Cyclone separator and vacuum cleaner and system

Abstract

The disclosure concerns a cyclone separator (6) for a vacuum cleaner (2), a vacuum cleaner, and a system. The cyclone separator (6) delimits a separation chamber (12). The cyclone separator (6) is provided with an air inlet (16) leading into the separation chamber (12) and comprises a flow directing arrangement (22). The flow directing arrangement (22) in a first mode establishes a first air passage (24) extending in a first direction (30) from the air inlet (16), and in a second mode establishes, alternatively or additionally, a second air passage (32) extending in a second direction (34) from the air inlet (16), the second direction (34) being different than the first direction (30).

Description

[0001] Cyclone Separator and Vacuum Cleaner and System

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The invention relates to a cyclone separator for a vacuum cleaner, to a vacuum cleaner, and to a vacuum cleaner system.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Some vacuum cleaners utilise a cyclone separator for separating dust and debris from a dust and debris laden airflow. The cyclone separator comprises a chamber, such as a cylindrical and / or frustoconical chamber. An air inlet of the cyclone separator is arranged to produce an airflow into the chamber, such as an airflow having a directional component tangential to a delimiting surface of the chamber. An air outlet from the chamber is arranged concentrically with a centre axis of the chamber. A motor-fan unit of the vacuum cleaner produces an airflow through the chamber.

[0006] Due to the tangentially directed air inlet, the air flowing into the chamber creates a vortex inside the chamber. Dust and debris contained in the inflowing air is thus, propelled outwardly towards the delimiting surface of the chamber. Air relieved of dust and debris flows out of the chamber through the centrally arranged air outlet. Separated dust and debris has to be removed from time to time.

[0007] Debris that is collected by the cyclone separator may be of various kinds, such as having different sizes and lengths. For instance, debris may comprise strands of hair, fur, and other kinds of fibres. Such elongated debris has a tendency to entangle with each other in the cyclone separator and / or with portions of the cyclone separator. This may cause problems with one or more vacuum cleaner related operations. For instance, complete emptying of the cyclone separator may be difficult, such as when an automatic emptying into a container of a so-called cleaning or docking station is to be performed. Another example may be that entangled debris increases a pressure drop over the cyclone separator and accordingly, reduces the airflow through the cyclone separator during vacuum cleaning.

[0008] SUMMARY

[0009] It would be advantageous to at least alleviate some of the above-mentioned drawbacks with entangled elongated debris in a cyclone separator. In particular, it would be desirable to enable shifting and / or dislocation and / or at least partial separation of a cluster of elongated debris in a cyclone separator to facilitate one or more vacuum cleaner related operations. Tobetter address one or more of these concerns, one or more of cyclone separator, a vacuum cleaner, and a vacuum cleaner system having the features defined in one or more of the independent claims is provided.

[0010] According to an aspect there is provided a cyclone separator for a vacuum cleaner, the cyclone separator delimiting a separation chamber. The cyclone separator is provided with an air inlet leading into the separation chamber and comprises a flow directing arrangement. The flow directing arrangement, in a first mode, establishes a first air passage extending in a first direction from the air inlet, and in a second mode, establishes, alternatively or additionally, a second air passage extending in a second direction from the air inlet, the second direction being different than the first direction.

[0011] Since the flow directing arrangement has two modes which establish first and second air passages in two different directions, during use of the cyclone separator, airflow entering the separation chamber via the air inlet will cause different airflow patterns within the separation chamber. Accordingly, the cyclone separator is configured for operation with a first airflow pattern and second airflow pattern.

[0012] In use of the cyclone separator in a vacuum cleaner, the first mode of the flow directing arrangement, producing the first airflow pattern, can be utilised for separating dust and debris from a dust and debris laden airflow entering the cyclone separator. Elongated debris, such as hair, fur, and other kinds of fibres will be draw into the separation chamber and deposit therein in a manner influenced by the first airflow pattern. Switching the flow directing arrangement to the second mode causes inflowing air to produce the second airflow pattern within the separation chamber, which is different from the first airflow pattern. As a consequence, a cluster of elongated debris in the separation chamber is shifted and / or dislocated and / or at least partial separated.

[0013] Accordingly, the possibility to switch the flow directing arrangement between the first and second modes can be utilised for one or both of facilitating emptying of the separation chamber, during a cyclone separator emptying operation, and / or reducing a pressure drop over the cyclone separator, during a vacuum cleaning operation.

[0014] According to a further aspect there is provided a vacuum cleaner comprising a nozzle, a cyclone separator, and a motor-fan unit. The motor-fan unit is arranged to draw a dust and debris laden airflow through the nozzle and the cyclone separator. The cyclone separator is a cyclone separator according to any one of aspects and / or embodiments discussed herein.Since the vacuum cleaner comprises a cyclone separator according to any one of aspects and / or embodiments discussed herein, the above discussed advantages of enabling two different airflow patterns within the separation chamber of the cyclone separator enabling shifting and / or dislocating and / or at least partially separating elongated debris can be utilised in the vacuum cleaner, and its cyclone separator.

[0015] According to a further aspect there is provided a vacuum cleaner system comprising a vacuum cleaner according to any one of aspects and / or embodiments discussed herein and a docking station being configured for receiving the vacuum cleaner in a docking relationship. The docking station and / or the vacuum cleaner are / is configured to switch from the first mode of the flow directing arrangement of the cyclone separator to its second mode by establishing the docking relationship.

[0016] Since the vacuum cleaner system comprises the vacuum cleaner according to any one of aspects and / or embodiments discussed herein, which vacuum cleaner in turn comprises a cyclone separator according to any one of aspects and / or embodiments discussed herein, the above discussed advantages of enabling two different airflow patterns within the separation chamber of the cyclone separator that enable shifting and / or dislocating and / or at least partially separating elongated debris can be utilised in the vacuum cleaner system.

[0017] During use of a vacuum cleaner comprising the cyclone separator, the cyclone separator is utilised for separating dust and debris from a dust and debris laden airflow. Such an airflow enters the cyclone separator via the air inlet. The flow directing arrangement is arranged within the cyclone separator and comprises a portion arranged at the air inlet, such as a flow directing member. For instance, by placing at least part of the flow directing arrangement in different positions, the first and second modes may be established. In such case, the portion of the flow directing arrangement arranged at the air inlet is displaced for it to establish the first and / or second air passage.

[0018] The cyclone separator may comprise a housing comprising a chamber forming member, inside which the separation chamber is delimited. The separation chamber may have a cylindrical or frustoconical shape. At least a portion of each of the first and second air passages extend along an inner surface of the cyclone separator, such as along a radially outer delimiting surface of the separation chamber. During use of the cyclone separator, the first and second air passages enable airflows, which upon entering the separation chamber have a tangential component and / or an axial component along the radially outer delimiting surface of the separation chamber. Accordingly, the airflow through the separation chamberinitially, has a tangential and / or axial direction. On its way from the air inlet to an air outlet from the separation chamber, the airflow may change direction. At least in one of the first and second modes of the flow directing member, the airflow forms a vortex within the separation chamber.

[0019] Unless otherwise defined, herein radial and axial references relate to a centre axis of the cyclone separator. Accordingly, the cyclone separator has a centre axis.

[0020] The flow directing member of the flow directing arrangement affects a direction of an airflow entering the separation chamber. The first and second air passages are directed in different directions and accordingly, influence an airflow pattern within the separation chamber differently. The first air passage extends from the air inlet and at least partially into the separation chamber. The second air passage extends from the air inlet and at least partially into the separation chamber.

[0021] The cyclone separator is provided with an air outlet for air relieved of dust and debris during a vacuum cleaning operation. The air outlet may be centrally arranged in the cyclone separator and / or the air outlet may be arranged in fluid communication with a centre portion of the separation chamber.

[0022] During a vacuum cleaning operation, in the separation chamber, such as in the cylindrical and / or frustoconical separation chamber, a vortex is formed by the air being draw into the chamber through the air inlet and e.g. along the first air passage. Dust and debris contained in the air is propelled by the vortex radially outwardly towards the radially outer surface of the separation chamber. Air relieved of dust and debris flows out of the separation chamber through the centrally arranged air outlet. The vortex formed in the separation chamber also may arrange elongated debris, such as natural and / or synthetic fibres, to extend in a circumferential direction within the separation chamber. Thus arranged, elongated debris may entangle with each other and may also trap dust, forming one or more clusters that may form obstructions in portions of the separation chamber. Also, such clusters may be difficult to remove from the separation chamber in an emptying operation of the cyclone separator e.g. due to being tightened around one or more structures within the separation chamber, such as centrally arranged filter member and / or other structure.

[0023] Accordingly, the present cyclone separator, by switching the flow directing arrangement to its second mode for the second air passage to extend in the second direction from the air inlet, enables repositioning of such clusters within the separation chamber and / or disruption of thestructure of such clusters of elongated debris. Thus, portions of the separation chamber can be freed of obstructions and / or emptying of the separation chamber can be facilitated.

[0024] The cyclone separator may be provided with an opening for emptying the separation chamber from dust and debris, i.e. an outlet for dust and debris. The opening is covered during vacuum cleaning operations and exposed during vacuum cleaner emptying operations. For instance, the opening may be utilised for emptying dust and debris from the cyclone separator into a herein discussed docking station when the vacuum cleaner is docked to the docking station. During a vacuum cleaner emptying operation, the flow directing arrangement may be set in its second mode to establish the second air passage extending in the second direction from the air inlet. Thus, the above discussed shifting and / or dislocation and / or at least partial separation of elongated debris in the separation chamber as well as the above discussed repositioning of clusters of elongated debris within the separation chamber and / or disruption of the structure of such clusters, is enabled to facilitate emptying of the cyclone separator.

[0025] The opening for emptying the separation chamber from dust and debris may be provided from the separation chamber.

[0026] In alternative embodiments, the cyclone separator may be provided with a receptacle for dust and debris arranged adjacent to the separation chamber and arranged to receive dust and debris from the separation chamber. In such embodiments, the opening for emptying the separation chamber from dust and debris may be provided in the adjacent receptacle for dust and debris. Also in such embodiments elongated debris can form clusters in the separation chamber, reducing the possibility for the elongated debris to transfer into the adjacent receptacle. Accordingly, also in such embodiments, the flow directing arrangement may be set in its second mode to establish the second air passage extending in the second direction from the air inlet in order to benefit from the above discussed shifting and / or dislocation and / or at least partial separation of elongated debris in the separation chamber as well as the above discussed repositioning of clusters of elongated debris within the separation chamber and / or disruption of the structure of such clusters.

[0027] The vacuum cleaner comprising the cyclone separator may be a handheld vacuum cleaner, such as vacuum cleaner of the stick type, the canister type, or the short type to be handled with one hand only, for cleaning e.g. table tops and furniture seats.During use of the vacuum cleaner, in a vacuum cleaning operation, the motor-fan unit is arranged to draw a dust and debris laden airflow through the nozzle and the cyclone separator, from its air inlet to its air outlet.

[0028] In case of a stick type vacuum cleaner and a cannister type vacuum cleaner, the nozzle may be a floor nozzle devised to be moved along a floor surface to be cleaned. A conduit connects the nozzle with the air inlet of the cyclone separator. In case of a stick type vacuum cleaner and a cannister type vacuum cleaner, the conduit is longer than in the case of a vacuum cleaner of the short type.

[0029] The vacuum cleaner may comprise a handle portion for grasping by a user of the vacuum cleaner. In the stick type and the short type of vacuum cleaners, the handle portion may be arranged at an end of the vacuum cleaner opposite the nozzle. In the canister type vacuum cleaner, the handle portion may be arranged along the conduit between the floor nozzle and the separation unit, such as at a transition between a rigid portion of the conduit and a flexible hose portion of the conduit.

[0030] In the stick type and the short type of vacuum cleaners, the cyclone separator may be arranged at the handle portion of the relevant vacuum cleaner. In the canister type of vacuum cleaner, the cyclone separator may be arranged in a wheel-mounted unit of the vacuum cleaner.

[0031] The dockings station of the vacuum cleaner system may be arranged to receive dust and debris from the cyclone separator of the vacuum cleaner. Thus, when the vacuum cleaner is received in docking relationship in the docking station, a motor-fan unit of the docking station may draw an airflow through the cyclone separator of the vacuum cleaner to empty the cyclone separator via its opening for dust and debris.

[0032] After having been switched from its first mode to its second mode of the flow directing arrangement of the cyclone separator by the docking relationship, the second air passage extending in the second direction from the air inlet is established and the above discussed shifting and / or dislocation and / or at least partial separation of elongated debris in the separation chamber as well as the above discussed repositioning of clusters of elongated debris within the separation chamber and / or disruption of the structure of clusters of elongated debris, is enabled. This contributes to facilitate emptying of the separation chamber of the cyclone separator.According to some embodiments, the cyclone separator may be provided with an air outlet for an airflow relieved of dust and debris. The flow directing arrangement in its first mode may contribute to establishing fluid communication between the air inlet and the air outlet, via the first air passage. In this manner, during use of the cyclone separator, the flow directing arrangement may be configured to define a first airflow pattern through the separation chamber for an airflow through the cyclone separator from the air inlet to the air outlet.

[0033] According to some embodiments, the flow directing arrangement in its second mode may contribute to establishing fluid communication between the air inlet and the air outlet, via the second air passage. In this manner, during use of the cyclone separator, the flow directing arrangement may be configured to define a second airflow pattern through the separation chamber for an airflow through the cyclone separator from the air inlet to the air outlet. The second airflow pattern is different from the first airflow pattern, which as per the discussion above, can enable repositioning of clusters of elongated debris within the separation chamber and / or disruption of the structure of such clusters.

[0034] Fluid communication between the air inlet and the air outlet may additionally be provided via the first air passage, in this second mode of the flow directing arrangement. In this case, also the first air passage contributes to establishing fluid communication between the air inlet and the air outlet.

[0035] According to some embodiments, the cyclone separator may be provided with an outlet for dust and debris. The flow directing arrangement in its second mode may contribute to establishing fluid communication between the air inlet and the outlet for dust and debris, via the second air passage and optionally, via the first air passage. In this manner, during use of the cyclone separator, the flow directing arrangement may be configured to define a different airflow pattern than the first airflow pattern through the separation chamber for an airflow through the cyclone separator from the air inlet to the outlet for dust and debris. Such a different airflow pattern may contribute to facilitate emptying of the separation chamber of elongated debris, as discussed above.

[0036] According to some embodiments, the cyclone separator may comprise a chamber forming member having an axially extending centre axis and delimiting the separation chamber at least in a radial direction. The flow directing arrangement may comprise a flow directing member arranged at least partially within the chamber forming member, the flow directing member delimits at least a portion of the first air passage and at least a portion of the secondair passage. In this manner, the first and second air passages may be provided in the cyclone separator.

[0037] The chamber forming member may form part of the housing of the cyclone separator.

[0038] According to some embodiments, the flow directing member and the chamber forming member may be displaceable in relation to each other, between a first relative position related to the first mode of the flow directing arrangement and a second relative position related to the second mode of the flow directing arrangement. In this manner, the first and second modes of the flow directing arrangement may be provided in the cyclone separator.

[0039] According to some embodiments, the flow directing member and / or the chamber forming member may be axially and / or rotationally displaceable, in relation to the centre axis, between their first and second relative positions. In this manner, the first and second modes of the flow directing arrangement may be provided in the cyclone separator.

[0040] According to some embodiments, the cyclone separator may comprise a filter member arranged concentrically with the centre axis, the filter member delimiting a central portion of the separation chamber from a peripheral portion of the separation chamber. In this manner, during use of the cyclone separator, dust and debris of a size too large to pass the filter member may be prevented from passing the filter member into the central portion of the separation chamber.

[0041] Accordingly, should the vortex within the separation chamber draw dust and debris towards the central portion of the separation chamber, as the airflow through the cyclone separator transitions towards the air outlet, the dust and debris are caught in the filter member.

[0042] Elongated debris may follow the airflow and the vortex within the separation chamber around such a filter member. Accordingly, elongated debris may form a cluster wound around the filter member.

[0043] Optionally, the cyclone separator may comprise one or more further separation devices downstream of the filter member, which one or more further separation devices are configured for separating dust and debris of a small size that has been able to pass the filter member.According to some embodiments, the first air passage may be arranged to establish at least a portion of a first airflow path extending in a first direction around the centre axis. The second air passage may be arrangement to establish at least a portion of a second airflow path extending in a second direction around the centre axis or extending in parallel with the centre axis. In this manner, the first direction around the centre axis may contribute to establishing the first airflow pattern through the separation chamber and the second direction may contribute to establishing the second airflow pattern through the separation chamber.

[0044] The first and second directions around the centre axis may extend in opposite directions around the centre axis.

[0045] According to some embodiments, the flow directing arrangement in a third mode may establish a third air passage extending in a third direction from the air inlet, the third direction being different than the first and second directions. In this manner, a third airflow pattern through the separation chamber may be established during use of the cyclone separator.

[0046] According to some embodiments, the flow directing member may delimit at least a portion of the third air passage. The flow directing member and the chamber forming member may be displaceable in relation to each other, between the first relative position, the second relative position, and a third relative position related to the third mode of the flow directing arrangement. In this manner, the third mode of the flow directing arrangement may be provided in the cyclone separator.

[0047] According to some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner may be a handheld vacuum cleaner. In this manner, vacuum cleaner may be provided e.g. as a vacuum cleaner of the stick type, the canister type, or the short type to be handled with one hand only, for cleaning e.g. furniture surfaces.

[0048] According to some embodiments of the vacuum cleaner system, the docking station may be provided with a docking station inlet and may comprise a container for dust and debris and a docking station motor-fan unit arranged for drawing an airflow through the docking station inlet and the container for dust and debris. In the second mode of the flow directing arrangement, the air inlet of the cyclone separator may be arranged in fluid communication with the docking station motor-fan unit via the second air passage of the flow directing arrangement to draw an airflow through the air inlet, the second air passage, and the docking station inlet to the container for dust and debris when the docking relationship has been established. In this manner, the above discussed shifting and / or dislocation and / or at leastpartial separation of elongated debris in the separation chamber as well as the above discussed repositioning of clusters of elongated debris within the separation chamber and / or disruption of the structure of such clusters, may be utilised to facilitate emptying of the separation chamber of the cyclone separator into the container for dust and debris of the docking station.

[0049] Further features of, and advantages with, the invention will become apparent when studying the appended claims and the following detailed description.

[0050] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0051] Various aspects and / or embodiments of the invention, including its particular features and advantages, will be readily understood from the examples discussed in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0052] Figs. 1a - 1c schematically illustrate example embodiments of vacuum cleaners,

[0053] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a section of a cyclone separator according to embodiments, Figs. 3a - 3c schematically illustrate embodiments of a cyclone separator and a flow directing arrangement of the cyclone separator,

[0054] Figs. 4a and 4b schematically illustrate a portion of a cyclone separator,

[0055] Figs. 5a and 5b schematically illustrate a portion of a cyclone separator,

[0056] Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a vacuum cleaner system according to an embodiment, and Figs. 7a - 7d schematically show an example of a switching sequence.

[0057] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0058] Aspects and / or embodiments of the invention will now be described more fully. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Well-known functions or constructions will not necessarily be described in detail for brevity and / or clarity.

[0059] Figs. 1a - 1c schematically illustrate example embodiments of vacuum cleaners 2. The vacuum cleaner 2 illustrated in Fig. 1a is of the stick type, the vacuum cleaner 2 illustrated in Fig. 1b is of the canister type, and the vacuum cleaner 2 illustrated in Fig. 1c is of a short handheld type. The vacuum cleaner 2 of the short handheld type may form part of a stick type vacuum cleaner and may be releasably connected to such a stick type vacuum cleaner.

[0060] Each of the exemplified vacuum cleaners 2 is a handheld vacuum cleaner 2.Each of the vacuum cleaners 2 comprises a nozzle 4, a cyclone separator 6, and a motor-fan unit 8. In the stick type and canister type vacuum cleaners 2, the nozzle 4 is a floor nozzle for large surface vacuum cleaning. In the short handheld type vacuum cleaner 2 the nozzle 4 is of a smaller kind and more suited for cleaning small surfaces, such as furniture surfaces or only smaller portions of a floor surface.

[0061] The vacuum cleaner 2 is provided with electric energy for driving the motor-fan unit 8, e.g. from an onboard rechargeable battery, or from mains power via a cord and plug from a wall socket.

[0062] The cyclone separator 6 is a cyclone separator 6 according to any one of aspects and / or embodiments discussed herein, see e.g. below with reference to Figs. 2 - 5b.

[0063] According to some embodiments, the nozzle 4 is arranged in fluid communication with an air inlet 16 of the cyclone separator 6. The motor-fan unit 8 is arranged to draw a dust and debris laden airflow through the air inlet 16 of the cyclone separator 6.

[0064] Accordingly, during a vacuum cleaning operation, the motor-fan unit 8 is arranged to draw the dust and debris laden airflow through the nozzle 4 and the cyclone separator 6. In the cyclone separator 6, the dust and debris are separated from the airflow, which relieved of the dust and debris is released to an ambient environment of the vacuum cleaner 2.

[0065] In a known manner, during vacuum cleaning, a user of the vacuum cleaner 2 grasps it by a handle 10 and moves the nozzle 4 along the surface to be cleaned.

[0066] From time to time the cyclone separator 6 is emptied of dust and debris. Such emptying may be performed manually or in an emptying operation. The emptying operation involves use of a docking station according to aspects and / or embodiments discussed herein, see e.g. below with reference to Figs. 6 - 7d. The emptying operation is performed by docking, or connecting, the vacuum cleaner 2 to the docking station and / or the cyclone separator 6 to the docking station.

[0067] Fig. 2 schematically illustrates a section of a cyclone separator 6 according to embodiments. The cyclone separator 6 may be comprised in a vacuum cleaner 2 as discussed above with reference to Figs. 1a - 1c. Accordingly, in the following reference is also made to the above discussion of Figs. 1a - 1c.The cyclone separator 6 delimits a separation chamber 12. That is, a chamber forming member 14 of the cyclone separator 6 delimits the separation chamber 12.

[0068] The chamber forming member 14 may form part of a housing of the cyclone separator 6.

[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, the separation chamber 12 has a substantially cylindrical shape. Alternatively, the separation chamber 12 may have a frustoconical shape or a combination of cylindrical and / or frustoconical shapes.

[0070] The cyclone separator 6, the separation chamber 12, and the chamber forming member 14 have a centre axis 15.

[0071] The cyclone separator 6 is provided with an air inlet 16 leading into the separation chamber 10. The air inlet 16 may be arranged at a radially outer surface of the cyclone separator 6 arranged in fluid communication with a radially outer portion of the separation chamber 12.

[0072] The cyclone separator 6 is provided with an air outlet 18 for air relieved of dust and debris. The air outlet 18 may be centrally arranged in the cyclone separator 6. The air outlet 18 is arranged in fluid communication with a centre portion 20 of the separation chamber 12.

[0073] The motor-fan unit 8 of a vacuum cleaner 2 comprising the cyclone separator 6 is arranged in fluid communication with the air outlet 18 and is configured to draw air through the separation chamber 12, from the air inlet 16 to the air outlet 18.

[0074] Mentioned purely as examples, at least one portion of the separation chamber 12 may have a diameter within a range of 30 - 250 mm, and a motor-fan unit 8 may produce an airflow of up to 40 litres / second through the cyclone separator 6.

[0075] The cyclone separator 12 further comprises a flow directing arrangement 22. As described in with reference to Figs. 3a - 7d, the flow directing arrangement 22 is switchable between at least a first mode and a second mode.

[0076] In the first mode, the flow directing arrangement 22 establishes a first air passage 24 extending in a first direction from the air inlet 16. In the second mode, the flow directing arrangement 22 establishes, alternatively or additionally, a second air passage extending in a second direction from the air inlet 16. In Fig. 2, the flow directing arrangement 22 is schematically shown in its first mode.The separation chamber 12 extends in an axial direction. During a vacuum cleaning operation of the cyclone separator 6, as the motor-fan unit 8 draws air through the cyclone separator 6, the flow directing arrangement 22 directs a dust and debris laden airflow into the separation chamber 12 in the first direction to form a vortex 26 in the separation chamber 12, as indicated by the arrows in the Fig. 2. Dust and debris are collected in the separation chamber 12 or in a receptacle (not shown) arranged in fluid connection with the separation chamber 12. The air, relieved from dust and debris flows out of the separation chamber 12 through the air outlet 18.

[0077] During an emptying operation of the cyclone separator 6, a first portion 14’ of the chamber forming member 14 may be separated from a second portion 14” of the chamber forming member 14 to provide an outlet for dust and debris. For instance, the first portion 14’ may be axially displace from the second portion 14” or the first portion 14’ may be pivoted away from the second portion 14”, etc. The first portion14’ may comprise an axial end portion of the chamber forming member 14.

[0078] According to some embodiments, such as in the illustrated embodiment, the cyclone separator 6 comprises a filter member 28 and / or other kind of porous or open structure arranged substantially concentrically with the centre axis 15. The filter member 28 and / or the other kind of porous or open structure may delimit the central portion 20 of the separation chamber 12 from a peripheral portion 29 of the separation chamber 20.

[0079] The airflow through the separation chamber 12 from the air inlet 16 to the air outlet 18 passes the filter member 28 and / or the other kind of porous or open structure.

[0080] In the filter member 28, during a vacuum cleaning operation, dust and debris of a size too large to pass the filter member 28 may be prevented from passing the filter member 28 into the central portion 20 of the separation chamber 12.

[0081] Dust and debris drawn with the vortex 26 towards the central portion 20 is caught in the filter member 28. Elongated debris may follow the airflow and the vortex 26 within the separation chamber 12 around the filter member 28 and / or other kind of porous or open structure.

[0082] Accordingly, elongated debris may form a cluster wound around the filter member 28 and / or around the other kind of porous or open structure.

[0083] Optionally, the cyclone separator 12 may comprise one or more further separation devices (not shown) arranged downstream of the filter member 28 and / or the other kind of porous oropen structure and upstream of the air outlet 18. For instance, such one or more separation devices may comprise one or more further cyclone separators.

[0084] Figs. 3a - 3c schematically illustrate embodiments of a cyclone separator 6 and a flow directing arrangement 22 of a cyclone separator 6. Fig. 3a shows the cyclone separator 6 in an isometric view, Fig. 3b shows the flow directing arrangement 22 in an isometric view, and Fig. 3c shows the flow directing arrangement 22 in a top view. The cyclone separator 6 may be a cyclone separator 6 of a vacuum cleaner 2 as discussed above with reference to Figs.

[0085] 1 and 2. Accordingly, in the following reference is also made to the above discussion of Figs.

[0086] 1 and 2.

[0087] Again, the cyclone separator 6 delimits a separation chamber 12. The cyclone separator 6 is provided with an air inlet 16 leading into the separation chamber 12 and an air outlet 18. The cyclone separator 6 comprises the flow directing arrangement 22.

[0088] Again, the flow directing arrangement 22, in a first mode, establishes a first air passage 24 extending in a first direction 30 from the air inlet 16. The flow directing arrangement 22, in a second mode, establishes, alternatively or additionally, a second air passage 32 extending in a second direction 34 from the air inlet 16. The second direction 34 is different than the first direction 30.

[0089] Accordingly, as shown in Figs. 3b with white arrows, the airflow entering the air inlet 16 will follow along the first air passage 24 in the first direction 30 (shown with a black arrow) in the first mode and along the second air passage 32 in the second direction 34 (shown with a black arrow).

[0090] Since the flow directing arrangement 22 has two modes which establish first and second air passages 24, 32 in two different directions, airflow entering the separation chamber 12 via the air inlet 16 will cause different airflow patterns within the separation chamber 12 depending on, in which mode the flow directing arrangement 22 is.

[0091] The first mode of the flow directing arrangement 22, instigates a first airflow pattern in the separation chamber 12 as an airflow entering the air inlet 16 follows the first air passage 24. The first airflow pattern can be utilised e.g., for separating dust and debris from a dust and debris laden airflow. The second mode of the flow directing arrangement 22, instigates a second airflow pattern in the separation chamber 12 as an airflow entering the air inlet 16 follows the second air passage 32. The second airflow pattern will be different from the firstairflow pattern due to the first and second directions 30, 34 being different. Since the second airflow pattern is different from the first airflow pattern, elongated debris is shifted and / or dislocated and / or at least partial separated in the separation chamber 12. Thus, problems related to clusters of elongated debris formed by the first airflow pattern can be at least alleviated by the second airflow pattern.

[0092] This possibility to shift the flow directing arrangement 22 between the first and second modes and the shifting and / or dislocating and / or at least partial separation of clusters of elongated debris can be utilised for facilitating emptying of the cyclone separator 6 during an emptying operation. Additionally, or alternatively, this possibility may be utilised during a vacuum cleaning operation to reduce a pressure drop over the cyclone separator 6.

[0093] The cyclone separator 6 comprises the chamber forming member 14 having an axially extending centre axis 15 and delimiting the separation chamber 12 at least in a radial direction to the centre axis 15. The chamber forming member 22 may comprise more than one part.

[0094] The cyclone separator 6 comprise an open structure 35 arranged substantially concentrically with the centre axis 15.

[0095] The flow directing arrangement 22 comprises a flow directing member 36 arranged at least partially within the chamber forming member 14. The flow directing member 36 delimits at least a portion of the first air passage 24 and at least a portion of the second air passage 32.

[0096] The flow directing arrangement 22 may comprise one or more further parts or members than the flow directing member 36. The flow directing arrangement 22 may delimit or define further portions and / or passages within the separation chamber 12 than the first and second air passages 24, 32.

[0097] The flow directing member 36 and the chamber forming member 14 are displaceable in relation to each other, between a first relative position related to the first mode of the flow directing arrangement 22 and a second relative position related to the second mode of the flow directing arrangement 22.

[0098] For instance, the flow directing arrangement 22, including the flow directing member 36 and the chamber forming member 14 are displaceable in relation to each other. Alternatively, only the flow directing member 36 and the chamber forming member 14 are displaceable inrelation to each other, whereas other portions of the flow directing arrangement 22 remain fixed in relation to the chamber forming member 14.

[0099] The flow directing member 36 or the entire flow directing arrangement 22 and / or the chamber forming member 14 may be axially displaceable (as indicated by arrow A in Fig. 3b) and / or rotationally displaceable (as indicated by arrow R in Fig. 3b), in relation to the centre axis 15, between their first and second relative positions. Thus, the first and second modes of the flow directing arrangement 22 can be provided in the cyclone separator 6.

[0100] According to some embodiments, such as in the illustrated embodiment, the flow directing member 36 may comprise at least one ridge 38, the at least one ridge 38 extending between the first and second air passages 24, 32. In this manner, the first and second air passages 24, 32 may be delimited from each other.

[0101] For instance, in the first relative position between the flow directing member 36 and the chamber forming member 14, the at least one ridge 38 of the flow directing member 36 may be positioned differently relative to the air inlet 16 then in the second relative position between the flow directing member 36 and the chamber forming member 14.

[0102] In the embodiment of Figs. 3a - 3c, when the flow directing member 36 and the chamber forming member 14 are rotationally displaced in relation to each other about the centre axis 15, between their first and second relative positions, the ridge 38 will in the first relative position be positioned at one side of the air inlet 36 and in the second relative position be positioned at an opposite side of the air inlet 36, seen in a circumferential direction of the chamber forming member 14. Thus, the air inlet 16 will be arranged in fluid communication with the first air passage 24 in the first relative position between the flow directing member 36 and the chamber forming member 14 and in the second relative position, the air inlet 16 will be arranged in fluid communication with the second air passage 32.

[0103] As mentioned above, the cyclone separator 6 is provided with an air outlet 18 for an airflow relieved of dust and debris. The flow directing arrangement 22 in its first mode contributes to establishing fluid communication between the air inlet 16 and the air outlet 18, via the first air passage 24. Thus, during use of the cyclone separator 6, the flow directing arrangement 22 defines a first airflow pattern through the separation chamber 6. The first airflow pattern starts in the first direction 30 as established by the first air passage 24.The first airflow pattern may comprise the above discussed vortex 26. Accordingly, a dust and debris laden airflow entering the air inlet 16 will be relieved of dust and debris in the separation chamber 12.

[0104] The second mode of the flow directing arrangement 22 can be utilised in one or both of the first and second alternatives discussed in the following.

[0105] In a first alternative, the flow directing arrangement 22, in its second mode contributes to establishing fluid communication between the air inlet 16 and the air outlet 18, via the second air passage 32. Thus, during use of the cyclone separator 6, the flow directing arrangement 22 defines a second airflow pattern through the separation chamber 6. The second airflow pattern starts in the second direction 34 as established by the second air passage 32.

[0106] The second airflow pattern is different from the first airflow pattern. The second airflow pattern may comprise a vortex, e.g. in an opposite direction to the vortex 26 of the first airflow pattern but the second airflow pattern need not do so. Any airflow pattern that enables repositioning of clusters of elongated debris within the separation chamber and / or disruption of the structure of such clusters provides the intended effect.

[0107] The cyclone separator 6 is provided with an outlet 40 for dust and debris.

[0108] In the second alternative, the flow directing arrangement 22 in its second mode contributes to establishing fluid communication between the air inlet 16 and the outlet 40 for dust and debris, via the second air passage 32. Thus, during use of the cyclone separator 6, the flow directing arrangement 22 defines a second airflow pattern through the separation chamber 6. The second airflow pattern starts in the second direction 34 as established by the second air passage 32.

[0109] Again, the second airflow pattern is different from the first airflow pattern. The second airflow pattern may comprise a vortex, e.g. in an opposite direction to the vortex 26 of the first airflow pattern but the second airflow pattern need not do so. Any airflow pattern that enables repositioning of clusters of elongated debris within the separation chamber and / or disruption of the structure of such clusters provides the intended effect.

[0110] Accordingly, the second airflow pattern contributes to facilitate emptying of the separation chamber 12 of elongated debris.In both the first and second alternatives, in the second mode of the flow directing arrangement 22, the airflow entering the air inlet 16 may be laden with dust and debris, i.e. emanating from the nozzle 4. Alternatively, the air inlet 16 may be connected to ambient air of the relevant vacuum cleaner 2 for clean air to enter the air inlet 16.

[0111] In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet 40 for dust and debris is opened by the relative displacement between the flow directing arrangement 22 with the flow directing member 36 and the chamber forming member 14. A closing portion 42 is connected to the flow directing arrangement 22. The relative rotational displacement R of the flow directing arrangement 22 and the chamber forming member 14 also rotates the closing portion 42 between a position wherein the outlet 40 is closed and a position wherein the outlet 40 is open.

[0112] In an alternative embodiment, wherein a relative axial displacement A of the flow directing arrangement 22 and the chamber forming member 14 is performed, an outlet for dust and debris of the cyclone separator 6 may be opened by the relative axial displacement A. For instance, an axial end portion 14’ of the chamber forming member 14 may be axially displaced from a further portion of the chamber forming member 14 by the relative axial displacement A to open an outlet for dust and debris. See also above with reference to Fig.

[0113] 2.

[0114] In the embodiment of Figs. 3a - 3c, the second air passage 32 and the second direction 34 extend in parallel with the centre axis 15.

[0115] According to some embodiments, such as in the illustrated embodiment, the flow directing arrangement 22 in a third mode establishes a third air passage 44 extending in a third direction 46 from the air inlet 16, the third direction 46 being different than the first and second directions 30, 34. Thus, a third airflow pattern through the separation chamber 12 can be established during use of the cyclone separator 6.

[0116] The third airflow pattern may provide a further option for use of the cyclone separator 6 enabling further possibility for repositioning of clusters of elongated debris within the separation chamber and / or disruption of the structure of such clusters.

[0117] Just to mention one example, first and second airflow patterns emanating from the first and second modes of the flow directing arrangement 22 may be utilised during vacuum cleaning operations. The first mode may be used for relieving incoming airflow of dust and debris during vacuum cleaning and the second mode being used for repositioning of clusters ofelongated debris within the separation chamber and / or disruption of the structure of such clusters to lower pressure drop in the separation chamber 12 during vacuum cleaning. The third mode may be used for repositioning of clusters of elongated debris within the separation chamber and / or disruption of the structure of such clusters during emptying the cyclone separator 6 of dust and debris.

[0118] The flow directing member 36 delimits at least a portion of the third air passage 44. The flow directing member 36 and the chamber forming member 14 are displaceable in relation to each other, between the first relative position, the second relative position, and a third relative position related to the third mode of the flow directing arrangement 22. Thus, also the third mode of the flow directing arrangement 22 can be provided by relative displacement between the flow directing member 36 and the chamber forming member 14.

[0119] The flow directing member 36 may comprise at least one further ridge 48 for delimiting the third air passage 44 from the first and / or second air passage 24, 32. Accordingly, the at least one further ridge 48 extends between the third air passage 44 and at least one of the first and second air passages 24, 32, depending on the internal order of the first, second, and third air passages 24, 32, 44.

[0120] In the illustrated embodiment, relative rotational R displacement between the flow directing member 36 and the chamber forming member 14 in a direction opposite that which switches between the first and second modes, switches between the second and third modes.

[0121] In the embodiment of Figs. 3a - 3c, the third air passage 44 and the third direction 46 extend in an opposite direction to the first air passage 24 and the first direction 30.

[0122] Figs. 4a and 4b schematically illustrate a portion of a cyclone separator to illustrate further embodiments of the present cyclone separator. Accordingly, the cyclone separator may be a cyclone separator 6 as discussed above with reference to Figs. 1 - 3c.

[0123] In the following reference is also made to the discussion of Figs. 1 - 3c. Mainly the differences are highlighted in the following.

[0124] Again, the cyclone separator 6 is provided with an air inlet 16 leading into the separation chamber 10. The cyclone separator 6 comprises a chamber forming member 14 and a flow directing member 36 of a flow directing arrangement 22.In Figs. 4a and 4b, a side view of a portion of the cyclone separator 6 is shown. Illustrated therein are the chamber forming member 14 with the air inlet 16 formed therethrough and portions of the flow directing member 36, marked with hatchings, arranged inside the chamber forming member 14.

[0125] Again, in a first mode shown in Fig. 4a, the flow directing arrangement 22 establishes a first air passage 24 extending in a first direction 30 from the air inlet 16. In a second mode shown in Fig. 4b, the flow directing arrangement 22 establishes a second air passage 32 extending in a second direction 34 from the air inlet 16.

[0126] In the embodiment of Figs. 4a and 4b, in the second mode of the flow directing arrangement 22, the second air passage 32 is establish in addition to the first air passage 24. Thus, in the second mode, the airflow pattern in the separation chamber 12 is influenced by the inflowing air in both the first and second directions 30, 34.

[0127] This is achieved by a relative axial displacement A between the chamber forming member 14 and the flow directing member 36 and a ridge 38 extending between the first and second air passages 24, 32. A first portion 38’ of the ridge 38 extends in an axial direction and a second portion 38” of the ridge 38 extends in a circumferential direction of the cyclone separator 6. In the second mode, the second portion 38” of the ridge 38 extends across the air inlet 16 such that an entering airflow is lead into both the first air passage 24 and the second air passage 32.

[0128] Figs. 5a and 5b schematically illustrate a portion of a cyclone separator to illustrate further embodiments of the present cyclone separator. Accordingly, the cyclone separator may be a cyclone separator 6 as discussed above with reference to Figs. 1 - 3c.

[0129] In the following reference is also made to the discussion of Figs. 1 - 3c. Mainly the differences are highlighted in the following.

[0130] Again, the cyclone separator 6 is provided with an air inlet 16 leading into the separation chamber 10. The cyclone separator 6 comprises a chamber forming member 14 and a flow directing member 36 of a flow directing arrangement 22.

[0131] In Figs. 5a and 5b, a side view of a portion of the cyclone separator 6 is shown. Illustrated therein are the chamber forming member 14 with the air inlet 16 formed therethrough andportions of the flow directing member 36, marked with hatchings, arranged inside the chamber forming member 14.

[0132] Again, in a first mode shown in Fig. 5a, the flow directing arrangement 22 establishes a first air passage 24 extending in a first direction 30 from the air inlet 16. In a second mode shown in Fig. 5b, the flow directing arrangement 22 establishes a second air passage 32 extending in a second direction 34 from the air inlet 16.

[0133] In the embodiment of Figs. 5a and 5b, the first air passage 24 is arranged to establish at least a portion of a first airflow path extending in a first direction around the centre axis 15 of the cyclone separator 6, the separation chamber 12, and the chamber forming member 14. The second air passage 32 is arrangement to establish at least a portion of a second airflow path extending in a second direction around the centre axis 15.

[0134] In the embodiment of Figs. 5a and 5b, the first and second directions around the centre axis 15 extend in opposite directions around the centre axis 15, as initiated by the first and second directions 30, 34 of the first and second air passages 24, 32. For instance, in this manner, first and second airflow patterns in the separation chamber 6 may comprise vortexes 26 in opposite directions. Switching to the second mode and reversing the vortex 26 enables repositioning of clusters of elongated debris within the separation chamber and / or disruption of the structure of such clusters.

[0135] This is achieved by a relative rotational displacement R between the chamber forming member 14 and the flow directing arrangement 22 and a ridge 38 of the flow directing member 36 extending between the first and second air passages 24, 32. By the relative rotation R, the ridge 38 is positioned at opposite circumferential sides of the air inlet 16, such that an entering airflow is lead into either the first air passage 24 or the second air passage 32.

[0136] Fig. 6 schematically illustrates a vacuum cleaner system 50 according to an embodiment. The vacuum cleaner system 50 comprises a vacuum cleaner 2 as discussed herein.

[0137] Accordingly, in the following reference is made to the discussion of Figs. 1 - 5b.

[0138] The vacuum cleaner system 50 further comprises a docking station 52 being configured for receiving the vacuum cleaner 2 in a docking relationship. The docking station 52 and / or the vacuum cleaner 2 are / is configured to switch from the first mode of the flow directingarrangement 22 of the cyclone separator 6 to its second mode by establishing the docking relationship.

[0139] For instance, the switching between the first and second modes may be achieved by inducing the above discussed displacement of the flow directing member 36 and the chamber forming member 14 between the first relative position related to the first mode of the flow directing arrangement 22 and the second relative position related to the second mode of the flow directing arrangement 22.

[0140] As discussed above, such displacement of the flow directing member 36 and the chamber forming member 14 relative each other may be by axial displacement A and / or rotational displacement R.

[0141] A user may position the vacuum cleaner 2 in a first position relative the docking station 52 and thereafter pivot and / or raise or lower the vacuum cleaner 2 thereby, inducing the switch between the first and second modes, see also below with reference to Figs. 7a - 7d.

[0142] Alternatively, the docking station 52 may be provided with a powered mechanism, which engages, directly or indirectly, with the flow directing member 36 and / or the chamber forming member 14 of the cyclone separator 6 and pivots and / or raises or lowers the flow directing member 36 and / or the chamber forming member 14 for an automatic switching between the first and second modes.

[0143] An emptying operation of the cyclone separator 6 can be performed in the vacuum cleaner system 50, by the docking station 52, when the flow directing arrangement 22 of the cyclone separator 6 is in its second mode.

[0144] The docking station 52 is provided with a docking station inlet 53 and comprises a container 54 for dust and debris and a docking station motor-fan unit 56 arranged for drawing an airflow through the docking station inlet 53 and the container 54 for dust and debris.

[0145] In a docked position of the vacuum cleaner 2 in the docking station 52, the motor-fan unit 56 of the docking station 52 is arranged in fluid communication with the cyclone separator 6 of the vacuum cleaner 2.

[0146] The cyclone separator 6 is provided with an opening for emptying the separation chamber 12 from dust and debris, such as with an outlet 40 for dust and debris. The outlet 40 for dust and debris is covered during vacuum cleaning operation with the vacuum cleaner 2 and openduring vacuum cleaner emptying operations. For instance, the outlet 40 for dust and debris is opened when the docking relationship between the vacuum cleaner 2 and the docking station 52 is established.

[0147] During the emptying operation, with the vacuum cleaner 2 docked to the docking station 52, the motor-fan unit 56 of the docking station 52 draws an airflow from the inlet 16 of the cyclone separator 6 through the cyclone separator 6 with the flow directing arrangement 22 of the cyclone separator 6 in its second mode and the outlet 40 for dust and debris open.

[0148] Thus, the second airflow pattern within the separation chamber 12 of the cyclone separator 6 enables repositioning of clusters of elongated debris within the separation chamber 12 and / or disruption of the structure of such clusters within the separation chamber 12 to facilitate emptying the cyclone separator 6 of elongated debris into the container 54 for dust and debris of the docking station 52.

[0149] In the second mode of the flow directing arrangement 22, the air inlet 16 of the cyclone separator 6 is arranged in fluid communication with the docking station motor-fan unit 56 via the second air passage 32 of the flow directing arrangement 22 to draw an airflow through the air inlet 16 and the second air passage 32 of the cyclone separator 6 via the outlet 40 for dust and debris to the docking station inlet 53 and the container 54 for dust and debris when the docking relationship has been established. With the airflow, dust and debris from the cyclone separator 6 is moved into the container 54 for dust and debris of the docking station 52.

[0150] Figs. 7a - 7d schematically show an example of a sequence of switching from the herein discussed first mode of a flow directing arrangement 22 of a cyclone separator 6 to its second mode. Accordingly, in the following reference is also made to Figs. 1 -6.

[0151] In Figs. 7a - 7d, a docking station 52 and a cyclone separator 6 of a vacuum cleaner 2 are shown. As such, Figs. 7a - 7d relate to the above discussed vacuum cleaner system 50 and the docking of the vacuum cleaner 2 to the docking station 52. However, Figs. 7a - 7d may alternatively relate to an embodiment wherein a cyclone separator 6 is removed from a vacuum cleaner 2 prior to only the cyclone separator 6 being docked to the docking station 52.

[0152] In the sequence of Figs. 7a - 7d a relative rotational displacement R of the flow directing member 36 and the chamber forming member 14 of the cyclone separator 6 is performed.In Figs. 7a and 7b, a non-shown user positions the cyclone separator 6 in the docking station 52 in a first position relative the docking station 52 for portions of the cyclone separator 6 to engage, directly or indirectly, with the docking station 52. The flow directing arrangement 22 is in its first mode. In Figs. 7c and 7d, the cyclone separator 6 is pivoted into a second position relative the docking station 52. In doing so, the engagement between the portions of the cyclone separator with the docking station 52 cause the switching to the second mode of the flow directing arrangement 22.

[0153] The pivoting of the cyclone separator 6 into the second position may be performed by the user. Alternatively, the pivoting may be performed by a powered mechanism of the docking station 52 or of the vacuum cleaner 2.

[0154] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that the terms "comprises," "comprising," "includes," and / or "including" when used herein specify the presence of stated features, integers, actions, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, actions, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0155] It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, these elements should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another. For example, a first element could be termed a second element, and, similarly, a second element could be termed a first element without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0156] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. It will be further understood that terms used herein should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of this specification and the relevant art and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly so defined herein.

[0157] It is to be understood that the foregoing is illustrative of various examples and that the invention is defined only by the appended claims. A person skilled in the art will realize thatthe examples may be modified, and that different features of the examples may be combined to create examples other than those described herein, without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

26CLAIMS1. A cyclone separator (6) for a vacuum cleaner (2), the cyclone separator (6) delimiting a separation chamber (12), whereinthe cyclone separator (6) is provided with an air inlet (16) leading into the separation chamber (12) and comprises a flow directing arrangement (22), and wherein the flow directing arrangement (22) in a first mode establishes a first air passage (24) extending in a first direction (30) from the air inlet (16), and in a second mode establishes, alternatively or additionally, a second air passage (32) extending in a second direction (34) from the air inlet (16), the second direction (34) being different than the first direction (30).

2. The cyclone separator (6) according to claim 1, being provided with an air outlet (18) for an airflow relieved of dust and debris, whereinthe flow directing arrangement (22) in its first mode contributes to establishing fluid communication between the air inlet (16) and the air outlet (18), via the first air passage (24).

3. The cyclone separator (6) according to claim 2, wherein the flow directing arrangement (22) in its second mode contributes to establishing fluid communication between the air inlet (16) and the air outlet (18), via the second air passage (32).

4. The cyclone separator (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, being provided with an outlet (40) for dust and debris, whereinthe flow directing arrangement (22) in its second mode contributes to establishing fluid communication between the air inlet (16) and the outlet (40) for dust and debris, via the second air passage (32) and optionally, via the first air passage (24).

5. The cyclone separator (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a chamber forming member (14) having an axially extending centre axis (15) and delimiting the separation chamber (12) at least in a radial direction, whereinthe flow directing arrangement (22) comprises a flow directing member (36) arranged at least partially within the chamber forming member (14), whereinthe flow directing member (36) delimits at least a portion of the first air passage (24) and at least a portion of the second air passage (32).

6. The cyclone separator (6) according to claim 5, wherein the flow directing member (36) and the chamber forming member (14) are displaceable in relation to each other, between afirst relative position related to the first mode of the flow directing arrangement (22) and a second relative position related to the second mode of the flow directing arrangement (22).

7. The cyclone separator (6) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the flow directing member (36) and / or the chamber forming member (14) are / is axially and / or rotationally displaceable, in relation to the centre axis (15), between their first and second relative positions.

8. The cyclone separator (6) according to any one of claims 5 - 7, wherein the flow directing member (36) comprises at least one ridge (38), the at least one ridge (38) extending between the first and second air passages (24, 32).

9. The cyclone separator (6) according to any one of claims 5 - 8, comprising a filter member (28) arranged concentrically with the centre axis (15), the filter member (28) delimiting a central portion (20) of the separation chamber (12) from a peripheral portion (29) of the separation chamber (12).

10. The cyclone separator (6) according to any one of claims 5 - 9, wherein the first air passage (24) is arranged to establish at least a portion of a first airflow path extending in a first direction around the centre axis (15), wherein the second air passage (32) is arrangement to establish at least a portion of a second airflow path extending in a second direction around the centre axis (15) or extending in parallel with the centre axis (15).

11. The cyclone separator (6) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow directing arrangement (22) in a third mode establishes a third air passage (44) extending in a third direction (46) from the air inlet (16), the third direction (46) being different than the first and second directions (30, 34).

12. The cyclone separator (6) according to claim 11 and any one of claims 5 - 10, wherein the flow directing member (36) delimits at least a portion of the third air passage (44), and wherein the flow directing member (36) and the chamber forming member (14) are displaceable in relation to each other, between first relative position, the second relative position and a third relative position related to the third mode of the flow directing arrangement (22).

13. A vacuum cleaner (2) comprising a nozzle (4), a cyclone separator (6), and a motor-fan unit (8), wherein the motor-fan unit (8) is arranged to draw a dust and debris laden airflowthrough the nozzle (4) and the cyclone separator (6), and wherein the cyclone separator (6) is a cyclone separator (6) according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. The vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 13, wherein the nozzle (4) is arranged in fluid communication with the air inlet (16) of the cyclone separator (6), and wherein the motor-fan unit (8) is arranged to draw the dust and debris laden airflow through the air inlet (16) of the cyclone separator (6).

15. The vacuum cleaner (2) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the vacuum cleaner (2) is a handheld vacuum cleaner (2).

16. A vacuum cleaner system (50) comprising a vacuum cleaner (2) according to any one of claims 13- 15 and a docking station (52) being configured for receiving the vacuum cleaner (2) in a docking relationship, wherein the docking station (52) and / or the vacuum cleaner (2) are / is configured to switch from the first mode of the flow directing arrangement (22) of the cyclone separator (6) to its second mode by establishing the docking relationship.

17. The vacuum cleaner system (50) according to claim 16, wherein the docking station (52) is provided with a docking station inlet (53) and comprises a container (54) for dust and debris and a docking station motor-fan unit (56) arranged for drawing an airflow through the docking station inlet (53) and the container (54) for dust and debris, and whereinin the second mode of the flow directing arrangement (22), the air inlet (16) of the cyclone separator (6) is arranged in fluid communication with the docking station motorfan unit (56) via the second air passage (32) of the flow directing arrangement (22) to draw an airflow through the air inlet (16), the second air passage (32), and the docking station inlet (53) to the container (54) for dust and debris when the docking relationship has been established.

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