture 112 moves to the expanded form, the bin base 102 does not automatically move to the open position. For this reason, the bin base 102 is provided with the engaging protrusion 125, against which the bin push rod 356 can contact and push the engaging protrusion 125. When the bin base 102 moves to the open position, the chamber 105 of the bin assembly 100, as well as the first dust collection chamber 228 and the second dust collection chamber 230 of the core 202, are no longer closed by the bin base 102, and the dust contained therein can also be taken out simultaneously.

[0269] It will be understood that when the user slides the bin push rod 356, sliding of the compression handle 332, and thus sliding of the compression plate sub-assembly 302 within the bin body 110, also occurs. Therefore, the front plate 314 of the compression plate sub-assembly 302 can assist in removing dust from the coarse dust collection chamber 171, along with wiping the first core portion 212 and the bin case 174 that occur simultaneously.

[0270] Once dust is removed from the bin chamber 105 and the first dust collection chamber 228 and the second dust collection chamber 230, the user can manually return the bin base 102 to the closed position with respect to the bin body 110 and return the compression handle 332 and the handle portion 372 of the bin push rod 356 to their original positions. When the bin push rod 356 is retracted, the tension spring 193 of the bin closure fastener 112 returns the first fastener 190 and the second fastener 192 to the contracted form and holds the bin base 102 in its closed position with respect to the bin body 110.

[0271] If the user wants to reconnect the wand 1000 to the main unit 10, the first connection cuff 1000 of the wand 1000 slides over the base nozzle 118 such that the resiliently biased hook 1027 of the wand catch 1022 engages the locking projection 135 on the base nozzle 118 of the bin assembly 100 when the bin base 102 is closed relative to the bin case 174.

[0272] The contact member 1024 of the first connection cuff 1006 of the wand 1000 engages the wand abutment 156 of the wand interlock actuator 152 such that the wand interlock actuator 152 and the wand interlock slider 154 move to their second positions. In such a position, the hook 168 of the wand interlock slider 154 engages the hook 188 of the bin body 110 and prevents the opening of the bin base 102 with respect to the bin body 110.

[0273] In some instances, the user may wish to remove the vacuum head 1100 from the wand 1000 before removing the wand 1000 from the main unit 10, or may wish to remove the vacuum head 1100 from the wand 1000 and enable attachment of an alternative vacuum head to the wand 1000, or may wish to remove the vacuum head 1100 from the wand 1000 and enable use of the cleaning nozzle 1012 at the second end 1020 of the wand 1000. To remove the vacuum head 1100 from the wand 1000, the user can use the vacuum head catch 1224 to manually release the resiliently biased hook portion from the vacuum head connection portion 1028 by pressing the resiliently biased hook portion at the second end 1020 of the wand 1000 and separating it from the vacuum head connection portion 1028. Alternatively, the user can use the user-actuable collar 1032 located at the first end 1018 of the wand 1000 to operate the release mechanism 1010. When the user slides the user-actuable collar 1032 in a direction towards the second end 1020 of the wand 1000 in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal wand axis W, the user-actuable collar 1032 pulls the connection cable 1034 over the pulley 1036. As a result, the brake wedge 1040 is pulled in a direction towards the first end 1018 of the wand 1000 in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal wand axis W.

[0274] As the brake wedge 1040 moves towards the first end 1018 of the wand 1000, the protruding wedge 1054 engages with the vacuum head catch 1124 and moves the resiliently biased hook portion of the vacuum head catch member 1124 to disengage the engagement between the vacuum head connection portion 1028 of the second connection cuff 1008 of the wand 1000. As a result, the vacuum head 1100 can slide away from the wand 1000 in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal wand axis W.

[0275] When the break wedge 1040 moves towards the first end 1018 of the wand 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, and moves the first rocker 1038 and the first rocker arm 1041 of the second rocker 1039 in the direction towards the first end 1018 of the wand 1000. Thereby, the second rocker arms 1050 of the first rocker 1038 and the second rocker arms 1043 of the second rocker 1039 move in the direction towards the second end 1020 of the wand 1000.

[0276] The free ends of the second rocker arms 1050 of the first rocker 1038 and the free ends of the second rocker arms 1043 of the second rocker 1039 contact the first push member 1042 and the second push member 1045 respectively, and slide the first push member 1042 and the second push member 1045 within the first slide channel 1060 and the second slide channel 1068 respectively. The first ends 1062 of the first push member 1042 and the first ends 1070 of the second push member 1045 contact the movable duct 1118 of the vacuum cleaner head 1100 respectively, and push the vacuum cleaner head 1100 in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal direction wand axis W to separate it from the wand 1000.

[0277] Accordingly, the vacuum cleaner head 1100 can be released from the connection with the wand by the user, away from the vacuum cleaner head 1100, using the user - actuable collar 1032 located at the first end 1018 of the wand. Those skilled in the art will understand that the vacuum cleaner head 1100 can be thus released from the wand 1000 even when the wand 1000 is not connected to the main unit 10.

[0278] When the user desires to reconnect the vacuum cleaner head 1100 to the wand 1000, the movable duct 1118 can push the first push member 1042 and the second push member 1045 to return them to their original positions.

[0279] Those skilled in the art will understand that the vacuum cleaner 1 can also be used when the cleaning head 1100 is not connected to the wand 1000 and the wand 1000 is connected to the main unit 10, or in fact when neither the wand 1000 nor the cleaning head 1100 is connected to the main unit 10. In the former situation, the cleaning nozzle 1012 of the wand 1000 can be used to contact the surface to be cleaned. In the latter situation, the base nozzle 118 can be used to contact the surface to be cleaned. It will be further understood that the cleaning head 1100 can be connected to the main unit 10 without the wand 1000 as an intermediate component.

[0280] As described above, the vacuum cleaner 1 can also be used in the high - power mode. To set the vacuum cleaner 1 to the high - power mode, the user can switch an appropriate one of the first button 638 and the second button 640 with a toggle switch. In the high - power mode, the valve assembly 406 permits the air flow to pass through the second subset 476 of the cyclone body 464 of the secondary separation system 400 as shown in FIG. 46(b).

[0281] A voltage is applied to the coil 486 of the valve actuator assembly 448 such that the valve blocking member 484 moves against the action of the spring 494 to a position where the valve blocking member 484 blocks the air flow through the second air flow path 490 and permits 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 connection with a position upstream of the electric motor 502 and the air flow is permitted to pass through the first air flow path 488 and the third air flow path 492, pressure is applied inside the expansion member 440 and the expansion member 440 is held in a contracted state. In such a contracted state, the valve member 438 is disengaged from the valve seat 422 of the diverter 404.

[0282] When the valve member 438 is removed from the valve seat 422 of the diverter 404, the airflow is permitted to pass through the central bore 420 of the diverter 404 and is permitted to pass through the outlet opening 428 of the diverter 404. When the cyclone inlets 472 of the second subset 476 of the cyclone body 464 are in fluid communication with the outlet opening 428 of the diverter 404, the airflow is permitted to pass through the second subset 476 of the cyclone body as shown in FIG. 46(b).

[0283] Similarly, as can be seen in FIG. 46(a), the airflow is permitted to pass through the cyclone inlets 472 of the first subset 474 of the cyclone body 464 because the diverter 404 does not block the flow to the cyclone inlets 472 of the first set of the cyclone body 464.

[0284] Accordingly, in the high power mode, the airflow flows in parallel through each of the first subset 474 of the cyclone body 464 and the second subset 476 of the cyclone body 464. Each of the first subset 474 of the cyclone body 464 and the second subset 476 of the cyclone body 464 acts to separate dust from the airflow.

[0285] The dust separated from the airflow by the first subset 474 of the cyclone body 464 freely passes through the respective cyclone dust outlets 473, through the first dust transfer passage 258 of the second core portion 214 of the primary separation system 200, and into the first dust collection chamber 228 of the first core portion 212. The dust separated from the airflow by the second subset 476 of the cyclone body 464 freely passes through the respective cyclone dust outlets 473, through the second dust transfer passage 260 of the second core portion 214 of the primary separation system 200, and into the second dust collection chamber 223 of the first core portion 212.

[0286] In embodiments of the present disclosure, the handheld vacuum cleaner may be provided by the following sections.

[0287] 1. A handheld vacuum cleaner comprising a non-cyclone separation system and a cyclone separation system, wherein the cyclone separation system is located downstream of the non-cyclone separation system.

[0288] 2. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to section 1, wherein the cyclone separation system comprises a plurality of cyclone bodies.

[0289] 3. The cyclone body is arranged around the central axis of the non-cyclone separation system or around the central axis of the cyclone separation system. Optionally, each of the cyclone bodies has a cyclone body axis that is inclined with respect to the central axis, and the cyclone body axis converges towards the central axis. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to section 2.

[0290] 4. The non-cyclone separation system comprises a filter located in a chamber. During use, the air flow enters the chamber in a first direction and flows over the filter in the first direction. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to any one of sections 1 to 3.

[0291] 5. The filter comprises a mesh. Optionally, the mesh is made of metal. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to section 4.

[0292] 6. The non-cyclone separation system comprises a core to which the filter is attached. The core comprises an outlet passage extending in the first direction. During use, the air flow passes through the filter and flows along the outlet passage. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to section 4 or 5.

[0293] 7. In a plane perpendicular to the first direction, the core and / or the filter is the handheld vacuum cleaner according to clause 6, wherein the cross-section is substantially U-shaped.

[0294] 8. The core is provided with a dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by the cyclone separation system, and the handheld vacuum cleaner according to clause 6 or 7.

[0295] 9. The handheld vacuum cleaner is provided with a bin, the non-cyclone separation system separates dust from the air flow in the chamber, the base of the bin is provided with an air flow inlet, and through the air flow inlet, the air flow enters the chamber, and the handheld vacuum cleaner according to any one of clauses 1 to 8.

[0296] 10. The handheld vacuum cleaner is provided with a dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by the non-cyclone separation system and a further dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by the cyclone separation system, and the dust collection chamber surrounds the further dust collection chamber, and the handheld vacuum cleaner according to any one of clauses 1 to 9.

[0297] 11. The handheld vacuum cleaner is provided with a dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by the non-cyclone separation system, a further dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by the cyclone separation system, and a base for closing the ends of the dust collection chamber and the further dust collection chamber, and the base is movable to simultaneously open the dust collection chamber and the further dust collection chamber, and the handheld vacuum cleaner according to any one of clauses 1 to 10.

[0298] 12. The base is provided with a nozzle, and the handheld vacuum cleaner according to clause 11.

[0299] 13. The handheld vacuum cleaner is provided with a nozzle, the nozzle extends vertically, and when the handheld vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the non-cyclone separation system is located above the nozzle, the cyclone separation system is located above the non-cyclone separation system, and the handheld vacuum cleaner according to any one of clauses 1 to 12.

[0300] 14. The handheld vacuum cleaner is provided with a suction motor for generating an air flow through the non-cyclone separation system and through the cyclone separation system, the cyclone separation system is located above the non-cyclone separation system, and the suction motor is located above the cyclone separation system, and the handheld vacuum cleaner according to any one of clauses 1 to 13.

[0301] 15. The suction motor comprises an electric motor and an impeller, and the electric motor is located above the impeller. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 14.

[0302] 16. The handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a printed circuit board assembly for controlling the handheld vacuum cleaner, and the printed circuit board assembly is located above the suction motor. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 14 or 15.

[0303] 17. The handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a filter assembly located downstream of the cyclone separation system. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 16.

[0304] 18. The handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a suction motor for generating an air flow through the non-cyclone separation system and through the cyclone separation system. The filter assembly comprises a pre-filter located upstream of the suction motor and a post-filter located downstream of the suction motor. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 17.

[0305] 19. The filter assembly is located above the cyclone separation system, and the pre-filter is located above the post-filter. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 18.

[0306] 20. The air flow moves from the cyclone separation system to the pre-filter in a first direction, and the air flow moves through the suction motor in a second direction opposite to the first direction. Optionally, the air flow moves from the suction motor to the post-filter in the first direction. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 18 or 19.

[0307] 21. When the handheld vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the rotation axis of the suction motor extends vertically and the suction motor is located above the non-cyclone separation system, the first direction is upward and the second direction is downward. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 20.

[0308] 22. When the handheld vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the rotation axis of the suction motor extends vertically, the air flow moves horizontally through the pre-filter and / or the post-filter. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 20 or 21.

[0309] 23. The handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a suction motor for generating an air flow through a non-cyclone separation system and through a cyclone separation system, and a filter assembly surrounds at least a part of the suction motor. Optionally, the filter assembly comprises a post-filter surrounding at least a part of the suction motor. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to any one of paragraphs 17 to 22.

[0310] 24. The handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a nozzle and a handle. When the nozzle is disposed perpendicular to a non-cyclone separation system located above the nozzle, the handle is at a position higher than the non-cyclone separation system and the cyclone separation system. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to any one of paragraphs 1 to 23.

[0311] 25. The handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a suction motor for generating an air flow through a non-cyclone separation system and through a cyclone separation system. The suction motor is located above both the non-cyclone separation system and the cyclone separation system, and the handle portion is located behind the suction motor. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 24.

[0312] 26. The handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a housing portion for accommodating the suction motor and a battery assembly for supplying power to the suction motor. The handle portion has a first end attached to the housing portion and a second end attached to the battery assembly. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 25.

[0313] 27. The handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a user interface operable by a user to turn on / off the power of the suction motor. The user interface is located on the housing portion. Optionally, the user interface is located at a longitudinal end of the housing portion. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 26.

[0314] 28. A vacuum cleaner comprising a non-cyclone separation system, a cyclone separation system, and a suction motor for generating an air flow through the non-cyclone separation system and through the cyclone separation system. When the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the cyclone separation system is vertically located above the non-cyclone separation system, the suction motor is vertically located above the cyclone separation system. The vacuum cleaner.

[0315] 29. The cyclone separation system is located downstream of the non-cyclone separation system. The vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 28.

[0316] 30. The cyclone separation system is the vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 28 or 29, comprising a plurality of cyclone bodies.

[0317] 31. The cyclone body is arranged about the central axis of the non-cyclone separation system or about the central axis of the cyclone separation system, and optionally each of the cyclone bodies has a cyclone body axis inclined with respect to the central axis, and the cyclone body axis converges towards the central axis, the vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 30.

[0318] 32. The vacuum cleaner comprises a dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by the non-cyclone separation system and a further dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by the cyclone separation system, and the dust collection chamber surrounds the further dust collection chamber, the vacuum cleaner according to any one of paragraphs 28 to 31.

[0319] 33. The vacuum cleaner comprises a dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by the non-cyclone separation system, a further dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by the cyclone separation system, and a bin base for closing the ends of the dust collection chamber and the further dust collection chamber, and the bin base is movable to simultaneously open the dust collection chamber and the further dust collection chamber, the vacuum cleaner according to any one of paragraphs 28 to 32.

[0320] 34. The bin base comprises a nozzle, the vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 33.

[0321] 35. The suction motor comprises an electric motor and an impeller, and when the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the cyclone separation system is vertically located above the non-cyclone separation system, the electric motor is vertically located above the impeller, the vacuum cleaner according to any one of paragraphs 28 to 34.

[0322] 36. A vacuum cleaner according to any one of paragraphs 28 to 34, comprising a filter assembly located downstream of the cyclone separation system, and optionally when the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the cyclone separation system is vertically located above the non-cyclone separation system, the filter assembly is vertically located above the cyclone separation system.

[0323] 37. The filter assembly comprises a pre-filter located upstream of the suction motor, and when the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the cyclone separation system is vertically located above the non-cyclone separation system, the pre-filter is at a higher position than the suction motor, the vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 36.

[0324] 38. The filter assembly includes a pre-filter positioned upstream of the suction motor and a post-filter positioned downstream of the suction motor. When the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the cyclone separation system is vertically positioned above the non-cyclone separation system, the pre-filter is vertically positioned above the post-filter. The vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 35 or 37.

[0325] 39. When the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the cyclone separation system is vertically positioned above the non-cyclone separation system, the filter assembly is removably upward from the rest of the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of paragraphs 35 to 38.

[0326] 40. A vacuum cleaner comprising a non-cyclone separation system, a cyclone separation system, and a suction motor for generating an air flow through the non-cyclone separation system and through the cyclone separation system. The non-cyclone separation system separates dust from the air flow in the chamber, and the air flow enters the chamber in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis. The cyclone separation system includes a plurality of cyclone bodies arranged around the central longitudinal axis, and the suction motor has a rotational axis extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis.

[0327] 41. The non-cyclone separation system includes a filter positioned in the chamber. The air flow enters the chamber and flows over the filter in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis. Optionally, the filter includes a mesh, and optionally, the mesh is made of metal. The vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 40.

[0328] 42. The non-cyclone separation system includes a core to which the filter is attached. The core includes an outlet passage extending in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis. In use, the air flow passes through the filter and flows along the outlet passage. The vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 41.

[0329] 43. The rotational axis is coaxial with the central longitudinal axis. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of paragraphs 40 to 42.

[0330] 44. The cyclone separation system is positioned downstream of the non-cyclone separation system. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of paragraphs 40 to 43.

[0331] 45. The vacuum cleaner includes a filter assembly positioned downstream of the cyclone separation system. Optionally, the filter assembly is annularly positioned around the central longitudinal axis. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of paragraphs 40 to 44.

[0332] 46. The filter assembly includes a pre-filter located upstream of the suction motor and a post-filter located downstream of the suction motor. Optionally, the pre-filter and / or the post-filter are annularly positioned about a central longitudinal axis, as described in paragraph 45.

[0333] 47. The filter assembly is removable from the remainder of the vacuum cleaner in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis. Optionally, the filter assembly is locked and unlocked to the remainder of the vacuum cleaner by rotating the filter assembly about the central longitudinal axis, as described in paragraph 45 or 46.

[0334] 48. The non-cyclone separation system, the cyclone separation system, and the suction motor are arranged continuously along the central longitudinal axis, as described in any one of paragraphs 40-47.

[0335] 49. When the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the central longitudinal axis extends vertically, the cyclone separation system is located above the non-cyclone separation system, and the suction motor is located above the cyclone separation system, as described in any one of paragraphs 40-48.

[0336] 50. The vacuum cleaner includes a filter assembly that includes a pre-filter located upstream of the suction motor and a post-filter located downstream of the suction motor. When the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the central longitudinal axis extends vertically and the suction motor is located above the non-cyclone separation system, the pre-filter is located above the post-filter, as described in any one of paragraphs 40-49.

[0337] 51. The vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle that extends along the central longitudinal axis, as described in any one of paragraphs 40-50.

[0338] 52. The vacuum cleaner includes a wand for attachment to the cleaning head, and the wand extends along the central longitudinal axis, as described in any one of paragraphs 40-51.

[0339] 53. A vacuum cleaner comprising a non-cyclone separation system, a cyclone separation system, a first dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by the non-cyclone separation system, and a second dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by the cyclone separation system, wherein one of the first dust collection chamber and the second dust collection chamber surrounds the other of the first dust collection chamber and the second dust collection chamber.

[0340] 54. The first dust collection chamber is the vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 53, which surrounds the second collection chamber.

[0341] 55. The vacuum cleaner includes a third dust collection chamber for collecting the dust separated by the cyclone separation system, and the third dust collection chamber is separated from the second dust collection chamber. The vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 53 or 54.

[0342] 56. The cyclone separation system includes a plurality of cyclone bodies arranged as a first subset and a second subset. The dust separated by the cyclone bodies of the first subset gathers in the second dust collection chamber, and the dust separated by the cyclone bodies of the second subset gathers in the third dust collection chamber. The vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 55.

[0343] 57. The vacuum cleaner includes a core located in the first dust collection chamber, and the core includes the second dust collection chamber. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of paragraphs 53 to 56.

[0344] 58. The non-cyclone separation system includes a filter attached to the core, the core includes an outlet passage, and during use, the air flow passes through the filter and flows along the outlet passage. The vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 57.

[0345] 59. The core and / or the filter have a cross-section that is substantially U-shaped. The vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 57 or 58.

[0346] 60. The vacuum cleaner includes a third dust collection chamber for collecting the dust separated by the cyclone separation system, and the core includes the third dust collection chamber. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of paragraphs 57 to 59.

[0347] 61. The vacuum cleaner includes a bin, the bin defines the first dust collection chamber, the base of the bin includes an air flow inlet, and through the air flow inlet, during use, the air flow enters the first dust collection chamber. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of paragraphs 53 to 60.

[0348] 62. The vacuum cleaner includes a base that closes the ends of the first dust collection chamber and the second dust collection chamber, and the base is movable to simultaneously open the first dust collection chamber and the second dust collection chamber. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of paragraphs 53 to 61.

[0349] 63. The base includes a nozzle. The vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 62.

[0350] 64. The cyclone separation system is located downstream of the non-cyclone separation system, and optionally, when the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the cyclone separation system is located above the non-cyclone separation system, the cyclone separation system is the vacuum cleaner according to any one of paragraphs 53 to 63, which is located above the first dust collection chamber and the second dust collection chamber.

[0351] 65. A vacuum cleaner comprising a non-cyclone separation system, a cyclone separation system, a first dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by the non-cyclone separation system, and a second dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by the cyclone separation system, wherein the cyclone separation system comprises one or more cyclone bodies, and when the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the cyclone body is vertically located above the non-cyclone separator, the second dust collection chamber is located within the first dust collection chamber or horizontally parallel to the first dust collection chamber.

[0352] 66. The vacuum cleaner comprises a third dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by the cyclone separation system, the third dust collection chamber is separated from the second dust collection chamber, and when the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the cyclone body is vertically located above the non-cyclone separator, the third dust collection chamber is located within the first dust collection chamber or horizontally parallel to the first dust collection chamber, and optionally, the third dust collection chamber is located horizontally parallel to the second dust collection chamber. The vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 65.

[0353] 67. The cyclone body is arranged as a first subset and a second subset, dust separated by the cyclone body of the first subset gathers in the second dust collection chamber, and dust separated by the cyclone body of the second subset gathers in the third dust collection chamber. The vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 66.

[0354] 68. The vacuum cleaner comprises a core located within the first dust collection chamber, and the core comprises the second dust collection chamber. The vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 66 or 67.

[0355] 69. The non-cyclone separation system comprises a filter attached to the core, the core comprises an outlet passage, and during use, the air flow passes through the filter and flows along the outlet passage. The vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 68.

[0356] 70. The vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 69, wherein the filter has a mesh, and optionally the mesh is made of metal.

[0357] 71. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of paragraphs 68 to 70, wherein the core and / or the filter has a substantially U-shaped cross-section.

[0358] 72. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of paragraphs 68 to 71, wherein the vacuum cleaner has a third dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by a cyclone separation system, and the core has the third dust collection chamber.

[0359] 73. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of paragraphs 65 to 72, wherein the vacuum cleaner has a bin, the bin defines the first dust collection chamber, the base of the bin has an air inlet, and during use, the air flow enters the first dust collection chamber through the air inlet.

[0360] 74. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of paragraphs 65 to 73, wherein the vacuum cleaner has a base for closing the ends of the first dust collection chamber and the second dust collection chamber, and the base is movable to simultaneously open the first dust collection chamber and the second dust collection chamber.

[0361] 75. The vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 74, wherein the base has a nozzle.

[0362] 76. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of paragraphs 65 to 75, wherein the first dust collection chamber surrounds the second dust collection chamber.

[0363] 77. A vacuum cleaner comprising a non-cyclone separation system, a cyclone separation system located downstream of the non-cyclone separation system, a suction motor for generating an air flow through the non-cyclone separation system and the cyclone separation system, and a pre-filter located downstream of the cyclone separation system and upstream of the suction motor.

[0364] 78. The vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 77, wherein the vacuum cleaner has a nozzle that extends vertically, and when the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the non-cyclone separation system is located above the nozzle, the cyclone separation system is located above the non-cyclone separation system.

[0365] 79. The vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 77 or paragraph 78, wherein when the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the cyclone separation system is located above the non-cyclone separation system, the suction motor is located above the cyclone separation system.

[0366] 80. The suction motor comprises an electric motor and an impeller. The impeller is positioned adjacent to the cyclone separation system and / or the impeller is positioned between the electric motor and the cyclone separation system. Optionally, when the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the cyclone separation system is positioned above the non-cyclone separation system, the electric motor is positioned above the impeller. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of paragraphs 77 to 79.

[0367] 81. The suction motor comprises an electric motor, an impeller, and a diffuser. In use, air is drawn into the inlet of the impeller in a first direction and air is discharged from the outlet of the diffuser in a second direction, the second direction being opposite to the first direction. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of paragraphs 77 to 80.

[0368] 82. The first direction and the second direction are parallel to the axis of rotation of the suction motor. The vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 81.

[0369] 83. The suction motor comprises a mixed-flow impeller. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of paragraphs 77 to 82.

[0370] 84. When the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the cyclone separation system is positioned above the non-cyclone separation system, the pre-filter is positioned above the cyclone separation system. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of paragraphs 77 to 83.

[0371] 85. When the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the cyclone separation system is positioned above the non-cyclone separation system, the pre-filter is positioned higher than the suction motor. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of paragraphs 77 to 84.

[0372] 86. The air flow flows from the cyclone 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. Optionally, when the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the pre-filter is positioned above the cyclone separation system, the first direction is upward and the second direction is downward. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of paragraphs 77 to 85.

[0373] 87. The vacuum cleaner comprises a post-filter positioned downstream of the suction motor. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of paragraphs 77 to 86.

[0374] 88. The pre-filter and / or the post-filter surround at least a part of the suction motor. The vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 87.

[0375] 89. The pre-filter and the post-filter form part of a filter assembly, the filter assembly being removably attached to the remainder of the vacuum cleaner, and optionally, the filter assembly being removably upward from the remainder of the vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the filter assembly is positioned above the cyclone separation system, the vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 87 or 88.

[0376] 90. When the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the post-filter is positioned above the cyclone separation system, the pre-filter is positioned above the post-filter, the vacuum cleaner according to any one of paragraphs 87 to 89.

[0377] 91. The air flow flows from the cyclone separation system to the pre-filter in a first direction, the air flow flows from the suction motor to the post-filter in the first direction, and optionally, when the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the pre-filter is positioned above the cyclone separation system, the first direction is upward, the vacuum cleaner according to any one of paragraphs 87 to 90.

[0378] 92. The air flow flows horizontally through the pre-filter and / or the post-filter when the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the rotation axis of the suction motor extends vertically, the vacuum cleaner according to any one of paragraphs 87 to 91.

[0379] 93. The suction motor comprises an electric motor, an impeller, and a diffuser, the post-filter surrounds at least part of the electric motor, and the diffuser has an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the post-filter, the vacuum cleaner according to any one of paragraphs 87 to 92.

[0380] 94. The cyclone separation system comprises a plurality of cyclone bodies, the vacuum cleaner according to any one of paragraphs 77 to 93.

[0381] 95. The cyclone bodies are arranged about the central axis of the non-cyclone separation system and / or about the rotation axis of the suction motor, and optionally, each of the cyclone bodies has a cyclone body axis that is inclined with respect to the central axis or the rotation axis, the cyclone body axis converging towards the central axis or the rotation axis, the vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 94.

[0382] 96. The non - cyclone separation system comprises a filter located within a chamber. During use, an air flow enters the chamber in a first direction, flows over the filter in the first direction, optionally, the filter comprises a mesh, and optionally, the mesh is made of metal. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of paragraphs 77 - 95.

[0383] 97. The non - cyclone separation system comprises a core to which the filter is attached. The core comprises an outlet passage extending in a first direction. During use, an air flow passes through the filter and flows along the outlet passage. The vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 96.

[0384] 98. In a plane perpendicular to the first direction, the core and / or the filter has a cross - section that is substantially U - shaped. The vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 97.

[0385] 99. The core comprises a dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by a cyclone separation system. The vacuum cleaner according to paragraph 97 or 98.

[0386] 100. The vacuum cleaner comprises a dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by a non - cyclone separation system and a further dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by a cyclone separation system. The dust collection chamber surrounds the further dust collection chamber. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of paragraphs 77 - 99.

[0387] 101. The vacuum cleaner comprises a dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by a non - cyclone separation system, a further dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by a cyclone separation system, and a base for closing the ends of the dust collection chamber and the further dust collection chamber. The base is movable to simultaneously open the dust collection chamber and the further dust collection chamber. Optionally, the base comprises a nozzle. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of paragraphs 77 - 100.

[0388] Any mechanism described in connection with any one example may be used alone or in combination with any other mechanism described, or in combination with one or more mechanisms of any other example or any combination of other examples. It should further be understood that equivalents and modifications not described above may also be employed without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A handheld vacuum cleaner comprising a non-cyclone separation system and a cyclone separation system, wherein the cyclone separation system is located downstream of the non-cyclone separation system, the handheld vacuum cleaner.

2. The cyclone separation system comprises a plurality of cyclone bodies, the handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 1.

3. The cyclone body is arranged around the central axis of the non-cyclone separation system or around the central axis of the cyclone separation system, and optionally each of the cyclone bodies has a cyclone body axis inclined with respect to the central axis, and the cyclone body axis converges towards the central axis, the handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 2.

4. The non-cyclone separation system comprises a filter located in a chamber, and during use, the air flow enters the chamber in a first direction and flows through the filter in the first direction, the handheld vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The filter comprises a mesh, and optionally, the mesh is made of metal, the handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 4.

6. The non-cyclone separation system comprises a core to which the filter is attached, the core comprises an outlet passage extending in the first direction, and during use, the air flow passes through the filter and flows along the outlet passage, the handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 4 or 5.

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

8. The core comprises a dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by the cyclone separation system, the handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 6 or 7.

9. The handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a bin, the non-cyclone separation system separates dust from the air flow in the chamber, the base of the bin comprises an air flow inlet, and through the air flow inlet, the air flow enters the chamber, the handheld vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The handheld vacuum cleaner includes a dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by the non-cyclone separation system, and a further dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by the cyclone separation system, wherein the dust collection chamber surrounds the further dust collection chamber. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The handheld vacuum cleaner includes a dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by the non-cyclone separation system, a further dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by the cyclone separation system, and a base for closing ends of the dust collection chamber and the further dust collection chamber, wherein the base is movable to simultaneously open the dust collection chamber and the further dust collection chamber. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. The base includes a nozzle. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 11.

13. The handheld vacuum cleaner includes a nozzle. When the handheld vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the nozzle extends vertically and the non-cyclone separation system is located above the nozzle, the cyclone separation system is located above the non-cyclone separation system. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The handheld vacuum cleaner includes a suction motor for generating an air flow passing through the non-cyclone separation system and through the cyclone separation system. The cyclone separation system is located above the non-cyclone separation system, and the suction motor is located above the cyclone separation system. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 13.

15. The suction motor includes an electric motor and an impeller, and the electric motor is located above the impeller. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 14.

16. The handheld vacuum cleaner includes a printed circuit board assembly for controlling the handheld vacuum cleaner, and the printed circuit board assembly is located above the suction motor. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 14 or 15.

17. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 16, comprising a filter assembly located downstream of the cyclone separation system.

18. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 17, comprising a suction motor for generating an air flow through the non-cyclone separation system and through the cyclone separation system, wherein the filter assembly comprises a pre-filter located upstream of the suction motor and a post-filter located downstream of the suction motor.

19. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 18, wherein the filter assembly is located on the cyclone separation system, and the pre-filter is located on the post-filter.

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

21. When the rotation axis of the suction motor extends vertically and the handheld vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the suction motor is located on the non-cyclone separation system, the first direction is upward and the second direction is downward. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 20.

22. When the handheld vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the rotation axis of the suction motor extends vertically, the air flow moves horizontally through the pre-filter and / or the post-filter. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 20 or 21.

23. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 17 to 22, comprising a suction motor for generating an air flow through the non-cyclone separation system and through the cyclone separation system, wherein the filter assembly surrounds at least a part of the suction motor, and optionally, the filter assembly comprises a post-filter surrounding at least a part of the suction motor.

24. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 1 to 23, comprising a nozzle and a handle, wherein when the nozzle is disposed perpendicular to the non-cyclone separation system located above the nozzle, the handle is located at a position higher than the non-cyclone separation system and the cyclone separation system.

25. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 24, comprising a suction motor for generating an air flow passing through the non-cyclone separation system and through the cyclone separation system, the suction motor being located above both the non-cyclone separation system and the cyclone separation system, and the handle portion being located behind the suction motor.

26. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 25, comprising a housing portion for accommodating the suction motor and a battery assembly for supplying power to the suction motor, the handle portion having a first end attached to the housing portion and a second end attached to the battery assembly.

27. The handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 26, comprising a user interface operable by a user to turn on / off the power of the suction motor, the user interface being located on the housing portion, and optionally, the user interface being located at a longitudinal end of the housing portion.

28. A vacuum cleaner comprising a non-cyclone separation system, a cyclone separation system, and a suction motor for generating an air flow passing through the non-cyclone separation system and through the cyclone separation system, wherein when the vacuum cleaner is disposed such that the cyclone separation system is vertically located above the non-cyclone separation system, the suction motor is vertically located above the cyclone separation system.

29. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 28, wherein the cyclone separation system is located downstream of the non-cyclone separation system.

30. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 28 or claim 29, wherein the cyclone separation system comprises a plurality of cyclone bodies.

31. The cyclone body is arranged around the central axis of the non-cyclone separation system or around the central axis of the cyclone separation system. Optionally, each of the cyclone bodies has a cyclone body axis that is inclined with respect to the central axis, and the cyclone body axis converges toward the central axis. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 30.

32. The vacuum cleaner includes a dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by the non-cyclone separation system and a further dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by the cyclone separation system, and the dust collection chamber surrounds the further dust collection chamber. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 28 to 31.

33. The vacuum cleaner includes a dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by the non-cyclone separation system, a further dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by the cyclone separation system, and a bin base for closing the ends of the dust collection chamber and the further dust collection chamber. The bin base is movable to simultaneously open the dust collection chamber and the further dust collection chamber. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 28 to 32.

34. The bin base of the vacuum cleaner according to claim 33 includes a nozzle.

35. The suction motor includes an electric motor and an impeller. When the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the cyclone separation system is vertically positioned above the non-cyclone separation system, the electric motor is vertically positioned above the impeller. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 28 to 34.

36. A vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 28 to 34, comprising a filter assembly located downstream of the cyclone separation system. Optionally, when the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the cyclone separation system is vertically positioned above the non-cyclone separation system, the filter assembly is vertically positioned above the cyclone separation system.

37. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 36, wherein the filter assembly includes a pre-filter located upstream of the suction motor, and when the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the cyclone separation system is vertically located above the non-cyclone separation system, the pre-filter is located at a position higher than the suction motor.

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

39. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 35 to 38, wherein when the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the cyclone separation system is vertically located above the non-cyclone separation system, the filter assembly is removably detachable from the rest of the vacuum cleaner in the upward direction.

40. A vacuum cleaner comprising a non-cyclone separation system, a cyclone separation system, and a suction motor for generating an air flow through the non-cyclone separation system and through the cyclone separation system, wherein the non-cyclone separation system separates dust from the air flow in the chamber, the air flow enters the chamber in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis, the cyclone separation system includes a plurality of cyclone bodies arranged around the central longitudinal axis, and the suction motor has a rotating shaft extending parallel to the central longitudinal axis.

41. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 40, wherein the non-cyclone separation system includes a filter located in the chamber, the air flow enters the chamber and flows over the filter in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis, optionally, the filter includes a mesh, and optionally, the mesh is made of metal.

42. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 41, wherein the non-cyclone separation system includes a core to which the filter is attached, the core includes an outlet passage extending in a direction parallel to the central longitudinal axis, and during use, the air flow passes through the filter and flows along the outlet passage.

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

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

45. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 40 to 44, comprising a filter assembly located downstream of the cyclone separation system, and optionally, the filter assembly is annularly located around the central longitudinal axis.

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

47. The 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 optionally, the filter assembly is locked and unlocked to the rest of the vacuum cleaner by rotating the filter assembly around the central longitudinal axis.

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

49. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 40 to 48, wherein when the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the central longitudinal axis extends vertically, the cyclone separation system is located above the non-cyclone separation system, and the suction motor is located above the cyclone separation system.

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

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

52. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 40 to 51, comprising a wand for attachment to a vacuum cleaner head, the wand extending along the central longitudinal axis.

53. A vacuum cleaner comprising a non-cyclone separation system, a cyclone separation system, a first dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by the non-cyclone separation system, and a second dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by the cyclone separation system, wherein one of the first dust collection chamber and the second dust collection chamber surrounds the other of the first dust collection chamber and the second dust collection chamber.

54. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 53, wherein the first dust collection chamber surrounds the second collection chamber.

55. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 53 or 54, comprising a third dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by the cyclone separation system, the third dust collection chamber being separated from the second dust collection chamber.

56. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 55, wherein the cyclone separation system comprises a plurality of cyclone bodies arranged as a first subset and a second subset, dust separated by the cyclone bodies of the first subset collects in the second dust collection chamber, and dust separated by the cyclone bodies of the second subset collects in the third dust collection chamber.

57. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 53 to 56, comprising a core located in the first dust collection chamber, the core comprising the second dust collection chamber.

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

59. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 57 or 58, wherein the core and / or the filter has a cross-section that is substantially U-shaped.

60. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 57 to 59, comprising a third dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by the cyclone separation system, and the core comprising the third dust collection chamber.

61. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 53 to 60, comprising a bin, the bin defining the first dust collection chamber, the base of the bin comprising an air inlet, and during use, an air flow entering the first dust collection chamber through the air inlet.

62. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 53 to 61, comprising a base for closing the ends of the first dust collection chamber and the second dust collection chamber, the base being movable to simultaneously open the first dust collection chamber and the second dust collection chamber.

63. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 62, wherein the base comprises a nozzle.

64. The cyclone separation system is located downstream of the non-cyclone separation system, and optionally, when the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the cyclone separation system is located above the non-cyclone separation system, the cyclone separation system is located above the first dust collection chamber and the second dust collection chamber. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 53 to 63.

65. A vacuum cleaner comprising a non-cyclone separation system, a cyclone separation system, a first dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by the non-cyclone separation system, and a second dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by the cyclone separation system, the cyclone separation system comprising one or more cyclone bodies, and when the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the cyclone body is vertically located above the non-cyclone separator, the second dust collection chamber is located within the first dust collection chamber or horizontally parallel to the first dust collection chamber.

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

67. The cyclone body is arranged as a first subset and a second subset, dust separated by the cyclone body of the first subset collects in the second dust collection chamber, and dust separated by the cyclone body of the second subset collects in the third dust collection chamber, the vacuum cleaner according to claim 66.

68. The vacuum cleaner includes a core positioned within the first dust collection chamber, the core including the second dust collection chamber, the vacuum cleaner according to claim 66 or 67.

69. The non-cyclone separation system includes a filter attached to the core, the core includes an outlet passage, and during use, an air flow passes through the filter and flows along the outlet passage, the vacuum cleaner according to claim 68.

70. The filter includes a mesh, and optionally, the mesh is made of metal, the vacuum cleaner according to claim 69.

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

72. The vacuum cleaner includes a third dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by the cyclone separation system, the core including the third dust collection chamber, the vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 68 to 71.

73. The vacuum cleaner includes a bin, the bin defining the first dust collection chamber, the base of the bin including an air inlet, and during use, an air flow enters the first dust collection chamber through the air inlet, the vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 65 to 72.

74. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 65 to 73, comprising a base that closes ends of the first dust collection chamber and the second dust collection chamber, the base being movable to simultaneously open the first dust collection chamber and the second dust collection chamber.

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

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

77. A vacuum cleaner comprising a non-cyclone separation system, a cyclone separation system located downstream of the non-cyclone separation system, a suction motor for generating an air flow through the non-cyclone separation system and the cyclone separation system, and a pre-filter located downstream of the cyclone separation system and upstream of the suction motor.

78. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 77, wherein the vacuum cleaner comprises a nozzle that extends vertically, and when the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the non-cyclone separation system is located above the nozzle, the cyclone separation system is located above the non-cyclone separation system.

79. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 77 or claim 78, wherein when the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the cyclone separation system is located above the non-cyclone separation system, the suction motor is located above the cyclone separation system.

80. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 77 to 79, wherein the suction motor comprises an electric motor and an impeller, the impeller being located adjacent to the cyclone separation system and / or the impeller being located between the electric motor and the cyclone separation system, and optionally, when the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the cyclone separation system is located above the non-cyclone separation system, the electric motor is located above the impeller.

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

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

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

84. When the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the cyclone separation system is located above the non-cyclone separation system, the pre-filter is located above the cyclone separation system. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 77 to 83.

85. When the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the cyclone separation system is located above the non-cyclone separation system, the pre-filter is located at a position higher than the suction motor. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 77 to 84.

86. The air flow flows from the cyclone 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. Optionally, when the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the pre-filter is located above the cyclone separation system, the first direction is upward and the second direction is downward. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 77 to 85.

87. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 77 to 86, further comprising a post-filter located downstream of the suction motor.

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

89. The pre-filter and the post-filter form part of a filter assembly, the filter assembly being removably attached to the remainder of the vacuum cleaner, and optionally, the filter assembly being removable upwardly from the remainder of the vacuum cleaner when the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the filter assembly is positioned over the cyclone separation system. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 87 or 88.

90. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 87 to 89, wherein the pre-filter is positioned over the post-filter when the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the post-filter is positioned over the cyclone separation system.

91. Airflow flows from the cyclone separation system to the pre-filter in a first direction, and airflow flows from the suction motor to the post-filter in the first direction, and optionally, when the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the pre-filter is positioned over the cyclone separation system, the first direction is upward. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 87 to 90.

92. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 87 to 91, wherein airflow flows horizontally through the pre-filter and / or the post-filter when the vacuum cleaner is arranged such that the rotational axis of the suction motor extends vertically.

93. The suction motor comprises an electric motor, an impeller, and a diffuser, the post-filter surrounding at least a part of the electric motor, and the diffuser having an outer diameter larger than the inner diameter of the post-filter. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 87 to 92.

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

95. The cyclone bodies are arranged about a central axis of the non-cyclone separation system and / or about a rotational axis of the suction motor, and optionally, each of the cyclone bodies has a cyclone body axis that is inclined with respect to the central axis or the rotational axis, and the cyclone body axis converges towards the central axis or the rotational axis. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 94.

96. The non-cyclone separation system includes a filter located within the chamber. During use, an air flow enters the chamber in a first direction, flows beyond the filter in the first direction, and optionally, the filter includes a mesh, and optionally, the mesh is made of metal. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 77 to 95.

97. The non-cyclone separation system includes a core to which the filter is attached. The core includes an outlet passage extending in the first direction. During use, an air flow passes through the filter and flows along the outlet passage. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 96.

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

99. The core includes a dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by the cyclone separation system. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 97 or 98.

100. The vacuum cleaner includes a dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by the non-cyclone separation system and a further dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by the cyclone separation system. The dust collection chamber surrounds the further dust collection chamber. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 77 to 99.

101. The vacuum cleaner includes a dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by the non-cyclone separation system, a further dust collection chamber for collecting dust separated by the cyclone separation system, and a base for closing the ends of the dust collection chamber and the further dust collection chamber. The base is movable to simultaneously open the dust collection chamber and the further dust collection chamber, and optionally, the base includes a nozzle. The vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 77 to 100.

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