Handheld vacuum cleaner and a filter for a handheld vacuum cleaner

Abstract

Handheld vacuum cleaner (1) comprising, a vacuum cleaner housing (2), a gripping handle (3) connected to the vacuum cleaner housing (2), an air inlet (4) through which the outside air can be sucked by the handheld vacuum cleaner (1), at least one air exhaust (5) through which the cleaned air can exit from the handheld vacuum cleaner (1), an air flow path (6) that extends between the air inlet (4) and the air exhaust (5), a suction unit (7) to generate a flow of air in the air flow path (6) from the air inlet (4) to the air exhaust (5), a removable filter (20) arranged in the air flow path (6). The removable filter (20) being arranged in a filtration chamber (12) being arranged at least partially between the suction unit (7) and the vacuum cleaner housing (2). The filtration chamber (12) comprising an access opening (14) to access the removable filter (20), wherein the access opening (14) is arranged parallel to the rotational axis (10) of the suction unit (7).

Description

[0001] HANDH ELD VACUUM CLEANER AND A FILTER FOR A HANDHELD VACUUM CLEANER

[0002] Technical held

[0003] The present disclosure relates to a handheld vacuum cleaner comprising a vacuum cleaner housing, a gripping handle connected to the vacuum cleaner housing, a suction unit, and a removable filter arranged in the air flow created by the suction unit. The removable filter being arranged in a filtration chamber for easy access for inspection and replacement.

[0004] The present disclosure also considers a filter for a handheld vacuum cleaner.

[0005] Background

[0006] In vacuum cleaners with cyclonic separation the air is typically Filtered before or after the suction unit. This is done by filter elements in front, after or around the motor fan unit. The drawbacks of filter elements in front and after the MFU is the space required. A filter around the suction unit limits the possibilities for placement and removal of the filter.

[0007] One example of such a handheld vacuum cleaner is disclosed for instance in EP 3954262 Bl.

[0008] The handheld vacuum cleaner comprising a separation device having a dust bowl, and also a Filtration chamber having an exhaust Filter arranged after the motor and fan combination. The exhaust Filter being accessible by removing the dust bowl.

[0009] The provision of a Filtration chamber downstream of the motor and fan combination and the provision of an exhaust Filter therein to remove dust particles from the airstream after the motor and fan combination which particles may have escaped the primary dust separation device results in an improved quality of the air exiting the vacuum cleaner. Such a vacuum cleaner can be made very compact and still provide efficient cleaning of floors and the like and also provide a good Filtration of the air going through the vacuum cleaner.

[0010] One general problem with vacuum cleaners of this type is how to make a vacuum cleaner more versatile, especially accessing and changing the exhaust Filter in an easy way and still achieve a large Filter area.

[0011] Summary of the invention

[0012] One object of the present disclosure is therefore to provide a compact handheld vacuum cleaner that makes it easier for the user and still provide a good Filtration.

[0013] This object is achieved by a vacuum cleaner and Filter as defined in the independent claims.

[0014] More particularly, in a handheld vacuum cleaner comprising a vacuum cleaner housing, a gripping handle connected to the vacuum cleaner housing, an air inlet through which the outside air can be sucked by the handheld vacuum cleaner, at least one air exhaust through which the cleaned air can exit from the handheld vacuum cleaner. Furthermore, an air flow path that extends between the air inlet and the air exhaust, a suction unit comprising an electric motor and a fan having an axis of rotation, arranged in the air flow path to generate a flow of air in the air flow path from the air inlet to the air exhaust. A dust separating device is arranged in the air flow path upstream from the suction unit and through which the flow of air generated by the suction unit passes when the handheld vacuum cleaner is operating. A removable filter is arranged in the air flow path, the removable filter being arranged in a filtration chamber of the handheld vacuum cleaner. The filtration chamber being arranged at least partially in the vacuum cleaner housing and being arranged at least partially between the suction unit and the vacuum cleaner housing. The filtration chamber comprising an access opening to access the removable filter, wherein the access opening is arranged parallel to the rotational axis of the suction unit. This makes it possible to have an easy access to the removable filter to inspect and if needed remove and replace or wash and re-arrange in the filtration chamber.

[0015] In an embodiment, the removable filter is adapted to be arranged in the filtration chamber, at least partly, around the suction unit. This makes it possible to save space in the handheld vacuum cleaner.

[0016] In an embodiment, the removable filter has an arc-shape, preferably semi-circular shape, to be arranged in the filtration chamber, at least partly, around the suction unit.

[0017] In an embodiment, the arc-shaped filter has an angle between 90-200 degrees, preferably between 130-190 degrees, or between 180-190 degrees. This to ensure a large filter surface and also a good fit, and in cases also a snap fit.

[0018] In an embodiment, the removable filter is flexible along the chord direction.

[0019] In an embodiment, the removable filter is spring biased towards its arc-shape.

[0020] In an embodiment, the removable filter comprises locking means cooperating with corresponding filter locking means in the filtration chamber to lock the removable filter in the filtration chamber.

[0021] In an embodiment, the locking means comprises protrusions and corresponding apertures or vice versa. In an embodiment, a sealing is arranged between the removable filter and the filtration chamber.

[0022] In an embodiment, the removable filter comprises a pleated filter medium with the pleats running parallel to the motor axis when arranged in the handheld vacuum cleaner.

[0023] In an embodiment, the filtration chamber is entirely arranged in the vacuum cleaner housing and is arranged between the suction unit and a wall of the vacuum cleaner housing.

[0024] In an embodiment, the removable filter is arranged in the air flow path between the suction unit and the air exhaust.

[0025] In an embodiment, the access opening is formed in the vacuum cleaner housing and faces the user during use of the handheld vacuum cleaner.

[0026] In an embodiment, the removable filter comprises a handle for removal of the removable filter.

[0027] In an embodiment, the removable filter is arranged after the suction unit in the air flow path.

[0028] In an embodiment, a lid covers the access opening and the lid is part of the vacuum cleaner housing.

[0029] In an embodiment, the lid on the side facing the filtration chamber comprise one or more ribs and one or more air channels.

[0030] In an embodiment, the ribs press the removable filter in place when the lid is closed.

[0031] In an embodiment, the access opening is arranged in the vacuum cleaner housing in such a way that it makes it possible to access the removable filter when the lid is in an open position. In an embodiment, a sealing is arranged between the removable filter the filtration chamber and / or the lid which is compressed when the lid is in a closed position.

[0032] In an embodiment, the handle has a grip configuration in which the handle is inclined with respect to the axis of rotation of the suction unit to form an angle of not less than 85 degrees and not greater than O degrees between the handle and the rotational axis of the suction unit.

[0033] More particularly, a filter for a handheld vacuum cleaner having an air flow path that extends between an air inlet and an air exhaust, further having a suction unit, comprising an electric motor and a fan having an axis of rotation, arranged in the air flow path. Said filter being removably arranged in the air flow path after the suction unit. The filter being adopted to be inserted and removed through an access opening arranged parallel to the rotational axis of the suction unit.

[0034] In an embodiment, the filter has an arc-shape, preferably a semi-circular shape, to be arranged, at least partly, around the suction unit.

[0035] In an embodiment, the arc-shaped filter has an angle between 90-200 degrees, preferably between 130-190 degrees, or between 180-190 degrees.

[0036] In an embodiment, the removable filter is flexible along the chord direction.

[0037] In an embodiment, the removable filter is spring biased towards its arc-shape.

[0038] In an embodiment, the filter comprises a filter medium and a rim surrounding the filter medium.

[0039] In an embodiment, the filter medium comprises a pleated filter medium having the pleats arranged parallel to the motor axis when arranged in the handheld vacuum cleaner.

[0040] In an embodiment, the filter is flexible around an axis parallel to the pleats. In an embodiment, the filter comprises a flexible rim.

[0041] In an embodiment, the filter comprises locking means, preferably locking means comprising protrusions and / or apertures.

[0042] Brief description of the drawings

[0043] Fig 1 illustrates a handheld vacuum cleaner.

[0044] Fig 2 illustrates schematically a handheld vacuum cleaner with an access opening and removable filter arranged in the handheld vacuum cleaner according to the present disclosure.

[0045] Fig 3 illustrates schematically a handheld vacuum cleaner with a cleaner with an access opening and removable filter removed from the handheld vacuum cleaner

[0046] Figs 4-6 illustrate an embodiment of the removable filter

[0047] Fig 7 is a cross-section AA-AA of the filters illustrated in Fig 4-6

[0048] Fig 8 is a cross-section BB-BB in Fig 2

[0049] Detailed description

[0050] The present disclosure relates generally to handheld vacuum cleaners.

[0051] Fig la-b illustrates a handheld vacuum cleaner. The handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a vacuum cleaner housing 2, a gripping handle 3 connected to the vacuum cleaner housing 2, an air inlet 4 and an air exhaust 5. The air inlet can be connected to a nozzle of different kinds depending on the surface or item to be cleaned or be used as it is for cleaning.

[0052] The handheld vacuum cleaner comprises a suction unit 7, (see Fig 3) comprising an electric motor 8 and a fan 9 having an axis of rotation 10. The suction unit 7 creates an air flow in an air flow path 6 from the air inlet 4 to the air exhaust 5. A dust separating device 11 is arranged in the air flow path upstream from the suction unit 7 and through which the flow of air generated by the suction unit passes when the handheld vacuum cleaner 1 is operating.

[0053] The suction unit 7, has an electric motor 8 and a fan 9 having an axis of rotation 10, arranged in the air flow path 6 The removable filter being removably arranged in the air flow path 6 after the suction unit 7.

[0054] The handheld comprises a lid 15 covering an access opening 14 (see Fig. 2 and 3). The lid 15 is part of the vacuum cleaner housing 2. Fig 2 illustrates the vacuum cleaner in Fig 1 with the lid open. A removable filter 20, which is arranged in the air flow path 6, is arranged in a filtration chamber 12 of the handheld vacuum cleaner 1. The filtration chamber 12 being arranged in the vacuum cleaner housing but could alternatively be arranged at least partially in the vacuum cleaner housing. The filtration chamber 12 being arranged, at least partially, between the suction unit 7 and a wall 13 of the vacuum cleaner housing 2.

[0055] Fig 2 also illustrates the filtration chamber 12 comprising an access opening 14 to access the removable filter 20. The access opening 14 is arranged parallel to the rotational axis 10 of the suction unit 7. This provides an access opening which is easy to access by the user to inspect and / or replace the removable filter. Furthermore, there is no need to remove other parts of the vacuum cleaner to inspect or replace the removable filter.

[0056] Fig 2 and Fig 8 illustrates how the removable filter 20 is adapted to be arranged in the filtration chamber 12, at least partly, around the suction unit 7.

[0057] Fig 3 illustrates the handheld vacuum cleaner in Fig 1 and 2 with the lid open and the removable filter removed. The access opening 14 is formed in the vacuum cleaner housing 2 and faces the user during use of the handheld vacuum cleaner.

[0058] The lid 15 covers the access opening 14 and the lid 15 is part of the wall 13 of the vacuum cleaner housing 2.

[0059] The lid 15 on the side facing the filtration chamber 12 comprise one or more ribs 16 and one or more air channels 17. The ribs press the removable filter in place when the lid is closed.

[0060] The access opening 14 is arranged in the vacuum cleaner housing 2 in such a way that it makes it possible to access the removable filter 20 when the lid 15 is in an open position.

[0061] A sealing is arranged between the removable filter 20 the filtration chamber 12 and / or the lid 15 which is compressed when the lid 15 is in a closed position.

[0062] The handle 3 has a grip configuration in which the handle 3 is inclined (H) with respect to the axis of rotation of the suction unit 7 to form an angle of not less than 85 degrees and not greater than 140 degrees between the handle 3 and the rotational axis 10 of the suction unit.

[0063] Figure 4-8 illustrates a removable filter for a handheld vacuum cleaner according to Fig 1-3. The removable filter 20 has an arc-shape, semi-circular, elliptical or conical, to be arranged in a filtration chamber 12, at least partly, around the suction unit 7 of a handheld vacuum cleaner.

[0064] In Fig 4-8 the removable filter 20 has a semi-circular shape.

[0065] The arc-shaped removable filter 20 has a circle sector angle (a) between 90-200 degrees, preferably between 130-190 degrees, or between 180-190 degrees. This to have a large filter area and at the same time being easy to install and remove when arranged around a part of the suction unit 7. An angel above 180 degrees may be preferable for having a snap in function locking the removable filter 20 partly around the suction unit 7.

[0066] The removable filter 20 is flexible along the chord (C) direction also to facilitate removal and instalment of the removable filter. The removable filter is spring biased towards its arc-shape. In one embodiment the filter is flexible and moved in a radially outward direction during instalment and / or replacement and flexible back in the radially inward direction when in place in the filtration chamber.

[0067] This may be used to ensure that the removable filter is correct in place in the filtration chamber. A flexible semi-circular shape may also allow some flexing that can be used for snapping and locking the filter into place in the filtration chamber.

[0068] In the Fig 4-8 it is also illustrated that the removable filter 20 comprises locking means. This could be in the shape of for example hooks, protrusions, apertures, friction fixation or snap lock. The locking means is cooperating with corresponding filter locking means in the filtration chamber to lock the removable filter in the filtration chamber. The purpose of the locking means is to secure that the removable filter is in a correct position in the filtration chamber and also prevent the filter for falling out if the lid is opened. The locking means should keep the removable filter in place but should release if the filter is being pulled out for removal. The number and / or size of the locking means could vary depending on space available, air flow etc.

[0069] In Fig 4-8 the locking means comprises protrusions and corresponding aperture as filter locking means (see Fig 3), but it could be apertures in the removable filter and protrusions in the filtration chamber.

[0070] The removable filter 20 comprises a filter medium 21 and a rim 23 surrounding the filter medium. In the Figs the removable filter 20 comprises a pleated filter medium 22 with the pleats running parallel to the motor axis 10 when arranged in the handheld vacuum cleaner. The filter medium could alternatively be an air permeable foam material.

[0071] The removable filter is flexible around an axis parallel to the pleats. This to make it easy to arrange and secure the removable filter in the filtration chamber and also to remove the removable filter in an easy way. In the figs this is disclosed by the removable filter having a flexible rim 23. The rim could for example be made of rubber or soft plastic.

[0072] To facilitate the removal of the removable filter the removable filter 20 has a handle 25 suitable for the user to grab for removal of the removable filter.

[0073] Fig 8 discloses a sealing 26 arranged between the removable filter 20 and the filtration chamber 12. The sealing 26 could be arranged at the filtration chamber or alternatively on the rim of the removable filter. Another alternative is that the rim of the removable filter is made of a material that could act as a sealing, for example rubber or soft plastic.

[0074] Handheld vacuum cleaner Vacuum cleaner housing Gripping handle

[0075] Air inlet Air Exhaust Air flow path Suction unit Motor Fan Axis of rotation Separation device Filtration chamber Wall Access opening Lid Rib Air channel Filter locking means Filter sealing

[0076] 20. Filter

[0077] 21. Filter medium

[0078] 22. Rim

[0079] 23. Pleated filter medium

[0080] 24 Locking means

[0081] 25. Handle

[0082] 26 Sealing means

[0083] 30 Tube

[0084] 31 Floor nozzle

[0085] C Chord

[0086] D Chord direction a Angle

Claims

CLAIMS1. Handheld vacuum cleaner (1) comprising, a vacuum cleaner housing (2), a gripping handle (3) connected to the vacuum cleaner housing (2), an air inlet (4) through which the outside air can be sucked by the handheld vacuum cleaner (1), at least one air exhaust (5) through which the cleaned air can exit from the handheld vacuum cleaner (1), an air flow path (6) that extends between the air inlet (4) and the air exhaust (5), a suction unit (7) comprising an electric motor (8) and a fan (9) having an axis of rotation (10), arranged in the air flow path (6) to generate a flow of air in the air flow path (6) from the air inlet (4) to the air exhaust (5), a dust separating device (11) arranged in the air flow path (6) upstream from the suction unit (7) and through which the flow of air generated by the suction unit passes when the handheld vacuum cleaner (1) is operating, a removable filter (20) arranged in the air flow path (6), the removable filter (20) being arranged in a filtration chamber (12) of the handheld vacuum cleaner (1), the filtration chamber (12) being arranged at least partially in the vacuum cleaner housing (2) and being arranged at least partially between the suction unit (7) and the vacuum cleaner housing (2),the filtration chamber (12) comprising an access opening (14) to access the removable filter (20), wherein the access opening (14) is arranged parallel to the rotational axis (10) of the suction unit (7).

2. Handheld vacuum cleaner according to any of the claims above, wherein the removable filter (20) is adapted to be arranged in the filtration chamber (12), at least partly, around the suction unit (7).

3. Handheld vacuum cleaner (1) according to any of the claims above, wherein the removable filter (20) has an arc-shape, preferably semi-circular shape, to be arranged in the filtration chamber (12), at least partly, around the suction unit (7).

4. Handheld vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 3, wherein the arc-shaped filter has an angle (a) between 90-200 degrees, preferably between 130-190 degrees, or between 180-190 degrees.

5. Handheld vacuum cleaner (1) according to any of the claims 3-4, wherein the removable filter is flexible along the chord (C) direction.

6. Handheld vacuum cleaner (1) according to claim 5, wherein the removable filter is spring biased towards its arc-shape.

7. Handheld vacuum cleaner according to any of the claims above, wherein the removable filter (20) comprises locking means cooperating with corresponding filter locking means in the filtration chamber to lock the removable filter in the filtration chamber.

8. Handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 3, wherein the locking means comprises protrusions and corresponding apertures or vice versa.

9. Handheld vacuum cleaner according to any of the claims above, wherein a sealing is arranged between the removable filter (20) and the filtration chamber (12).

10. Handheld vacuum cleaner (1) according to any of the claims above, wherein the removable filter (20) comprises a pleated filter medium (22) with the pleats running parallel to the motor axis (10) when arranged in the handheld vacuum cleaner.

11. Handheld vacuum cleaner (1) according to any of the claims above, wherein the filtration chamber (12) is entirely arranged in the vacuum cleaner housing (2) and is arranged between the suction unit (7) and a wall (13) of the vacuum cleaner housing (2).

12. Handheld vacuum cleaner (1) according to any of the claims above, wherein the removable filter (20) is arranged in the air flow path (6) between the suction unit (7) and the air exhaust (5).

13. Handheld vacuum cleaner (1) according to any of the claims above, wherein the access opening (14) is formed in the vacuum cleaner housing (2) and faces the user during use of the handheld vacuum cleaner.

14. Handheld vacuum cleaner (1) according to any of the claims above, wherein the removable filter (20) comprises a handle (25) for removal of the removable filter.

15. Handheld vacuum cleaner (1) according to any of the claims above, wherein the removable filter (20) is arranged after the suction unit (7) in the air flow path (6).

16. Handheld vacuum cleaner according to any of the claims above, wherein a lid (15) covers the access opening (14) and the lid (15) is part of the vacuum cleaner housing (2).

17. Handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 16, wherein the lid (15) on the side facing the filtration chamber (12) comprise one or more ribs 16 and one or more air channels 17.

18. Handheld vacuum cleaner according to claim 17, wherein the ribs press the removable filter in place when the lid is closed.

19. Handheld vacuum cleaner according to any of the claims 16-17, wherein the access opening (14) is arranged in the vacuum cleaner housing (2) in such a way that it makes it possible to access the removable filter (20) when the lid (15) is in an open position.

20. Handheld vacuum cleaner according to any of the claims 16-18, wherein a sealing is arranged between the removable filter the filtration chamber (12) and / or the lid (15) which is compressed when the lid (15) is in a closed position.

21. Handheld vacuum cleaner (1) according to any of the claims above, wherein the handle (3) has a grip configuration in which the handle (3) is inclined with respect to the axis of rotation of the suction unit (7) to form an angle of not less than 85 degrees and not greater than O degrees between the handle (3) and the rotational axis (10) of the suction unit.

22. Filter (20) for a handheld vacuum cleaner having an air flow path (6) that extends between an air inlet (4) and an air exhaust (5), further having a suction unit (7), comprising an electric motor (71) and a fan (72) having an axis of rotation (10), arranged in the air flow path (6), said filter being removably arranged in the air flow path (6) after the suction unit (7), characterised in that the filter (20) being adopted to be inserted and removed through an access opening (14) arranged parallel to the rotational axis (10) of the suction unit .

23. Filter according to claim 21, wherein the filter (20) has an arc-shape, preferably a semi-circular shape, to be arranged, at least partly, around the suction unit (7).

24. Filter according to claim 22, wherein the arc-shaped filter has an angle (a) between 90-200 degrees, preferably between 130-180 degrees, or between 180- 190 degrees.

25. Filter according to any of the claims 22-23, wherein the removable filter is flexible along the chord (C) direction.

26. Filter according to claim 24, wherein the removable filter is spring biased towards its arc-shape.

27. Filter according to any of the claims 21-25, wherein the filter (20) comprises a filter medium (21) and a rim (23) surrounding the filter medium.

28. Filter according to claim 26, wherein the filter medium (21) comprises a pleated filter medium (22) having the pleats arranged parallel to the motor axis (10) when arranged in the handheld vacuum cleaner.

29. Filter according to claim 27, wherein the filter is flexible around an axis parallel to the pleats.

30. Filter according to any of the claims 21-28, wherein the filter comprises a flexible rim (23).

31. Filter according to any of the claims 21-29, wherein the filter comprises locking means, preferably locking means comprising protrusions and / or apertures.

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