Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
  • A47L9/0081—Means for exhaust-air diffusion; Means for sound or vibration damping
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
  • A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
  • A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
  • A47L5/225—Convertible suction cleaners, i.e. convertible between different types thereof, e.g. from upright suction cleaners to sledge-type suction cleaners
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
  • A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
  • A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
  • A47L5/24—Hand-supported suction cleaners
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
  • A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
  • A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
  • A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
  • A47L5/28—Suction cleaners with handles and nozzles fixed on the casings, e.g. wheeled suction cleaners with steering handle

Definitions

• the present disclosure relates to a handheld vacuum cleaner.
• the present disclosure further relates to a vacuum cleaner comprising a holder for a handheld vacuum cleaner.
• a vacuum cleaner is a device that uses an air pump, most often a centrifugal fan, to create a partial vacuum in order to suck up dust and dirt from surfaces, such as floors, carpets, and the like.
• Different kinds of vacuum cleaners are known. Among them, upright/stick type vacuum cleaners and handheld vacuum cleaners. These types of vacuum cleaner generally have an elongated body with a nozzle in one end and a handle in the other end.
• a housing with a fan and filter may be attached to the elongated body and may extend substantially in parallel thereto. Such a housing may comprise a fan and motor, a dust collector, a filter, and other necessary parts.
• Handheld vacuum cleaners and upright/stick type vacuum cleaners allow a user to remove dust and debris in a relatively easy and efficient manner and may be operated with a single hand grip.
• Handheld vacuum cleaners have become increasingly popular. Reasons for this might be that they are simple to use and require little space when not in use.
• the object is achieved by a handheld vacuum cleaner comprising an air inlet, an air outlet, and a fan configured to rotate around a fan axis to create an air flow through an air flow path extending from the air inlet to the air outlet.
• the vacuum cleaner further comprises a separation device arranged in the air flow path. The separation device is configured to separate dust from air flowing through the air flow path.
• the air flow path comprises a sound reducing section extending from the fan in an extension direction, and wherein the angle between the extension direction and the fan axis is less than 45 degrees.
• the vacuum cleaner comprises a sound reducing section extending from the fan in the extension direction, and since the angle between the extension direction and the fan axis is less than 45 degrees, the noise generated by the fan is attenuated in an efficient manner. Thereby, a vacuum cleaner is provided having conditions for generating less noise during operation, and conditions for increased power levels of the fan while generating less noise.
• the angle between the extension direction of the sound reducing section and the fan axis is less than 45 degrees, a low flow resistance of air flowing through the sound reducing section can be provided while obtaining an efficient attenuation of the noise generated by the fan. Moreover, since the angle between the extension direction of the sound reducing section and the fan axis is less than 45 degrees, conditions are provided for a vacuum cleaner having a well-balanced weight distribution, which facilitates use of the vacuum cleaner, as is further explained herein.
• a handheld vacuum cleaner is provided overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks. As a result, the above- mentioned object is achieved.
• the length of the sound reducing section is greater than 5 cm.
• a vacuum cleaner is provided having conditions for generating less noise during operation, and conditions for increased power levels of the fan while generating less noise.
• a low flow resistance of air flowing through the sound reducing section can be provided while obtaining an efficient attenuation of the noise generated by the vacuum cleaner.
• conditions are provided for a well-balanced vacuum cleaner.
• the length of the sound reducing section is at least 20%, or at least 30%, of the distance between the air inlet and the air outlet of the vacuum cleaner.
• a vacuum cleaner is provided having conditions for generating less noise during operation, and conditions for increased power levels of the fan while generating less noise.
• a low flow resistance of air flowing through the sound reducing section can be provided while obtaining an efficient attenuation of the noise generated by the vacuum cleaner.
• conditions are provided for a well-balanced vacuum cleaner.
• the sound reducing section comprises one or more blades protruding into the sound reducing section so as to counteract vortex flow of air in the sound reducing section.
• the flow resistance of air flowing through the sound reducing section is significantly reduced.
• the energy consumption of the vacuum cleaner can be lowered while allowing higher power levels of the fan.
• the sound generated by the vacuum cleaner can be further lowered. This because turbulent flow of air in the sound reducing section is significantly lowered.
• each blade of the one or more blades protrudes in a direction parallel to the fan axis.
• vortex flow of air in the sound reducing section is counteracted in an efficient manner.
• the one or more blades have conditions and characteristics suitable for being manufactured in a cost-efficient manner.
• the sound reducing section comprises a first portion and a second portion downstream of the first portion, and wherein a cross sectional area of the second portion is smaller than the cross sectional area of the first portion.
• the cross sectional area of the second portion is at least 30% smaller than the cross sectional area of the first portion.
• the one or more blades is/are arranged upstream of the second portion.
• vortex flow of air in the second portion of the sound reducing section is counteracted in an efficient manner.
• the flow resistance of air flowing through the second portion of the sound reducing section is significantly reduced.
• the energy consumption of the vacuum cleaner can be lowered while allowing higher power levels of the fan.
• the sound generated by the vacuum cleaner is further lowered.
• the sound reducing section comprises a narrowing portion between the first and second portions.
• the noise generated by the fan is attenuated in a further efficient manner.
• the one or more blades is/are arranged in, or upstream of, the narrowing portion.
• vortex flow of air in the narrowing portion, and in the second portion downstream of the narrowing portion of the sound reducing section is counteracted in an efficient manner.
• the flow resistance of air flowing through the narrowing portion, and through the second portion downstream of the narrowing portion of the sound reducing section is significantly reduced.
• the energy consumption of the vacuum cleaner can be lowered while allowing higher power levels of the fan.
• the sound generated by the vacuum cleaner is further lowered.
• the sound reducing section comprises a third portion downstream of the second portion, and wherein the cross sectional area of the third portion is greater than the cross sectional area of the second portion.
• the noise generated by the fan is attenuated in a further efficient manner, while allowing a low flow resistance of air flowing through the sound reducing section.
• conditions are provided for a well-balanced vacuum cleaner.
• the cross sectional area of the third portion is at least 30% greater than the cross sectional area of the second portion.
• the length of the second portion measured in a direction coinciding with the fan axis, is more than 3 cm, or more than 5 cm.
• the noise generated by the fan is attenuated in an efficient manner while allowing a low flow resistance of air flowing through the sound reducing section.
• outer surfaces of the second portion form a handle for a user of the handheld vacuum cleaner.
• a vacuum cleaner is provided in which a portion of the sound reducing section forms a handle for a user of the handheld vacuum cleaner.
• a vacuum cleaner having conditions for generating less noise during operation while having conditions and characteristics suitable for being manufactured and assembled in a cost-efficient manner. Moreover, a vacuum cleaner is provided having conditions for a compact and well-balanced design, as is further explained herein.
• the vacuum cleaner comprises a motor configured to rotate the fan around the fan axis, and wherein the motor is arranged in the first portion of the sound reducing section.
• the motor is cooled in an efficient manner by the air flowing through the sound reducing section during operation of the vacuum cleaner. Accordingly, a vacuum cleaner is provided having conditions for generating less noise during operation while having conditions and characteristics suitable for being manufactured and assembled in a cost-efficient manner.
• a vacuum cleaner is provided having conditions for a compact and well- balanced design.
• the vacuum cleaner comprises a battery configured to provide electricity to the motor, and wherein the battery is arranged in the third portion of the sound reducing section.
• the battery is cooled in an efficient manner by the air flowing through the sound reducing section during operation of the vacuum cleaner. Accordingly, a user-friendly vacuum cleaner is provided having conditions for generating less noise during operation while having conditions and characteristics suitable for being manufactured and assembled in a cost-efficient manner.
• a vacuum cleaner is provided having conditions for a compact and well-balanced design.
• the third portion comprises the air outlet.
• a vacuum cleaner is provided having conditions for generating less noise during operation.
• the air outlet comprises a shield.
• the noise generated by the vacuum cleaner is attenuated in a further efficient manner while allowing a low flow resistance of air flowing through the sound reducing section.
• the shield is configured to direct the air to directions being angled relative to the fan axis.
• the noise generated by the vacuum cleaner is attenuated in a further efficient manner while allowing a low flow resistance of air flowing through the sound reducing section.
• conditions are provided for directing the air flowing through the air outlet in directions causing less disturbance to a user of the vacuum cleaner.
• the shield is configured to direct the air to substantially radial directions relative to the fan axis.
• the noise generated by the vacuum cleaner is attenuated in a further efficient manner while allowing a low flow resistance of air flowing through the sound reducing section.
• conditions are provided for directing the air flowing through the air outlet in directions causing less disturbance to a user of the vacuum cleaner.
• the vacuum cleaner comprises at least one sound absorbing unit provided in a sound absorbing material arranged in the sound reducing section, preferably an air permeable sound absorbing material or a sound absorbing surface coating.
• a sound absorbing material arranged in the sound reducing section, preferably an air permeable sound absorbing material or a sound absorbing surface coating.
• the vacuum cleaner comprises at least one sound absorbing unit provided in a sound absorbing material arranged in the second portion of the sound reducing section, preferably an air permeable sound absorbing material or a sound absorbing surface coating.
• the noise generated by the vacuum cleaner is attenuated in a still further efficient manner while allowing a low flow resistance of air flowing through the sound reducing section.
• the vacuum cleaner comprises at least one sound absorbing unit provided in a sound absorbing material arranged in the third portion of the sound reducing section, preferably an air permeable sound absorbing material or a sound absorbing surface coating.
• the noise generated by the vacuum cleaner is attenuated in a still further efficient manner while allowing a low flow resistance of air flowing through the sound reducing section.
• the angle between the extension direction of the sound reducing section and the fan axis is less than 25 degrees, or less than 10 degrees, or around 0 degrees.
• the object is achieved by a vacuum cleaner comprising a shaft part and a detachable handheld vacuum cleaner according to some embodiments of the present disclosure, wherein the shaft part comprises a handle, two tube parts, a floor nozzle, and a holder for the handheld vacuum cleaner arranged between the two tube parts.
• the vacuum cleaner comprises a detachable handheld vacuum cleaner according to some embodiments, a vacuum cleaner is provided having conditions for generating less noise during operation, and conditions for increased power levels of the fan while generating less noise.
• the sound reducing section of the handheld vacuum cleaner extends from the fan in an extension direction, and wherein the angle between the extension direction and the fan axis is less than 45 degrees, a low flow resistance of air flowing through the sound reducing section can be provided while obtaining an efficient attenuation of the noise generated by the fan of the handheld vacuum cleaner.
• a vacuum cleaner is provided overcoming, or at least alleviating, at least some of the above-mentioned problems and drawbacks. As a result, the above-mentioned object is achieved.
• the air outlet of the handheld vacuum cleaner is positioned between the two tube parts when the handheld vacuum cleaner is attached to the holder.
• conditions are provided for directing the air flowing through the air outlet in directions causing less disturbance to a user of the vacuum cleaner while allowing a low flow resistance of air flowing through the air outlet of the handheld vacuum cleaner.
• Fig. 1 illustrates a first cross section of a handheld vacuum cleaner according to some embodiments
• Fig. 2 illustrates a second cross section of the vacuum cleaner illustrated in Fig. 1 with some components removed
• Fig. 3 illustrates a third cross section of the vacuum cleaner illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2
• Fig. 4 illustrates a top view of a vacuum cleaner according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 1 - Fig. 3, and
• Fig. 5 illustrates a vacuum cleaner according to some further embodiments of the present disclosure.
• Fig. 1 illustrates a first cross section of a handheld vacuum cleaner 1 according to some embodiments.
• the vacuum cleaner 1 comprises an air inlet 3, an air outlet 5, and a fan 7.
• the fan 7 is powered by an electric motor 27.
• the electric motor 27 is configured to rotate the fan 7 around a fan axis ax.
• the cross section of Fig. 1 is made through a plane comprising the fan axis ax.
• the fan 7 is configured to rotate around the fan axis ax to create an air flow through an air flow path 9.
• the air flow path 9 extends from the air inlet 3 to the air outlet 5.
• the electric motor 27 may comprise ball bearings and may be rubber suspended relative a housing 6 of the vacuum cleaner 1. In this manner, less noise is generated during operation of the vacuum cleaner 1.
• the vacuum cleaner 1 further comprises a separation device 1 1 arranged in the air flow path 9.
• the separation device 1 1 is configured to separate dust from air flowing through the air flow path 9.
• the separation device 1 1 may comprise a dust bag, a filter, a cyclone separator, or the like.
• the air flow path 9 comprises a sound reducing section 13 arranged downstream of the fan 7.
• the sound reducing section 13 extends from the fan 7 in an extension direction d.
• the sound reducing section 13 is substantially concentric to the fan axis ax.
• the angle a1 between the extension direction d of the sound reducing section 13 and the fan axis ax may be less than 45 degrees, or less than 25 degrees, or less than 10 degrees, or around 0 degrees. Due to these features, as is further explained herein, the noise generated by the fan 7 and the electric motor 27 is attenuated in an efficient manner.
• condition are provided for a user-friendly vacuum cleaner 1 having a balanced weight distribution.
• the feature that the sound reducing section 13 is substantially concentric to the fan axis ax may encompass that a distance between the fan axis ax and the sound reducing section 13 is less than 5 cm along the extent of the sound reducing section 13.
• the feature that the sound reducing section 13 is substantially concentric to the fan axis ax may encompass that the angle between the fan axis ax and the extent of the sound reducing section 13 is less than 10 degrees.
• the length L1 of the sound reducing section 13 is approximately 53.5% of the distance L2 between the air inlet 3 and the air outlet 5 of the vacuum cleaner 1 .
• the length L1 of the sound reducing section 13 may be at least 10%, at least 20%, or at least 30%, of the distance L2 between the air inlet 3 and the air outlet 5 of the vacuum cleaner 1 .
• the length L1 of the sound reducing section 13 is greater than 5 cm, or greater than 7 cm.
• the sound reducing section 13 comprises a first portion 21 and a second portion 22 downstream of the first portion 21 . Moreover, the sound reducing section 13 comprises a narrowing portion 21’ between the first and second portions 21 , 22. Furthermore, the sound reducing section 13 comprises a third portion 23 downstream of the second portion 22.
• the sound reducing section 13, and the portions 21 , 2T, 22, 23 thereof is formed by inner surfaces of the housing 6 of the vacuum cleaner 1 .
• the housing 6 may be provided in a polymeric material.
• the cross sectional area A2 of the second portion 22 is smaller than the cross sectional area A1 of the first portion 21 .
• the cross sectional area A1 of the first portion 21 is approximately 9 045 mm 2 and the cross sectional area A2 of the second portion 22 is approximately 910 mm 2 .
• the cross sectional area A1 of the first portion 21 may be within the range of 8 000 - 12 000 mm 2
• the cross sectional area A2 of the second portion 22 may be within the range of 700 - 1500 mm 2
• the cross sectional area A2 of the second portion 22 may be at least 30% smaller than the cross sectional area A1 of the first portion 21 .
• the cross sectional area A3 of the third portion 23 is greater than the cross sectional area A2 of the second portion 22.
• the cross sectional area A3 of the third portion 23 is approximately 6 901 mm 2 .
• the cross sectional area A3 of the third portion 23 may be within the range of 4 500 - 9 000 mm 2 .
• the cross sectional area A3 of the third portion 23 may be at least 30 % greater than the cross sectional area A2 of the second portion 22.
• the motor 27 is arranged in the first portion 21 of the sound reducing section 13.
• the vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a battery 29 configured to provide electricity to the motor 27.
• the battery 29 is arranged in the third portion 23 of the sound reducing section 13.
• the vacuum cleaner 1 comprises electrical wires 28 for transferring electricity between the battery 29 and the motor 27.
• the electrical wires 28 extends through the second portion 22 of the sound reducing section 13.
• Fig. 2 illustrates a second cross section of the vacuum cleaner 1 illustrated in Fig. 1 with some components removed to provide a better view of the sound reducing section 13 and the features thereof.
• the sound reducing section 13 comprises a set of blades 15 protruding into the sound reducing section 13.
• the blades 15 are configured to counteract vortex flow of air in the sound reducing section 13.
• the blades 15 of the set of blades 15 are arranged upstream of the second portion 22 and upstream of the narrowing portion 2T.
• the blades 15 of the set of blades 15 may be arranged in, or upstream of, the narrowing portion 2T. In this manner, vortex flow of air in the second portion 22 of the sound reducing section 13 is counteracted in an efficient manner.
• Fig. 3 illustrates a third cross section of the vacuum cleaner 1 illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.
• the third cross section of Fig. 3 is made in a plane perpendicular to the fan axis ax at the first portion 21 of the sound reducing section 13.
• each blade 15 of the set of blades 15 protrudes into the sound reducing section 13 in a direction parallel to the fan axis ax.
• vortex flow of air is efficiently counteracted when the air is flowing from the first portion 21 into the second portion 22 via the narrowing portion 2T.
• a vacuum cleaner 1 is provided having conditions and characteristics suitable for being manufactured in a cost-efficient manner.
• Fig. 4 illustrates a top view of a vacuum cleaner 1 according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 1 - Fig. 3.
• the vacuum cleaner 1 comprises an activation button 32 and a battery level indicator 34.
• Fig. 1 - Fig. 4 outer surfaces 25 of the second portion 22 of the sound reducing section 13 form a handle for a user of the handheld vacuum cleaner 1.
• the length L3 of the second portion 22, measured in a direction d coinciding with the fan axis ax is sufficient for accommodating at least four fingers of a hand of a user.
• the length L3 of the second portion 22, measured in a direction d coinciding with the fan axis ax is more than 3 cm, or more than 5 cm.
• a vacuum cleaner 1 is provided having a well-balanced weight distribution, which facilitates use of the vacuum cleaner 1.
• the third portion 23 comprises the air outlet 5.
• the air outlet 5 comprises a shield 31.
• the shield 31 is configured to direct the air flowing through the air outlet 5 to directions d2 being angled relative to the fan axis ax, as indicated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2.
• the shield 31 is configured to direct the air to substantially radial directions d2 relative to the fan axis ax. Due to these features, the noise generated by the vacuum cleaner 1 is further attenuated and the air flowing through the air outlet 5 will cause less disturbance to a user of the vacuum cleaner 1. Furthermore, as indicated in Fig.
• the vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a section 36 blocking air from flowing towards the top side of the vacuum cleaner 1 , wherein the top side of the vacuum cleaner 1 is the side that faces the forearm of the user when the user grips the handle of the vacuum cleaner 1 in an intended grip direction. Moreover, the top side of the vacuum cleaner 1 comprises the activation button 32 and the battery level indicator 34. Due to the section 36 blocking air from flowing towards the top side of the vacuum cleaner 1 , the air flowing through the air outlet 5 will cause even less disturbance to a user of the vacuum cleaner 1.
• the vacuum cleaner 1 may comprise at least one sound absorbing unit 33, 35 provided in a sound absorbing material arranged in the sound reducing section 13.
• the vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a sound absorbing unit 33 provided in a sound absorbing material arranged in the second portion 22 of the sound reducing section 13, and a sound absorbing unit 35 provided in a sound absorbing material arranged in the third portion 23 of the sound reducing section 13.
• the sound absorbing units 33, 35 may each be provided in an air permeable material, such as a foam material.
• the sound absorbing units 33, 35 may also be a surface coating on the inside of any of the first to third portions 21 ,22,23 of the sound reduction section 13. Due to the sound absorbing units 33, 35, the noise generated by the vacuum cleaner 1 is attenuated in a further efficient manner.
• Fig. 5 illustrates a vacuum cleaner 2 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure.
• the vacuum cleaner 2 illustrated in Fig. 5 is a stick-type vacuum cleaner 2.
• the vacuum cleaner 2 comprises a shaft part 41 and a detachable handheld vacuum cleaner 1 according to the embodiments illustrated in Fig. 1 - Fig. 4.
• the shaft part 41 comprises a handle 43, two tube parts 45, a floor nozzle 47, and a holder 49 for the handheld vacuum cleaner 1 arranged between the two tube parts 45.
• the handheld vacuum cleaner 1 is attached to the holder 49 of the vacuum cleaner 2. When in this position, the air inlet of the handheld vacuum cleaner 1 is fluidly connected to the floor nozzle 47.
• the air outlet 5 of the handheld vacuum cleaner 1 is positioned between the two tube parts 45 when the handheld vacuum cleaner 1 is attached to the holder 49. In this manner, the air flowing through the air outlet 5 will cause less disturbance to a user of the vacuum cleaner 2 while allowing a low flow resistance of air flowing through the air outlet 5 of the handheld vacuum cleaner 1.

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• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
• Electric Suction Cleaners (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=67226252

Family Applications (1)

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• 2019
  • 2019-07-08 EP EP19737720.3A patent/EP3996563A1/de active Pending
  • 2019-07-08 WO PCT/EP2019/068267 patent/WO2021004618A1/en unknown
  • 2019-07-08 KR KR1020227001770A patent/KR20220031021A/ko unknown
  • 2019-07-08 CN CN201980098116.4A patent/CN114040698A/zh active Pending
  • 2019-07-08 US US17/624,907 patent/US20220273146A1/en active Pending
  • 2019-07-08 JP JP2021577136A patent/JP7485468B2/ja active Active

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