U.S. patent application number 14/000372 was filed with the patent office on 2014-01-23 for vacuum cleaner.
This patent application is currently assigned to Akteibolaget Electrolux. The applicant listed for this patent is Hakan Miefalk, Esbjorn Svantesson. Invention is credited to Hakan Miefalk, Esbjorn Svantesson.
Application Number | 20140020203 14/000372 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44237322 |
Filed Date | 2014-01-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140020203 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Miefalk; Hakan ; et
al. |
January 23, 2014 |
Vacuum Cleaner
Abstract
The present invention is directed to a vacuum cleaner (1)
comprising a horizontal type cleaner body (2) with a bottom (3),
top (4), front (5) and back side (6), a suction blower unit
accommodated in the cleaner body (2) and at least one primary stage
cyclone dust separator (7) having an air inlet opening fluidly
coupled to the suction blower unit, wherein in bottom to top
direction the primary stage cyclone dust separator (7) is
positioned over the suction blower unit, and wherein the air inlet
opening and a dust outlet opening of the primary stage cyclone dust
separator (7) are located towards the back side (6) and front side
(5) respectively.
Inventors: |
Miefalk; Hakan; (Stockholm,
SE) ; Svantesson; Esbjorn; (Stockholm, SE) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Miefalk; Hakan
Svantesson; Esbjorn |
Stockholm
Stockholm |
|
SE
SE |
|
|
Assignee: |
Akteibolaget Electrolux
Stockholm
SE
|
Family ID: |
44237322 |
Appl. No.: |
14/000372 |
Filed: |
February 22, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
February 22, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2012/053025 |
371 Date: |
September 18, 2013 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/339 ;
15/353 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 9/1641 20130101;
A47L 9/1691 20130101; A47L 9/108 20130101; A47L 9/1608 20130101;
A47L 5/362 20130101; A47L 9/10 20130101; A47L 9/327 20130101; A47L
9/19 20130101; A47L 9/1683 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/339 ;
15/353 |
International
Class: |
A47L 9/16 20060101
A47L009/16; A47L 9/19 20060101 A47L009/19; A47L 5/36 20060101
A47L005/36 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 22, 2011 |
EP |
PCT/EP2011/000844 |
Claims
1. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a horizontal type cleaner body
having a bottom side, a top side, a front side, a back side, and a
suction blower unit accommodated in the cleaner body; and at least
one primary stage cyclone dust separator having an air inlet
opening and a dust outlet opening, wherein the air inlet opening is
fluidly coupled to the suction blower unit, wherein in the bottom
side to top side direction, the at least one primary stage cyclone
dust separator is positioned over the suction blower unit, and
wherein the air inlet opening and the dust outlet opening of each
of the at least one primary stage cyclone dust separator are
located towards the back side and front side, respectively.
2. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the suction
blower unit comprises a fan coupled to a fan drive motor, wherein,
in the front side to back side direction, the fan drive motor is
positioned offset and behind the fan.
3. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, wherein, in the front
side to back side direction, the air inlet opening of each of the
at least one primary stage cyclone dust separator is offset and
arranged behind the fan.
4. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 3, wherein an air outlet of
the fan and the air inlet opening of each of the at least one
primary stage cyclone dust separator are fluidly connected to an
intermediate air chamber.
5. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the dust outlet
of each of the at least one primary stage cyclone dust separator is
fluidly connected to a dust collecting chamber arranged at the
front side.
6. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 5, wherein the dust
collecting chamber is removably connected to at least one of the
set consisting of the at least one primary stage cyclone dust
separator and the cleaner body.
7. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 5, wherein the dust
collecting chamber comprises a fill level indicator at the front
side.
8. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 5, wherein the at least one
primary stage cyclone dust separator is implemented and installed
such that in intended use operation, a main air flow through the at
least one primary stage cyclone dust separator is oriented
essentially parallel to the front side to back side direction.
9. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 5, wherein with regard to
the top side to bottom side direction, a dust collecting volume of
the dust collecting chamber is at least partially arranged below
the dust outlet opening of each of the at least one primary stage
cyclone dust separator.
10. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 5, wherein an angle of
inclination between a main air flow direction through the at least
one primary stage cyclone dust separator and a center axis of the
dust collecting chamber lies in a range between 40 and 80
degrees.
11. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 10, wherein the angle of
inclination is about 60 degrees.
12. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 5, wherein at least one of
the set consisting of the at least one primary stage cyclone dust
separator and the dust collecting chamber are centered about a back
side to front side vertical center plane of the cleaner body.
13. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, further comprising at
least one secondary stage cyclone dust separator installed
downstream of the at least one primary stage cyclone dust
separator.
14. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 7, wherein the fill level
indicator comprises a fill level inspection window.
15. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 4, wherein the intermediate
air chamber at least partially encompasses the fan drive motor.
Description
[0001] The present invention is directed to a vacuum cleaner. In
more detail, the invention is directed to a cyclone type vacuum
cleaner.
[0002] Cyclone type vacuum cleaners are widely known because of
their benefit in bagless dust collection. Bagless or cyclone type
vacuum cleaners or respective cyclone dust separating units are
known for example from documents EP 1 042 981 A1, EP 1774887 A1, EP
1 688 078 A2, EP 1 952 745 A2 and WO 2011/058365.
[0003] Cyclone type vacuum cleaners, in particular mentioned in the
state of technology documents listed before, are still
comparatively large in size and provide comparatively complicated
air guiding and dust collecting devices and units.
[0004] Therefore, it is one of the objects of the present invention
to provide a cyclone type vacuum cleaner having a comparatively
compact design. Further, the vacuum cleaner shall have enhanced
usability and operability, in particular with respect to dust
separation and dust collecting chambers.
[0005] These and further objects, are solved by the features of
claim 1. Embodiments and variants result from the dependent
claims.
[0006] According to claim 1, a vacuum cleaner is provided which
comprises a horizontal type cleaner body having a bottom, top,
front and back side. The term "horizontal type cleaner body" in
particular shall refer to the orientation of the cleaner body in
normal or intended use. Such a horizontal type cleaner body may
comprise, as already implemented with known devices, wheels
attached thereto and provided for easily moving the vacuum cleaner
over the floor underneath during vacuum-cleaning.
[0007] A horizontal type vacuum cleaner in the meaning of the
present application is for example shown in EP 1 774 887 A1. Aside
from the horizontal type vacuum cleaners there also exist vertical
type constructions generally comprising a handle to which the
cleaner body is mounted to and by which the cleaner body is moved
in concert with vacuum-cleaning operations. One example of such a
vertical type vacuum cleaner is shown in WO 2011/058365.
[0008] The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 further comprises a
suction blower unit accommodated in or within the cleaner body.
[0009] In addition, at least one primary stage cyclone dust
separator is provided. The primary stage cyclone dust separator has
an air inlet opening which is fluidly coupled to the suction blower
unit, in more detail to an outlet opening of the suction blower
unit.
[0010] In operation, the suction blower unit in general generates a
suction effect at an inlet opening to which a suction hose may be
coupled. Dust laden air sucked in is blown towards and into
subsequent dust separators fluidly connected to the suction blower
unit. In the present case the dust separator comprises at least a
primary stage cyclone dust separator.
[0011] If appropriate, one or more secondary dust separation stages
may be provided, favorably arranged downstream the primary stage
cyclone dust separator and fluidly connected thereto. The secondary
dust separator stages may also be of cyclone type. In a cyclone
type dust separator dust is separated from air by a cyclone effect,
which is generally known in the state of technology.
[0012] The primary stage cyclone dust separator may be provided and
adapted to separate coarse dust, debris and other particulate
matter from air. Secondary stage cyclone dust separators may be
adapted to separate fine dust from air, in particular dust that
either could not be separated in the first stage or that is too
fine to be separated in the first stage. Hence, combining several
dust separation stages adapted to separate dust particles of
different sizes enhances the overall cleaning efficiency.
[0013] It shall be noted, that more than two dust separation stages
may be combined in series in order to enhance dust separation
efficiency. As an example, one of the higher order dust separating
steps, e.g. a third dust separation step, may be a filter type
separation adapted to retain residual dust particles. Hence,
comparatively clean air will be blown out into the environment.
[0014] With the vacuum cleaner as proposed in claim 1, in a bottom
to top direction the primary stage cyclone dust separator is
positioned, or mounted, over, in particular above, the suction
blower unit. Note that the term above in particular relates to the
bottom to top direction of the cleaner body. Such an arrangement
allows a comparatively compact design of the vacuum cleaner, in
particular cleaner body, in particular with respect to front to
back dimension.
[0015] With the proposed vacuum cleaner it is further provided that
the air inlet opening and an air outlet opening of the primary
stage cyclone dust separator are respectively located towards the
back side and front side. This shall mean that the air inlet
opening of the primary stage cyclone dust separator is positioned
towards the back side, and the dust outlet opening of the primary
stage cyclone dust separator is positioned, in particular oriented,
towards the front side. This arrangement and implementation of the
primary stage cyclone dust separator has been found to enable a
compact, yet efficient design.
[0016] With the proposed configuration it is possible to implement
counterflowing main air streams in the suction blower unit and
primary stage cyclone dust separator. A main air stream in the
suction blower unit may be oriented from front to back, whereas an
input main air stream between the air inlet opening and dust outlet
opening of the primary stage cyclone dust separator may be oriented
from back to front. In particular, this type of air guidance and
arrangement of suction blower unit and primary stage cyclone dust
separator has proven optimal for obtaining comparatively compact
design.
[0017] According to an embodiment of the vacuum cleaner, the
suction blower unit comprises a fan coupled to a fan drive motor
which, with regard to front to back direction, is installed behind
the fan. This in particular means that the fan is positioned
towards the front side whereas the drive motor is positioned
towards the back side. As the proposed position of the air inlet of
the primary stage cyclone dust separator is near or towards the
back side, interference between the air inlet opening and fan can
be greatly prevented. This, by the way, also contributes to a more
compact arrangement of respective components, in particular both in
back to front and bottom to top direction. In all, it is possible
to compact the arrangement of suction blower unit and primary stage
cyclone dust separator.
[0018] In a further embodiment of the vacuum cleaner it is provided
that in front to back direction or orientation, the air inlet
opening of the primary stage cyclone dust separator is arranged and
positioned offset and behind the fan. In this configuration a
comparatively compact arrangement, in particular with respect to
bottom to top and front to back extension can be obtained. Further,
interference between air outlet of the fan and air inlet opening of
the primary stage cyclone dust separator can be prevented. The air
inlet of the primary stage cyclone dust separator may be freely
arranged and oriented. Advantageously, the air inlet opening of the
primary stage cyclone dust separator is, with respect to the
longitudinal extension of the primary stage cyclone dust separator
arranged and oriented tangentially. This in particular supports the
build-up of a proper airflow in a cyclone type manner within the
primary stage cyclone dust separator.
[0019] In a further arrangement, an air outlet of the fan and the
air inlet opening are fluidly connected to an intermediate air
chamber. The air chamber preferably at least partially encompasses
and/or encases the fan drive motor. Providing an intermediate air
chamber is a comparatively easy way to fluidly connect the fan to
the primary stage cyclone dust separator, in particular to pass
dust laden air from the fan to the dust separator irrespective of
their relative arrangement. Further, and in particular with respect
to the arrangement of suction blower and primary stage cyclone dust
separator, an optimal usage of space can be obtained, resulting in
compact and space saving design.
[0020] In one further embodiment it is provided that a dust outlet
of the primary stage cyclone dust separator is fluidly connected to
a dust collecting chamber. It is of advantage if the dust
collecting chamber is positioned and arranged at the front side, in
particular immediately at the front side of the vacuum cleaner. In
particular with respect to emptying the dust collecting chamber it
is, according to a further embodiment, favorable to removably
connect or mount the dust collecting chamber to the primary stage
cyclone dust separator and/or cleaner body. It may be advantageous
if the dust outlet of the primary stage cyclone dust separator is
oriented towards the front side.
[0021] If the dust collecting chamber is positioned at the front
side section of the vacuum cleaner it is of particular advantage
that at least a translucent inspection window is provided in a
front side section of the dust collecting chamber.
[0022] In more general terms in accordance with a further
embodiment, the dust collecting chamber positioned at the front
side may comprise a front side fill level indicator, preferably a
translucent or transparent fill level inspection window. In this
convection, the term "front side fill level indicator" shall mean
that the fill level indicator is accessible and visible at and from
the front side of the vacuum cleaner.
[0023] The fill level indicator, in particular inspection window,
in particular when arranged immediately at the front side, is
effective in presenting the filling level of the dust collecting
chamber to a user, and will contribute to adequate emptying
intervals, which in turn secures optimal cleaning efficiency of the
vacuum cleaner. Note that the inspection window may be implemented
as a translucent or transparent wall section of the dust collecting
chamber.
[0024] Providing the dust collecting chamber, and fill level
inspection window at the front side in particular leads to
simplified and more efficient handling and operability of the
vacuum cleaner.
[0025] In another embodiment it is provided that the primary stage
cyclone dust separator is implemented and installed such that in
intended or normal use operation of the vacuum cleaner a main air
flow through the primary stage cyclone dust separator is oriented
essentially parallel to the front to back or back to front
direction, in particular horizontally if operated on a respective
ground. Implementing the primary stage cyclone dust separator in
such a way leads to a comparatively compact design, in particular
with respect to bottom to top dimensions.
[0026] In the previous embodiment, the primary stage cyclone dust
separator is designed such that a cyclone type dust separating air
flow, i.e. a main air flow direction, is oriented from back to
front. In this way, dust particles, debris and other particulate
matter removed in the primary stage can be best conveyed to the
dust outlet opening provided at and towards the front side. In
addition, the primary stage cyclone dust separator preferably is
implemented such that a backflow of dust unladen air takes place in
the center region of the primary stage cyclone dust separator and
is oriented from front to back.
[0027] The dust unladen air exiting the primary stage dust
separator may be fed into a further separating step or stage, such
as for example a secondary stage cyclone dust separator and/or a
filter unit. Secondary stage cyclone dust separator and/or filter
may be adapted to remove comparatively fine dust, debris and
particulate matter not discharged in the primary stage.
[0028] In a preferred further embodiment, a dust collecting volume
of the dust collecting chamber is, with regard to top to bottom,
arranged and positioned below the outlet of the primary stage
cyclone dust separator. Preferably, a major dust collecting volume
of the dust collecting chamber is positioned below the primary
stage cyclone dust separator, and more preferably is level or
essentially level with the suction blower unit, in particular fan
and fan drive motor.
[0029] The dust collecting chamber may be positioned at the front
side of the vacuum cleaner, and, with respect to a back to front
orientation, in front of the suction blower unit. Such a
configuration in particular leads to a comparatively compact bottom
to top design and also allows efficient dust collecting.
[0030] In a refinement embodiment of the vacuum cleaner, it is
provided that an angle of inclination, i.e. a gradient angle,
between the main flow direction of the primary stage cyclone dust
separator, in normal operation mode essentially corresponding to
the vertical direction, and a center or main axis of the dust
collecting chamber lies in the range between 40 and 80 degrees,
preferably 60 degrees. Arranging or positioning the dust collecting
chamber in accordance with the proposed angle or angular range in
particular means that, with regard to bottom to top direction, the
main axis of the dust collecting chamber is tilted against the
vertical direction towards the back side by an angle between 10 and
50 degrees, preferably 30 degrees. The proposed tilt angle leads to
a configuration in which, with regard to front to back direction,
in particular horizontal direction, the top section of the dust
collecting chamber is closer to the primary stage cyclone dust
separator, in particular dust outlet, than a bottom section of the
dust collecting chamber.
[0031] The proposed geometry in particular allows a compact design,
efficient dust collection and optimal bidirectional airflow in the
primary stage cyclone dust separator. Further, the tilted
arrangement of the dust collection chamber has the advantage that a
fill level inspection window or the like arranged at the front side
faces upwards and can readily be inspected by a user standing in
front of the vacuum cleaner.
[0032] In a further embodiment, the primary stage cyclone dust
separator and, where applicable, the dust collecting chamber, are
centered about a back to front vertical center plane of the cleaner
body. The term back to front vertical plane shall mean a center
plane which is parallel to the vertical direction, more
specifically parallel to the bottom to top and top to bottom
direction respectively, and which is parallel to the back to front
and front to back direction, respectively. Such an arrangement
allows a comparatively compact design with respect to the lateral
dimension, i.e. the dimension perpendicular to back to front and
front to back direction.
[0033] In a further embodiment, the vacuum cleaner comprises at
least one secondary stage cyclone dust separator installed
downstream the primary stage cyclone dust separator. The at least
one secondary stage cyclone dust separator may be positioned or
placed, in lateral direction, closely to the primary stage cyclone
dust separator and/or dust collection chamber. A secondary cyclone
dust separating stage may lead to a higher separating
efficiency
[0034] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in connection
with the annexed figures, in which:
[0035] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner;
[0036] FIG. 2 shows a perspective front view of the vacuum cleaner;
and
[0037] FIGS. 3 and 4 show cross sectional views of the vacuum
cleaner;
[0038] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner 1. The
vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a horizontal type cleaner body 2 with a
bottom 3, top 4, front 5 and back side 6. The term horizontal type
shall mean that in the ordinary and intended position of use on a
corresponding underground, the cleaner body 2 is positioned
essentially horizontally, or in more general terms, is positioned
essentially parallel to the ground underneath. Note that in the
figures, the vacuum cleaner is shown in its ordinary horizontal use
position.
[0039] The vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a primary stage cyclone dust
separator 7. The primary stage cyclone dust separator 7 is coupled
to a dust collecting chamber 8. The dust collecting chamber 8,
which may also be designated as a dust collecting container, is
positioned and arranged at the front side 5 of the cleaner body 2.
In a front side section, the dust collecting chamber 8 has a fill
level indicator, which in the present case is implemented as a
transparent wall section arranged and visible from the front. In
one implementation, essentially the whole dust collecting
container, at least walls at the front side, are made from a
transparent material. Here, a user can easily observe the fill
level of the dust collecting container 8, recognize inadequately
high filling levels and, as a consequence, will timely empty the
dust container.
[0040] The vacuum cleaner 1 comprises wheels 9 arranged at/in or on
the lateral side walls and bottom side of the cleaner body 2,
respectively. The wheels 9 are arranged and adapted such that the
vacuum cleaner 1 during normal and ordinary operation can be easily
moved on the surface underneath. The vacuum cleaner 1 may comprise
other elements, such as handles and the like, which will not be
described in further detail.
[0041] At the front side 5 of the vacuum cleaner 1, an interface 10
is provided which is adapted and configured to connect a flexible
suction hose (not shown).
[0042] Further details of the vacuum cleaner will become apparent
in connection with FIG. 2 to FIG. 4.
[0043] As can be seen from the vertical plane cross sectional view
in FIG. 3, the primary stage cyclone dust separator 7 has an air
inlet opening 11 adapted to feed air, in particular dust laden air,
into the primary stage cyclone dust separator 7.
[0044] The vacuum cleaner 1 further comprises a suction blower unit
12 which comprises an electric drive motor 13 which is coupled to a
fan 14. The suction blower 12, in more detail the fan 14,
generates, when driven by the drive motor 13, a suction force at
the interface 10. If a suction hose is coupled to the interface 10,
the suction force propagates through the hose and finally is
effective at a nozzle end of the hose.
[0045] In operation, the fan 14 sucks in air and forces, i.e.
blows, the air towards the primary stage cyclone dust separator 7.
In the present case, in between a fan outlet (not explicitly shown)
and the air inlet opening 11 of the primary stage dust cyclone dust
separator 7 there is provided an intermediate air chamber 16. The
fan 14 and the primary stage cyclone dust separator 7 are fluidly
connected to the intermediate chamber 16 such that an airflow
between fan 14 and primary stage cyclone dust separator 7 is
possible.
[0046] Note that a fluid connection between the fan 14 and primary
stage cyclone dust separator 7 may be implemented in any other way,
without an intermediate chamber 16. In particular, any type of
ducting may be used to fluidly connect the air outlet of the fan 14
to the air in let opening 11 of the primary stage cyclone dust
separator 7. If adequate, it may also be considered to directly
connect the air outlet 14 to the air inlet opening 11.
[0047] The arrangement and design of the suction blower unit 12 is
such that in bottom to top direction, i.e. in a direction from the
bottom side 3 to the top side 4, the primary stage cyclone dust
separator 7 is positioned over the suction blower unit 12. This can
be seen best from FIG. 3, where a section of the primary stage
cyclone dust separator 7, oriented towards the back side 6 of the
vacuum cleaner 1, is positioned over, in more detail above, the
suction blower unit 12. Such an arrangement in particular allows a
space saving design.
[0048] The primary stage cyclone dust separator 7 is arranged and
implemented such that the air inlet opening 11 is located at a back
side end section of the primary stage cyclone dust separator 7. The
air inlet opening 11 is presently arranged at some distance above
the drive motor 13.
[0049] With regard to front to back direction, the air inlet
opening 11 is arranged and located offset and behind the fan 14.
The aperture of air inlet opening 11 of the primary stage cyclone
dust separator 7 in the present case is oriented and directed
laterally, i.e. sidewards, which greatly contributes to the build
up of a cyclonic, dust separating airflow within the primary stage
cyclone dust separator 7.
[0050] At the front side end of the primary stage cyclone dust
separator 7, in particular near or at a lower part of the front
side 5 face side of the primary stage cyclone dust separator 7,
there is provided a dust outlet opening 17. The dust outlet opening
17 is positioned and adapted such that dust, debris and other
particulate matter separated in the primary stage cyclone dust
separator 7 is forced towards and unloaded at or near the dust
outlet opening 17.
[0051] The dust outlet opening 17 is connected, i.e. opens into,
the dust collecting chamber 8 in which dust and the like is
collected. The dust outlet opening 17 may be coupled to a
corresponding dust inlet opening (not shown) of the dust collecting
chamber 8. An intermediate seal to be positioned between the
openings may be provided to avoid escape of dust at the transition
between primary stage cyclone dust separator 7 and dust collecting
chamber 8.
[0052] Dust unladen air leaves the primary stage cyclone dust
separator 7 via an air outlet section 18. Note that the air flow
within the vacuum cleaner is indicated by dotted arrows in FIG.
3.
[0053] In general it can be seen from FIG. 3, that the primary
stage cyclone dust separator 7 is implemented and installed such
that in intended use operation, as shown throughout FIG. 1 to FIG.
3, a main air flow through the primary stage cyclone dust separator
7 is oriented essentially horizontally, presently corresponding to
front to back and back to front directions.
[0054] Air leaving the primary stage cyclone dust separator 7 may
be discharged to the environment. However, for the reason of more
efficient dust removal it may be desirable to provide one or
several further, in particular secondary, dust removing stages
downstream the primary stage dust cyclone separator 7. The
secondary stages may be of cyclone type and/or filter type.
[0055] With the vacuum cleaner 1 as shown and described in
connection with FIGS. 1 to 3, it may be provided that the dust
collecting chamber 8 together with the primary stage cyclone dust
separator 7 are removably connected to the cleaner body 2. It may
be provided that both parts can be removed as a whole from the
cleaner body 2. However, it is also be possible, that the primary
stage cyclone dust separator 7 and/or the dust collecting chamber 8
are handleable as separate parts, i.e. that they can be mounted and
removed independently from each other.
[0056] With the embodiments shown in the Figures, it can be seen,
that the primary stage cyclone dust separator 7 works with a
horizontal air flow, which is advantageous for a space saving
design. Further, it can be seen that, with regard to top to bottom
direction, at least a main part of the dust collecting chamber 8 is
arranged below the dust outlet opening 17 and/or primary stage
cyclone dust separator 7. Such an arrangement is a comparatively
good compromise between space saving/compact design and high dust
separating efficiency in the primary stage cyclone dust separator
7.
[0057] In particular with respect to dust separating efficiency,
and also with respect to comfortable operation of the vacuum
cleaner 1 it has been proven advantageous to tilt the dust
collecting chamber 8 against the primary stage cyclone dust
separator 7.
[0058] With particular reference to FIG. 4, it can be seen that
with regard to the back to front direction a center axis 19 of the
dust collecting chamber 8 is tilted downwards by an angle .alpha.
of about 60 degrees. In other words, an angle spanned between back
side of the primary stage cyclone dust separator 7, front side of
the primary stage cyclone dust separator 7 and bottom of the dust
collecting chamber 8 amounts 180.degree.-.alpha., i.e. 120 degrees.
Note that the tilt angle .alpha. may lie in the range from 40 to 80
degrees. The adjacent angle 180.degree.-.alpha. therefore may lie
in the range from 100 to 140 degrees. Such tilt angles have been
proven to be efficient in dust deposition within the dust
collecting chamber 8, and to provide a good visibility of the fill
level of the dust collecting chamber 8 from a position in front of
the vacuum cleaner 1.
[0059] As can in particular be seen from FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, the
primary stage cyclone dust separator 7 and dust collecting chamber
8 are centered about a back to front vertical center plane of the
cleaner body 2. In other words the primary stage cyclone dust
separator 7 and dust collecting chamber 8 are centered with regard
to the lateral dimension of the cleaner body 2. Such an arrangement
allows a comparatively compact overall design and efficient air
flow. Remaining space not occupied from the elements mentioned so
far can advantageously be used for positioning additional elements,
such as grips and handles or stowage compartments for accessories,
and others.
[0060] In all, it can be seen, that the proposed vacuum cleaner
provides a compact design, enhanced usability and satisfactory
cleaning efficiency.
LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS
[0061] 1 vacuum cleaner [0062] 2 cleaner body [0063] 3 bottom side
[0064] 4 top side [0065] 5 front side [0066] 6 back side [0067] 7
primary stage cyclone dust separator [0068] 8 dust collecting
chamber [0069] 9 wheel [0070] 10 interface [0071] 11 air inlet
opening [0072] 12 suction blower unit [0073] 13 drive motor [0074]
14 fan [0075] 16 intermediate air chamber [0076] 17 dust outlet
opening [0077] 18 air outlet section [0078] 19 center axis
* * * * *