Cyclonic vacuum cleaner

A cyclonic vacuum cleaner with simple structure, low airflow leakage, excellent maintainability, and less possibility of littering a floor in the case of dumping dusts or care of the cleaner. A cyclonic portion 14 of an approximately cylindrical shape, having a bottom, an introducing portion 15 for introducing dust-laden airflow to the cyclonic portion 14, and a reinforcing rib 35 provided on a lowermost end of the dust-collecting portion 11 for allowing it to stand on end, are formed into a one-piece structure. Thus, the structure from the introducing portion 15 to the cyclonic portion 14 can be simplified and the possibility of airflow leakage can be reduced. Also, maintenance of the cyclonic portion 14 and the introducing portion 15 can be easily performed through the detachment of the dust-collecting portion 11 together with the introducing portion 15. Further, a floor is less likely to be littered with dusts collected within the cyclonic portion 14 by allowing the dust-collecting portion 11 to stand on end with the help of the reinforcing rib 35.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a cyclonic vacuum cleaner, particularly to a stick type one.

2. Description of the Related Art

One of conventional cyclonic vacuum cleaners of this type is disclosed in, for example, Japanese Un-Examined patent publication No. 2001-104223. The disclosed vacuum cleaner comprises a cleaner body including a built-in fan motor, a suction passage (an introducing portion) provided in its rear portion and a suction opening (a sucking nozzle) provided in its lower portion, wherein a dust box (a cyclonic portion), having a bottom and an intake hole formed tangentially on a sidewall, is detachably attached to the cleaner body. By actuating the motor fan, a dust-laden air is sucked from the suction opening and then flows through the suction passage and the intake hole to reach the inside of the dust box where it is converted into a vortex flow, so that the dust is separated by a centrifugal force developed inside the dust box. According to such conventional cyclonic vacuum cleaners, the dust box is formed slenderer in the top to bottom direction, so that dust-collecting performance can be improved due to the rotational speed of the vortex flow being higher as it goes downward.

According to such conventional cyclonic vacuum cleaners, however, as dust-laden air must be introduced from an upper side of the dust box, the suction passage from the suction opening to the dust box would inevitably become lengthy, thus resulting not only in a complex structure of the vacuum cleaner as a whole, but also in the increased number of components that eventually leads to high manufacture costs, even leading to a likelihood of airflow leakage to occur in joints between such increased components.

Further, when film-like or clumpy dusts are sucked, for instance, the suction passage may happen to be clogged with such dusts, thus causing a problem of poor maintainability due to a difficulty in removing such dusts caught in the suction passage. Still further, in the case that the dust box is formed slenderer in the top to bottom direction to improve the dust-collecting performance, the floor that has been already cleaned is likely to be littered with the dusts again as the dust box has to be temporarily laid down on the floor when users let go hold of it in the case of detaching it from the cleaner body to dump the dusts or doing maintenance on the vacuum cleaner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

To eliminate the above-mentioned problems, it is, therefore, an object of the present invention to provide a cyclonic vacuum cleaner which has a simple structure, and causes little airflow leakage despite a long suction passage.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a cyclonic vacuum cleaner which is less likely to litter floors when removing collected dusts or doing maintenance works to the same.

A cyclonic vacuum cleaner according to a first aspect of the invention is a cyclonic vacuum cleaner including a cleaner body with a motor fan unit and a dust-collecting portion detachably attached to the cleaner body, wherein the dust-collecting portion comprises: a cyclonic portion which is formed approximately cylindrical, having a bottom; an introducing portion for introducing a dust entraining airflow into said cyclonic portion; a leg provided integrally with a lowermost end of the dust-collecting portion for allowing the dust-collecting portion to stand on end; and a sucking nozzle detachably attached to said introducing portion, wherein the cyclonic portion, the introducing portion and the leg are formed integrally with one another.

With the structure thus made, the airflow sucked from the sucking nozzle is allowed to pass through the introducing portion of the dust-collecting portion, and then it is introduced into the cyclonic portion formed integrally with the introducing portion, so that it is converted into a vortex flow within the cyclonic portion, whereby it is discharged to the outside of the cleaner body through the motor fan unit after the dusts are separated by a centrifugal force developed inside the dust box. The dusts collected in the cyclonic portion can be dumped by detaching the dust-collecting portion together with the introducing portion. Further, the leg enables the dust-collecting portion to temporarily stand on end in the case of dumping dusts, or in the case of the maintenance or care of the dust-collecting portion.

A cyclonic vacuum cleaner according to a second aspect of the invention is the one set forth in the first aspect, in which the leg is formed by a reinforcing rib which connects the cyclonic portion with the introducing portion, the reinforcing rib being so structured that at least a lower surface thereof being formed substantially horizontal, and that a projection point obtained by projecting the center of gravity of the dust-collecting portion in the vertical direction may be positioned on the reinforcing rib.

With the structure thus made, the dust-collecting portion is placed in a manner that the lower surface of the reinforcing rib contacts a flat surface, and thus the projection point of the center of gravity of the dust-collecting portion is positioned on the reinforcing rib, thus keeping the dust-collecting portion stably standing on end.

A cyclonic vacuum cleaner according to a third aspect of the invention is the one set forth in the first or the second aspect, in which a lower end of the leg is flush with a lower end of the introducing portion and/or a lower end of the cyclonic portion.

Thus, as the dust-collecting portion is supported not only by the leg but also by the introducing portion and/or the cyclonic portion, it is possible to keep the dust-collecting portion more stably standing on end.

A cyclonic vacuum cleaner according to a fourth aspect of the invention is the one set forth in any one of the first to third aspects, in which a lower end of the leg is flush with a lower end of the introducing portion while a projection point obtained by projecting the center of gravity of the dust-collecting portion in the vertical direction is positioned in a region surrounded by the lower end of the leg and the lower end of the introducing portion.

With the structure thus made, as the dust-collecting portion is supported not only by the leg but also by the introducing portion and the cyclonic portion, with the projection point obtained by projecting the center of gravity of the dust-collecting portion being in the region surrounded by the lower end of the leg and the lower end of introducing portion, it is possible to keep the dust-collecting portion standing on end in an even more stable manner.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Hereunder is a description of a first embodiment of the present invention with reference toFIG. 1toFIG. 8. In the following description of the embodiment, front and back of the vacuum cleaner as well as top and bottom thereof are defined on the basis of the posture illustrated inFIG. 1toFIG. 3.

InFIG. 1toFIG. 3, numeral1denotes a cleaner body. Inside the cleaner body1are provided an electric motor2and a fan3fitted to a rotating shaft of the electric motor2, thus constructing a motor fan unit4. In a lower portion of the cleaner body1is provided a guide portion5which has an approximately short cylindrical shape, including a flat lower end portion5A. The guide portion5is formed with an intake hole6which is open downward, so that a lower portion of the guide portion5is communicated with the motor fan unit4through the intake hole6. Further, the guide portion5is formed with a protective frame7so as to cover the intake hole6. A movable hook8is provided on a front side of the guide portion5, while a convex portion9protruding downward is formed on a rear side of the guide portion5, with a fixed hook10protruding backward being formed on a side face of the convex portion9. Thus, the cleaner body1is constructed so as to have such a simple structure as above described.

A dust-collecting portion11made of resin is detachably attached to a lower portion of the cleaner body1. The dust-collecting portion11is formed on its top with a first opening12for inserting the guide portion5thereinto and a second opening13for inserting the convex portion9thereinto. Below the first opening12is formed a cyclonic portion14which is of an approximately cylindrical shape, being tapered toward a lower end having a bottom, while below the second opening13is formed an introducing portion15which has an cylindrical inside surface, extending substantially in parallel with an axial direction of the cyclonic portion14. The cyclonic portion14and the introducing portion15are formed integrally from a common member, with a lower end of the introducing portion15being slightly lower than that of the cyclonic portion14.

Further, a vortex flow generating member16serving as a vortex flow generating means is provided in the first and second openings12and13. The vortex flow generating member16includes a conical portion17which is approximately inverted-cone-shaped, and an introducing wall18leading to the conical portion17, in which the conical portion17and the introducing wall18are formed integrally from a common member. The vortex flow generating member16is detachably attached to the dust-collecting portion11so that the conical portion17may correspond to the first opening12, and the introducing wall18may correspond to the second opening13, respectively.

As the introducing wall18is provided between the introducing portion15and the second opening13, the upper end of the introducing portion15is closed while an introducing opening19is formed on a sidewall between an upper portion of the cyclonic portion14and the vicinity of the upper end of the introducing portion15. In the meantime, the introducing wall18is formed so as to define a smoothly curved surface in order to smoothly turn the direction of airflow ascending through the introducing portion15perpendicularly to the axis of the introducing portion15to thereby introduce the airflow from the introducing opening19into the cyclonic portion14. The introducing opening19is so constructed that it may be open to the tangential direction of one side of the sidewall in the cyclonic portion14. More specifically, an introducing sidewall20, i.e., a side face of the introducing wall18is constructed so that the introducing portion15may be connected substantially linearly with the tangential direction of one side of the cyclonic portion14. Accordingly, the airflow ascending through the introducing portion15is urged toward the tangential direction of the one side of the sidewall in the cyclonic portion14.

The conical portion17comprises: a flange portion21mounted on a step portion14A between the first opening12and the cyclonic portion14; a conical base portion22formed integrally with the flange portion21; a ventilating hole23provided on a side face of the base portion22; and a filter24provided in the ventilating hole23. A filter member26including a pouched filter25is provided on an upper portion of the vortex flow generating member16. The filter member26has a frame27formed from flexible resin or rubber while a seal portion28formed around an outer periphery of the frame27is so constructed that it may be able to closely contact the inner peripheries of the first opening12and the second opening13. Further, a lip portion29is formed on a top portion of the frame27and is so constructed that it may be able to closely contact the lower end5A of the guiding portion5in a manner that the lip portion29surrounds the intake hole6, when the dust-collecting portion11with the vortex flow generating member16and the filter member26is attached to the cleaner body1.

Furthermore, a first receiving portion30which engages with the movable hook8is formed on a front side of the first opening12while a second receiving portion31which engages with the fixed hook10is formed on a rear side of the second opening13. In the meantime, reference symbol32denotes a rib vertically provided between the cyclonic portion14and the introducing portion15, said vertical rib32being integrally formed with reinforcing ribs33,34and35arranged horizontally. By the rib32as well as the reinforcing ribs33,34and35, the stiffness of the dust-collecting portion11is enhanced.

In the meantime, the reinforcing rib35is provided on a lower end of the rib32, while another reinforcing rib36is formed in a manner that is formed by bending the front end of the reinforcing rib35, said reinforcing rib36extending in an orthogonal direction relative to the rib32and the reinforcing rib35. The reinforcing rib36is integrally combined with the center of the lower end of the cyclonic portion14. The reinforcing rib35has a lower end formed flush with that of the introducing portion15so that the dust-collecting portion11is able to stand on end owing to the introducing portion15and the reinforcing rib35when the dust-collecting portion11is detached from the cleaner body1. The dust-collecting portion11is structured such that a projection point G obtained by projecting the center of gravity of the dust-collecting portion11in the vertical direction may be positioned on the reinforcing rib35. As such, the structure of the dust-collecting portion11is simplified thus way. Incidentally, a nozzle37serving as a sucking nozzle is detachably attached to a lower end of the introducing portion15.

Reference numeral38denotes a handle attached to the cleaner body1in a detachable manner. Further, hooks39,40are formed on the cleaner body1and the handle38, respectively, allowing a power cord41extending from a portion of the cleaner body1between these hooks39,40to be wound around them. Further, a power switch-operating portion42is provided on the handle38.

Next is a description of the behaviors of a cyclonic vacuum cleaner according to the present embodiment. In the first place, users attach the vortex flow generating member16and the filter member26to the first opening12and the second opening13of the dust-collecting portion11. At that moment, the seal portion28of the filter member26contacts closely the inner walls of the first opening12and the second opening13. Then, after allowing the second receiving portion31of the dust-collecting portion11to engage with the fixed hook10, the first receiving portion30is allowed to engage with the movable hook8, so that the dust-collecting portion11is attached to the cleaner body1. At that moment, the guide portion5is inserted into the first opening12and the convex portion9is also inserted into the second opening13, so that the dust-collecting portion11is properly positioned relative to the cleaner body1. Further, the lip portion29of the filter member26contacts closely the lower end5A of the guide portion5in a manner that surrounds the intake hole6. Accordingly, a path from the inside of the cyclonic portion14to the intake hole6is sealed. Then, the nozzle37is attached to the lower end of the introducing portion15. It should be noted herein that the dust-collecting portion11not only allows the cyclonic portion14to be integrally connected with the introducing portion15by the rib32, but also it is reinforced by the reinforcing ribs33,34,35and36, so that the distortion of the dust-collecting portion11can be prevented during the use of the cleaner.

Then, the power cord41is detached from the hooks39,40so that it is connected to a power receptacle (not shown), and then the power switch-operating portion42is operated so that the motor fan unit4is actuated. Then, dust-laden airflow is sucked from the nozzle37by the actuation of the motor fan unit4. The airflow sucked from the nozzle37is then allowed to rise within the introducing portion15, changing its flowing direction so as to flow along the introducing wall18of the vortex flow generating member16at an upper end of the introducing portion15, so that the airflow is introduced from the introducing opening19into the cyclonic portion14, along the tangential direction of the one side of the sidewall of the cyclonic portion14.

The airflow thus introduced into the cyclonic portion14is converted into a vortex flow along an inner peripheral surface of the cyclonic portion14so that the vortex flow descends spirally. At that moment, dusts contained in the vortex flow are pressed to an inner peripheral surface of the cyclonic portion14by centrifugal force. Then, when the vortex flow reaches a bottom of the cyclonic portion14, the vortex flow having been descending on the side of the inner peripheral surface of the cyclonic portion14in turn starts rising in the vicinity of the center portion of the cyclonic portion14. At that moment, as the dusts contained in the vortex flow are pressed to the inner peripheral surface of the cyclonic portion14by centrifugal force as described above, comparatively rough dusts are allowed to stay in the vicinity of the inner peripheral surface of the cyclonic portion14so that they are separated from the vortex flow, even if the vortex flow flows toward the vicinity of the center of the cyclonic portion14from the side of the inner peripheral surface thereof.

On the other hand, comparatively fine dusts, which are being mixed in the vortex flow, are moved to the vicinity of the center of the cyclonic portion14and start to ascend in the cyclonic portion14in association with the rising of the vortex flow. Then, the ascended vortex flow passes through the ventilating hole23formed on a side face of the vortex flow generating member16positioned at the upper portion. At that moment, comparatively fine dusts contained in the vortex flow are captured by the filter24attached to the ventilating hole23, while still finer dusts having passed through the filter24are captured by a filter25of a filter member26provided on an upper portion of the vortex flow generating member16. Airflow which has passed through the filter24of the vortex flow generating member16and the filter25of the filter member26reaches the motor fan unit4through the intake hole6to eventually go out of the cleaner body1.

After cleaning, the nozzle37is detached from a lower end of the introducing portion15and then the dust-collecting portion11is detached from the cleaner body1by operating the movable hook8. Then, the filter member26and the vortex flow generating member16are detached from the first opening12and the second opening13, thus removing dusts adherent to the filters24,25. The dusts collected in the cyclonic portion14are dumped into a trash box. At this moment, as the cyclonic portion14is formed integrally with the introducing portion15in the dust-collecting portion11, not only can the dusts within the cyclonic portion14be easily dumped but also can those collected in the introducing portion15be easily removed with the light dust-collecting portion11being held by a hand. Accordingly, even if sheet-like matter or the like is sucked so that the introducing portion15or introducing opening19is clogged therewith during cleaning, yet it can be easily removed.

Specifically, as the vortex flow generating member16having the introducing wall18is detachable from the dust-collecting portion11so that the introducing portion15penetrates from top through bottom when the vortex flow generating member16is detached, it is easy to remove those which clog the introducing portion15, thus displaying excellent maintainability. Further, as the dust-collecting portion11is made of resin and is formed into one-piece structure, it can be washed with water, so that the cyclonic portion14and the introducing portion15can be kept cleaner through such wet-washing.

Moreover, as the dust-collecting portion11not only allows the cyclonic portion14to be integrally connected with the introducing portion15by the rib32, but also it is reinforced by the reinforcing ribs33,34,35and36, so that the damage to the dust-collecting portion11can be prevented when detaching it from the cleaner body1. Still further, as the reinforcing rib35provided at the lower end of the dust-collecting portion11is flush with that of the introducing portion15while the point G obtained by projecting the center of gravity of the dust-collecting portion11in the vertical direction is positioned on the reinforcing rib35, so that the dust-collecting portion11is able to stand on end on the lower end of the introducing portion15and the reinforcing rib35with the first opening12and the second opening13facing upward. Accordingly, it is possible to temporarily let the dust-collecting portion11stand on end without littering the floor with the dusts when dumping the dusts or the like, and thus it is very convenient. It should be noted that the dust-collecting portion11enables the dumping of the dusts with the nozzle37being attached to the lower end of the introducing portion15, while the dust-collecting portion11is able to be put on end with the nozzle37being attached to the lower end of the introducing portion15.

As described above, a cyclonic vacuum cleaner according to the present embodiment comprises the cleaner body1with the motor fan unit4and the dust-collecting portion11detachably attached to the cleaner body1, wherein the dust-collecting portion11comprises: the cyclonic portion14which is approximately cylinder-shaped, having a bottom; the introducing portion15for introducing dust-laden airflow into the cyclonic portion14; the reinforcing rib35serving as a leg for allowing the dust-collecting portion11to stand on end, said reinforcing rib35being provided on the lowermost end of the dust-collecting portion11so as to form the dust-collecting portion11into one-piece structure together with the cyclonic portion14and the introducing portion15; and the nozzle37serving as a sucking nozzle detachably attached to said introducing portion15.

Hence, airflow sucked from the nozzle37passes through the introducing portion15of the dust-collecting portion11to thereby be introduced into the cyclonic portion14formed integrally with the introducing portion15, so that it is converted into a vortex flow within the cyclonic portion14, whereby dusts are separated therefrom by centrifugal force and then the airflow passes through the motor fan unit4to be discharged to the outside of the cleaner body1.

The dusts collected in the cyclonic portion14are dumped by detaching the dust-collecting portion11together with the introducing portion15. Accordingly, not only can the structure of the cleaner body1be simplified despite the fact that a cyclonic vacuum cleaner tends to become too complex in structure, but the maintenance of the introducing portion15as well as that of the cyclonic portion14can be easily performed since dusts collected in the cyclonic portion14can be dumped through the detachment of the dust-collecting portion11together with the introducing portion15. Further, as the structure from the introducing portion15to the cyclonic portion14is simplified thus way and therefore the number of components can be decreased, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing costs, and to reduce the possibility of airflow leakage that might take place in a suction passage, thereby enabling the enhancement of the dust-collecting performance.

Still further, if the dust-collecting portion11is temporarily laid down on the floor when users let go hold of it in the case of detaching it from the cleaner body1to dump the dusts or doing maintenance on the dust-collecting portion11, yet the dust-collecting portion11can be allowed to stand on end by the reinforcing rib35serving as a leg, thus reducing the probability that the floor is littered with the dusts collected inside the cyclonic portion14.

Specifically, the cyclonic vacuum cleaner of the invention comprises the leg formed by the reinforcing rib35which connects the cyclonic portion14with the introducing portion15, said reinforcing rib35being so structured that at least the lower end thereof being formed substantially horizontal, and that the point G obtained by projecting the center of gravity of the dust-collecting portion11in the vertical direction may be positioned on the reinforcing rib35. Thus, the dust-collecting portion11can be prevented from being distorted owing to the reinforcing rib35during the use of the cleaner. Also, if users temporarily let go hold of the dust-collecting portion11in the case of detaching it from the cleaner body1to dump the dusts or doing maintenance on the dust-collecting portion11, yet the dust-collecting portion11can be allowed to stand on end by the reinforcing rib35serving as a leg, thus reducing the probability that the floor is littered with the dusts collected inside the cyclonic portion14.

Still also, as the reinforcing rib35has the lower end formed flush with that of the introducing portion15, the dust-collecting portion11is able to be supported not only by the reinforcing rib35but also by the lower end of the introducing portion15, thus enlarging a support area for the dust-collecting portion11, making it possible to keep the standing posture of the dust-collecting portion11more stably.

Next is a description of a second embodiment of the present invention with reference toFIG. 9toFIG. 11, in which the same reference symbols are used for the same parts as those described in the first embodiment, and their repeated detailed description thereof are omitted.

A dust-collecting portion51made of resin is detachably attached to a lower portion of the cleaner body1. The dust-collecting portion51is formed at its upper portion with a first opening52for inserting the aforesaid guide portion5thereinto and a second opening53for inserting the convex portion9thereinto. Below the first opening52is formed a cyclonic portion54which is of an approximately cylindrical shape, being tapered toward a lower end having a bottom, while below the second opening53is formed an introducing portion55which has an cylindrical inside surface, extending substantially in parallel with an axial direction of the cyclonic portion54. These cyclonic portion54and the introducing portion55are formed integrally from a common member, while with a lower end of the introducing portion55being slightly lower than that of the cyclonic portion54.

Further, the flange portion21of the vortex flow generating member16is placed in a step portion54A between the first opening52and the cyclonic portion54. Furthermore, a first receiving portion56which engages with the movable hook8is formed on a front side of the first opening52while a second receiving portion57which engages with the fixed hook10is formed on a rear side of the second opening53.

Between the cyclonic portion54and the introducing portion55is vertically provided a rib58that is formed integrally with them, said vertical rib58being formed integrally with reinforcing ribs59,60and61horizontally arranged. The rib58and the reinforcing ribs59,60and61contribute to enhancing the stiffness of the dust-collecting portion51. In the center of the lower end of the cyclonic portion54is integrally formed a rib-shaped leg62, extending in an orthogonal direction relative to the rib58and the reinforcing ribs59,60and61. The leg62has a lower end formed flush with that of the introducing portion55, such that a projection point G′ obtained by projecting the center of gravity of the dust-collecting portion51in the vertical direction falls in a region A surrounded by the lower edge of the leg62and that of the introducing portion55. Consequently, when the dust-collecting portion51is detached from the cleaner body1, the dust-collecting portion51can stand on end owing to the introducing portion55and the leg62. It should be noted that the structure of the dust-collecting portion51is simplified thus way. Incidentally, the nozzle37serving as a sucking nozzle is detachably attached to a lower end of the introducing portion55.

Next is a description of the behaviors of the cyclonic vacuum cleaner of the second embodiment.

After cleaning, the nozzle37is detached from a lower end of the introducing portion55and then the dust-collecting portion51is detached from the cleaner body1by operating the movable hook8. Then, the filter member26and the vortex flow generating member16are detached from the first opening52and the second opening53, thus removing dusts adherent to the filters24and25. The dusts collected in the cyclonic portion54are dumped into a trash box. At this moment, as the cyclonic portion54is formed integrally with the introducing portion55in the dust-collecting portion51, not only can the dusts within the cyclonic portion54be easily dumped but also can those collected in the introducing portion55be easily removed with the light dust-collecting portion51being held by a hand. Accordingly, even if sheet-like matter or the like is sucked so that the introducing portion55or the introducing opening19is clogged therewith during cleaning, yet it can be easily removed.

Specifically, as the vortex flow generating member16having the introducing wall18is detachable from the dust-collecting portion51so that the introducing portion55penetrates from top through bottom when the vortex flow generating member16is detached, it is easy to remove those which clog the introducing portion55, thus displaying excellent maintainability. Further, as the dust-collecting portion51is made of resin and is formed into one-piece structure, it can be washed with water, so that the cyclonic portion54and the introducing portion55can be kept cleaner through such wet-washing.

Moreover, as the dust-collecting portion51not only allows the cyclonic portion54to be integrally connected with the introducing portion55by the rib58, but also it is reinforced by the reinforcing ribs59,60and61, the damage to the dust-collecting portion51can be prevented when detaching it from the cleaner body1. Still further, as the dust-collecting portion51is reinforced by the rib58, the reinforcing ribs59,60and61, the dust-collection portion51can be prevented from being distorted or damaged during the use of the cleaner. Still also, the projection point G′ obtained by projecting the center of gravity of the dust-collecting portion51in the vertical direction is positioned in the region A surrounded by the lower end of the leg62and the lower end of the introducing portion55, so that the dust-collecting portion51is able to stand on end with the first opening52and the second opening53facing upward owing to the leg62provided at the lower end of dust-collecting potion51and the lower end of the introducing portion55. Accordingly, it is possible to temporarily allow the dust-collecting portion51to stand on end without littering the floor with the dusts when dumping the dusts or the like, and thus it is very convenient. It should be noted that the dust-collecting portion51enables the dumping of the dusts with the nozzle37being attached to the lower end of the introducing portion55, and that the dust-collecting portion51is able to be put on end with the nozzle37being attached to the lower end of the introducing portion55.

As described above, a cyclonic vacuum cleaner according to the present embodiment comprises the cleaner body1with the motor fan unit4and the dust-collecting portion51detachably attached to the cleaner body1, wherein the dust-collecting portion51comprises: the cyclonic portion54which is approximately cylinder-shaped, having a bottom; the introducing portion55for introducing dust-laden airflow into the cyclonic portion54; the leg62provided on the lowermost end of the dust-collecting portion51, said leg62allowing the dust-collecting portion51to stand on end; and the nozzle37serving as a sucking nozzle detachably attached to said introducing portion55, wherein said cyclonic portion54, said introducing portion55and said leg62are formed integrally with one another.

Hence, airflow sucked from the nozzle37is allowed to pass through the introducing portion55of the dust-collecting portion51to thereby be introduced into the cyclonic portion54formed integrally with the introducing portion55, so that it is converted into a vortex flow within the cyclonic portion54, whereby dusts are separated therefrom by centrifugal force and then the airflow passes through the motor fan unit4to be discharged to the outside of the cleaner body1.

The dusts collected in the cyclonic portion54are dumped by detaching the dust-collecting portion51together with the introducing portion55. Accordingly, not only can the structure of the cleaner body1be simplified despite the fact that a cyclonic vacuum cleaner tends to become too complex in structure, but the maintenance of the introducing portion55as well as that of the cyclonic portion54can be easily performed through the detachment of the dust-collecting portion51together with the introducing portion55. Further, as the structure from the introducing portion55to the cyclonic portion54is simplified thus way and therefore the number of components can be decreased, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing costs, and to reduce the possibility of airflow leakage that might take place in a suction passage, thereby enabling the enhancement of the dust-collecting performance.

Still further, even if the dust-collecting portion51is temporarily laid down on the floor when users let go hold of it in the case of detaching it from the cleaner body1to dump the dusts contained in the cyclonic portion54or doing maintenance on the dust-collecting portion51, yet the dust-collecting portion51can be allowed to stand on end by the leg62, thus reducing the probability that the floor is littered with the dusts collected inside the cyclonic portion54.

Still also, as the leg62has the lower end formed flush with that of the introducing portion55, the dust-collecting portion51is able to be supported not only by the leg62but also by the lower end of the introducing portion55, thus enlarging a support area for the dust-collecting portion51, making it possible to keep the standing posture of the dust-collecting portion51more stably.

Specifically, the leg62of the cyclonic vacuum cleaner of the present embodiment is so structured that the lower end thereof is flush with that of the introducing portion55, and that the point G′ obtained by projecting the center of gravity of the dust-collecting portion51in the vertical direction may be positioned in the region surrounded by the lower edge of the leg62and the lower edge of the introducing portion55. Thus, if users temporarily let go hold of the dust-collecting portion51in the case of detaching it from the cleaner body1to dump the dusts contained in the cyclonic portion54or doing maintenance on the dust-collecting portion51, yet the dust-collecting portion51can be allowed to stand on end by the respective ends of the leg62and the introducing portion55, thus keeping the dust-collecting portion51standing on end more stably, reducing the likelihood that the floor is littered with the dusts collected inside the cyclonic portion54.

In the meantime, the present invention should not be limited to the foregoing embodiments but various modifications are possible within a scope of the invention. For example, although the lower end of the introducing portion extends lower than that of the cyclonic portion in the foregoing first embodiment, the lower end of the introducing portion may be flush with that of the cyclonic portion. Alternatively, the lower end of the cyclonic portion may extend lower than that of the introducing portion. Further, although the leg is formed on the lower end of the cyclonic portion in the second embodiment, it may be formed on the lower end of the introducing portion, or otherwise, on the rib which connects the introducing portion with the cyclonic portion.