Patent Description:
Background of the invention: Vacuum cleaners may utilize one or more cyclonic separators. Each cyclonic may include communication with a debris collector. The vacuum cleaner used in particular applications varies on a number of factors. For example, handheld vacuum cleaners that are used for cleaning an office, a residence, or a worksite require a large capacity debris collector and must be arranged to allow for maneuverability. In order to increase the debris capacity of the vacuum cleaner, the debris collector size must be increased, which increases the overall size while decreasing the maneuverability of the vacuum. As a result, the arrangement of the components of the vacuum may increase the maneuverability and functionality of the vacuum.

According to its abstract, <CIT> describes a surface cleaning apparatus that comprises a floor head, a housing supporting a suction source including a motor with an axle which rotates a fan, a dirt collection container and an elongate member having an elongate axis, said elongate member connecting the floor head to the housing, said elongate member including a passage for carrying dirt-laden air from the floor head to the dirt collection container, wherein the elongate axis of the elongate member is substantially parallel with an axis of the axle of the motor. In other disclosed alternatives the elongate axis of the dirt collection container or a cyclonic separation device is transverse to an axis of the axle of the motor, and wherein the axis of the axle of the motor is offset from the elongate axis a of the dirt collection container or cyclonic separation device. Also the motor is positioned rearwardly of and lower than the dirt collection container.

According to its abstract, <CIT> describes a hand held vacuum cleaner having an inlet nozzle that communicates with the interior of a dust collection container. The container delivers air to an air flow generator driven by an electric motor. The handle has a longitudinal axis that is inclined by an angle to the longitudinal axis of the container. The angle is about <NUM>°.

According to its abstract, <CIT> describes a hand -held vacuum cleaner that includes: casing, dirt cup and motor, be formed with air intake and air outlet on the casing, the air intake is located the front end of casing, the dirt cup is established on the casing, the motor is established vertically the air intake with between the dirt cup, follow air inlet goes into to arrive dusty airflow in the casing flows through in proper order the dirt cup with follow behind the motor the air outlet is discharged. According to the utility model discloses a hand -held vacuum cleaner, through with the motor setting between air intake and dirt cup, increased the variety of hand -held vacuum cleaner's structure. And, through with the vertical setting of motor, made things convenient for the installation of motor, improved assembly efficiency.

According to its abstract, <CIT> describes a hand vacuum cleaner that includes an air inlet conduit having an inlet conduit axis, a suction motor and fan assembly having a suction motor axis of rotation, and an air treatment member. The handle has a hand grip portion that extends upwardly and forwardly and the suction motor is positioned forward of the hand grip portion.

Aspects of the present invention are defined by the appended independent claim.

Described herein is a handheld vacuum cleaner. The handheld vacuum cleaner includes a housing, a handle extending from the housing, a suction opening including a suction inlet that extends centrally through the suction opening, a debris separator configured to separate debris from an airflow. The debris separator including an inlet having an inlet axis that extends centrally through the inlet and a debris outlet having an outlet axis that extends centrally through the outlet. The debris separator includes a generally horizontal cyclone having a cyclone axis that extends centrally through the generally horizontal cyclone. The airflow rotatable about the cyclone axis to separate the debris from the airflow. The cyclone axis being generally perpendicular to the inlet axis. A suction source operable to generate the
airflow. The suction source including a suction source axis, a motor, and a fan rotated by the motor about the suction source axis. The suction source axis positioned at an obtuse angle relative to the inlet axis and perpendicular to the cyclone axis. A debris collector in fluid communication with the debris outlet. The debris collector configured to receive the debris separated from the airflow. The debris collector extending below the suction source.

Preferably, the debris separator includes a first stage separator in fluid communication with the inlet and a second stage separator in fluid communication with the first stage separator.

Preferably, the first stage separator further comprises a sidewall that extends around the cyclone axis, wherein the inlet and the debris outlet extend through and are tangential to the sidewall.

Preferably, the second stage separator includes an outer cylindrical portion having a plurality of apertures to restrict large debris from entering the second stage separator.

Preferably, the second stage separator includes a second stage debris outlet in fluid communication with the debris collector.

Preferably, the suction source axis is positioned at an acute angle relative to the outlet axis.

Preferably, the acute angle is in a range from <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees.

Preferably, the outlet axis is positioned at an acute angle relative to the inlet axis.

Preferably, the acute angle of the debris outlet relative to the inlet axis is in a range from <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees.

Preferably, the acute angle of the debris outlet relative to the inlet axis is in the range from <NUM> degrees to <NUM> degrees.

Preferably, the housing comprises a rear portion that forms a first substantially flat surface configured to support the handheld vacuum cleaner when the handheld vacuum cleaner is positioned on a surface.

Preferably, the handheld vacuum cleaner further includes a battery connection port positioned at an angle relative to the surface that is configured to receive a battery for powering the suction source, wherein the battery, when received, is proximate to and offset the surface when the handheld vacuum cleaner is positioned on the surface to allow the battery to be removably coupled to the battery connection port.

Preferably, the debris collector includes a bottom wall positioned adjacent the first substantially flat surface of the housing, wherein the bottom wall aligns with the first substantially flat of the housing to support the handheld vacuum cleaner on the surface.

Preferably, the debris collector further comprises a release trigger configured to selectively open the bottom wall to allow debris to be removed from the debris collector.

Preferably, the handheld vacuum cleaner further includes a battery connection port that extends from the housing in a position between the debris separator and a rear portion of the housing, the battery connection port being configured to receive a battery for powering the suction source.

Preferably, the handle further comprises a first portion that extends from the housing proximate the debris separator and a second portion secured to the battery connection port.

Preferably, the battery connection port is configured to receive the battery along a battery connection axis.

Preferably, the battery connection axis is offset and generally parallel to the inlet axis.

Preferably, the debris collector extends along the housing adjacent to the suction source, wherein the generally horizontal cyclone proximate a front portion of the housing and in front of the debris collector and the suction source.

Preferably, the generally horizontal cyclone is positioned above the suction source and the debris collector when the handheld vacuum cleaner is positioned on a surface.

Preferably, the handheld vacuum cleaner further includes a battery for powering the suction source.

<FIG> illustrates a handheld vacuum cleaner <NUM>. The vacuum cleaner <NUM> includes a debris separator <NUM>, a debris collector <NUM>, and a housing <NUM> having a front portion <NUM> and a rear portion <NUM>. A battery connection port <NUM> extends from the housing <NUM> in a position between the debris separator <NUM> and the rear portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. A rechargeable battery <NUM> is coupled to the housing <NUM> via the battery connection port <NUM>. In some constructions, the battery <NUM> may be an onboard battery that is fixed to the battery connection port <NUM>. In other constructions, the battery <NUM> may be removably coupled to the battery connection port <NUM>. In one embodiment, the battery <NUM> is an <NUM> volt lithium-ion battery. In other embodiments, other types and voltages of batteries can be used.

The vacuum <NUM> further includes a handle <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, a first portion <NUM> of the handle <NUM> extends from the housing <NUM> proximate the debris separator <NUM> and a second portion <NUM> of the handle <NUM> is secured to the battery connection port <NUM>. The handle <NUM> forms an arcuate shape that defines a gap <NUM> that allows the user to grasp the handle <NUM> during operation of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>. In other embodiments, the handle <NUM> may extend from an alternative location on the housing <NUM>, the handle <NUM> may be embedded within the housing <NUM>, and/or the like.

Referring to <FIG>, the debris separator <NUM> is positioned within the housing <NUM> and separates debris from an airflow. The debris separator <NUM> includes a first stage cyclonic separator <NUM> and a second stage cyclonic separator <NUM> in fluid communication with the first stage separator <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the first stage cyclonic separator <NUM> and the second stage cyclone separator <NUM> of the debris separator <NUM> define a generally horizontal cyclone <NUM>. More specifically, the second stage cyclone separator <NUM> is provided in the airflow path downstream from the first stage separator <NUM>. As a result, the airflow passes through the first stage separator <NUM> and enters the second stage separator <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the generally horizontal cyclone <NUM> includes a cyclone axis <NUM> that extends centrally through the generally horizontal cyclone <NUM>. That is, if the vacuum cleaner <NUM> is set on a surface <NUM> (e.g., floor or countertop) in the orientation shown in <FIG>, the cyclone axis <NUM> is horizontal relative to the surface <NUM> and generally parallel to the surface.

Referring to <FIG>, the first stage separator <NUM> includes a sidewall <NUM> that extends around the cyclone axis <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the sidewall <NUM> is cylindrical. In other embodiments, the sidewall <NUM> may be frustoconical. The sidewall <NUM> of the debris separator <NUM> includes an inlet <NUM> and a debris outlet <NUM> in communication with the debris collector <NUM>. The inlet <NUM> and the debris outlet <NUM> are generally located tangential to the sidewall <NUM>. The inlet <NUM> and the debris outlet <NUM> extend through the sidewall <NUM>.

The first stage separator <NUM> is in fluid communication with the inlet <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, an extension wand or suction nozzle <NUM> is removably coupled to the inlet <NUM>. Accessory tools <NUM> (e.g., floor nozzles, brushes, crevice tools, and the like) can be removably attached to the suction nozzle <NUM>. The suction nozzle <NUM> defines a suction opening that receives debris from a desired vacuuming area. The suction opening is in communication with the inlet <NUM> to provide air and debris to the debris separator <NUM>.

As a result, the air and debris entering through the inlet <NUM> are directed along the sidewall <NUM> of the first stage separator <NUM>, around the cyclone axis <NUM> (<FIG>). The debris directed along the sidewall <NUM> and through the outlet <NUM>. The remaining debris and air enter the second stage separator <NUM> positioned downstream the first stage separator <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the first stage separator <NUM> further includes a separator cover <NUM> and a filter cover <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the separator cover <NUM> is removably coupled to a first side <NUM> of the housing <NUM> and the filter cover <NUM> is removably coupled to a second side <NUM> of the housing <NUM>. Rotation of the separator cover <NUM> or the filter cover <NUM> about the cyclone axis <NUM> disengages the respective separator cover <NUM> or filter cover <NUM> from the housing <NUM>.

The separator cover <NUM> is removed to access an end wall <NUM>. The end wall <NUM> and the sidewall <NUM> defines the first stage separator <NUM>. The end wall <NUM> is removably coupled to the debris separator <NUM> to allow for the inside of the debris separator <NUM> to be cleaned. In the illustrated embodiment, the end wall <NUM> and the separator cover <NUM> are perpendicular to the cyclone axis <NUM>. In other embodiments, the separator cover <NUM> and/or the end wall <NUM> may be fastened to the housing <NUM> via fasteners or the like. The separator cover <NUM> may also be coupled to the end wall <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the filter cover <NUM> is removed to allow a filter <NUM> to be accessed. The filter <NUM> is positioned between the filter cover <NUM> and the first and second stage separators (<NUM>, <NUM>). The filter is position in a filter holder <NUM>. The filter <NUM> may be removed and replaced when the filter cover <NUM> is removed.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the second stage separator <NUM> includes an inlet <NUM>, a debris outlet <NUM>, an air outlet <NUM>, a sidewall <NUM>, and an outer cylindrical portion <NUM> having a plurality of apertures <NUM> to restrict large debris from entering the second stage separator <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the sidewall <NUM> includes a frustoconical portion <NUM> adjacent to the debris outlet <NUM>. The cyclone axis <NUM> extends centrally through the debris outlet <NUM> and the air outlet <NUM> as illustrated in <FIG>.

The sidewall <NUM> surrounds the cyclone axis <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the cyclone axis <NUM> extends through the first stage separator <NUM> and the second stage separator <NUM>. In some embodiments, an axis of the second stage separator <NUM> may be coaxial with an axis of the first stage separator <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the inlet <NUM> receives air and debris through the plurality of apertures <NUM> on the outer cylindrical portion <NUM>. A wall <NUM> including external fins <NUM> extends around the air outlet <NUM>. The wall <NUM> inhibits air and debris from traveling through the air outlet <NUM> without first traveling around the cyclone axis <NUM> in the second stage separator <NUM> to separate the debris from the airflow.

The debris outlet <NUM> enters into a debris cavity <NUM> defined by the area between the debris outlet <NUM> and a curved portion <NUM> of the end wall <NUM>. The debris cavity <NUM> and the debris outlet <NUM> of the second stage separator <NUM> are in fluid communication with the debris collector <NUM>. The debris outlet <NUM> and the debris cavity <NUM> are positioned beyond the end wall <NUM> of the first stage separator <NUM> in a direction of arrow <NUM> of <FIG> along the cyclone axis <NUM>. In some embodiments, the second stage separator <NUM> may have a separate debris collector.

Referring to <FIG>, the vacuum cleaner <NUM> further includes a suction source <NUM> operable to generate a suction airflow through vacuum cleaner <NUM> from the suction nozzle <NUM> through the debris separator <NUM> to an exhaust <NUM> of the suction source <NUM>. The suction source <NUM> includes a motor <NUM> and a fan <NUM> that is rotated by the motor <NUM>. The suction source <NUM> includes a suction source axis <NUM> that extends centrally through the suction source <NUM>, the motor <NUM>, and the fan <NUM> rotated by the motor <NUM>. The motor <NUM> rotates the fan <NUM> about the suction source axis <NUM>. The suction source <NUM> is in fluid communication with the debris separator <NUM>. The suction source <NUM> receives filtered air from the air outlet <NUM> (<FIG>) and transfers the filtered air through the exhaust <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG>, the debris collector <NUM> extends along the housing <NUM> adjacent to the suction source <NUM>. Both the debris collector <NUM> and the suction source <NUM> extend from the rear portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> to the debris separator <NUM> having the generally horizontal cyclone <NUM>. Specifically, the suction source <NUM> and the debris collector <NUM> are positioned below the debris separator <NUM> when the vacuum is positioned on the surface <NUM>. Referring to <FIG>, during operation, the debris collector <NUM> extends below the suction source <NUM>. The debris collector <NUM> spans approximately <NUM> percent of the width (e.g. distance between the front and rear portion <NUM>, <NUM>) of the housing <NUM>. The debris separator <NUM> having the generally horizontal cyclone <NUM> is positioned adjacent the front portion <NUM> of the vacuum <NUM>. That is the generally horizontal cyclone is positioned in front of the suction source <NUM> and the debris collector <NUM> when the vacuum <NUM> is in operation (<FIG>). When the vacuum is positioned on a surface <NUM> (<FIG>), the generally horizontal cyclone <NUM> is positioned above the suction source <NUM> and the debris collector <NUM>.

The debris collector <NUM> includes a debris collector axis <NUM> that extends through a centrally through the debris collector. The illustrated debris collector <NUM> includes a first portion <NUM> having a generally rectangular profile that conforms with the shape of the housing <NUM> adjacent to the suction source <NUM> and a second portion <NUM> having a generally trapezoidal profile. The trapezoidal profile of the second portion <NUM> allows the users to easily grasp the debris collector <NUM> during removal of the debris collector. The debris collector <NUM> may further include a connection mechanism to removably couple the debris collector <NUM> to the housing <NUM> so the user may empty the debris collector <NUM>. The interlock mechanism may include grooves and/or a snap fit that secures the debris collector <NUM> to the housing <NUM>.

The debris collector <NUM> includes a bottom wall <NUM> and a release trigger <NUM> positioned proximate the bottom wall <NUM>. The bottom wall <NUM> is pivotally openable to empty the debris collector <NUM> via actuation of the release trigger <NUM>. Opening the bottom wall <NUM> empties the debris collector <NUM>. In some embodiments, the debris collector <NUM> may further include a debris collector handle positioned on the debris collector to allow the user to securely grasp the collector during removal of the debris collector. The debris collector handle may extend from the debris collector or be integrally formed within the debris collector (e.g., indentations in the debris collector).

Referring to <FIG>, the rear portion <NUM> of the housing <NUM> forms a first substantially flat surface <NUM> to support the vacuum <NUM> when the vacuum <NUM> is positioned on the surface <NUM>. When the debris collector <NUM> is coupled to the housing <NUM>, the bottom wall <NUM> is positioned adjacent to the first substantially flat surface <NUM> of the housing. The bottom wall <NUM> of the debris collector <NUM> aligns with the first substantially flat surface <NUM> of the housing <NUM> to further support the vacuum <NUM> when the vacuum <NUM> is positioned on the surface <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> the battery <NUM> is slidably attached to the battery connection port <NUM>. The battery <NUM> is removed and attached to the housing <NUM> by moving the battery <NUM> along a battery connection axis <NUM> that extends centrally through the battery connection port <NUM>. The battery connection axis <NUM> is positioned at an angle relative to the surface <NUM>. When the battery <NUM> is connected and the vacuum <NUM> is positioned on the surface <NUM>, the battery is proximate to and offset the surface <NUM> to allow the battery <NUM> to be removably coupled to the battery connection port <NUM>. As a result, the battery <NUM> may be interchanged with an alternative battery when the vacuum is positioned on the surface <NUM>. In some embodiments, the battery <NUM> may be attached to the battery connection port <NUM> in an alternative manner. Additionally or alternatively the connection port <NUM> may be positioned on or extend from an alternative location on the housing <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the battery <NUM> may be configured as a battery pack including multiple battery cells. For example, the battery pack may be a <NUM>-volt battery pack and may include three (<NUM>) Lithium-ion battery cells. In other embodiments, the battery pack may include fewer or more battery cells such that the battery pack is a <NUM>-volt battery pack, an <NUM>-volt battery pack, or the like. Additionally, or alternatively, the battery cells may have chemistries other than Lithium-ion such as, for example, Nickel Cadmium, Nickel Metal-Hydride, or the like. In some embodiments, the battery <NUM> may be compatible with an electric power tool and/or the like.

Referring to <FIG>, a switch <NUM> is positioned on the handle <NUM> and is operably coupled to a suction source <NUM> (<FIG>). In the illustrated embodiment the switch <NUM> is positioned on the first portion <NUM> of handle <NUM> proximate the debris separator <NUM>. In other embodiments, the switch <NUM> may be positioned on any portion of the handle <NUM> (e.g., a bottom portion, a top portion, rear portion of the handle <NUM>, and/or the like) to allow the user to actuate the switch <NUM> during operation. In the illustrated embodiment, the switch <NUM> is slidably movably. In other embodiments, the switch may be a press button, and/or the like.

Referring to the drawings, the illustrated vacuum <NUM> has an arrangement of features that has been particularly useful for some applications, including use on construction job sites. The vacuum <NUM> includes an arrangement of axis's that extend through components of the vacuum. Specifically, an inlet axis <NUM> extends centrally through the inlet <NUM> and centrally through the suction nozzle <NUM>. A suction source axis <NUM> extends through the suction source <NUM>. An outlet axis <NUM> extends centrally through the debris outlet <NUM>. A battery connection axis <NUM> extends centrally through the battery connection port <NUM>. A debris collector axis <NUM> extends centrally through the debris collector.

The inlet axis <NUM>, the suction source axis <NUM>, the outlet axis <NUM>, the battery connection axis <NUM>, and the debris collector axis <NUM> are arranged at specific angles to form a compact vacuum that is easily maneuverable by the user. When describing the relative angles between a first and a second axis, the angle is measured from the first axis to the second axis in a counter clockwise direction. For example, when the first axis is positioned at an acute angle relative to the second axis, the measurement starts at the first axis and rotates counterclockwise until the second axis is intersected.

Referring to <FIG>, the suction source axis <NUM> is positioned at an angle <NUM> relative to the inlet axis <NUM>. This is, the suction source axis <NUM> is positioned at an obtuse angle (e.g., an angle greater than <NUM> degrees) relative the inlet axis. In some embodiments, the suction source axis <NUM> is positioned at an angle in a range from approximately <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees relative to the inlet axis <NUM>. In other embodiments, the range may be from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees. More specifically, the suction source axis <NUM> may be positioned at an angle of approximately <NUM> degrees relative to the inlet axis <NUM>.

The outlet axis <NUM> is positioned at an angle <NUM> relative to the inlet axis <NUM>. That is, the outlet axis <NUM> is positioned at an acute angle (e.g., an angle less than <NUM> degrees) relative to the inlet axis <NUM>. In some embodiments, the outlet axis <NUM> is positioned at an angle in a range from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees relative to the inlet axis <NUM>. In other embodiments, the range may be from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees relative to the inlet axis <NUM>. In other embodiments, the range may be from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees. More specifically, the outlet axis <NUM> may be positioned at an angle of approximately <NUM> degrees relative to the inlet axis <NUM>.

The debris collector axis <NUM> is positioned at an angle <NUM> relative to the inlet axis <NUM>. That is, the debris collector axis <NUM> is positioned at an obtuse angle (e.g., an angle greater than <NUM> degrees) relative to the inlet axis <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the debris collector axis is <NUM> positioned at an angle in a range from approximately <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees relative to the inlet axis <NUM>. In other embodiments, the range may be from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees relative to the inlet axis <NUM>. More specifically, the debris collector axis may be positioned at an angle of approximately <NUM> degrees relative to the inlet axis <NUM>.

The battery connection axis <NUM> is offset and generally parallel the inlet axis <NUM>. In some embodiments, the battery connection axis <NUM> is positioned at an angle in a range from about -<NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees relative to the inlet axis <NUM>. In other embodiments, the range may be from about -<NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees.

The suction source axis <NUM> is positioned at an angle <NUM> relative to the outlet axis <NUM>. That is, the suction source axis <NUM> is positioned at an acute angle (e.g., an angle less than <NUM> degrees) relative to the outlet axis <NUM>. In some embodiments, the suction source axis <NUM> is positioned at an angle in a range from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees relative to the inlet axis <NUM>. In some embodiments, the range may be from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees relative to the inlet axis <NUM>. In some embodiments, the range may be from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees. More specifically, the suction source axis <NUM> may be positioned at an angle of approximately <NUM> degrees relative to the outlet axis <NUM>.

The debris collector axis <NUM> is positioned at an angle <NUM> relative to the outlet axis <NUM>. That is, the debris collector axis <NUM> is positioned at an acute angle relative (e.g., an angle less than <NUM> degrees) to the outlet axis. In some embodiments, the debris collector axis <NUM> is positioned at an angle in a range from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees relative to the outlet axis <NUM>. In some embodiments, the range may be from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees relative to the inlet axis <NUM>. In some embodiments, the range may be from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees. More specifically, the debris collector axis <NUM> may be positioned at an angle of approximately <NUM> degrees relative to the outlet axis <NUM>.

The battery connection axis <NUM> is positioned at an angle <NUM> relative to the outlet axis <NUM>. That is, the battery connection axis <NUM> is position at an obtuse angle (e.g., an angle greater than <NUM> degrees) relative the outlet axis. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery connection axis <NUM> is positioned at an angle in a range from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees relative to the outlet axis. In some embodiments, the range may be from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees. In some embodiments, the range may be from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees. More specifically, the battery connection axis <NUM> may be positioned at an angle of approximately <NUM> degrees relative to the outlet axis <NUM>.

The suction source axis <NUM> is offset and generally parallel to the debris collector axis <NUM>. In some embodiments, the suction source axis is positioned at an angle in a range from about -<NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees relative to the outlet axis. In other embodiments, the range may be from about -<NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees.

The battery connection axis <NUM> is positioned at an angle <NUM> relative to the debris collector axis <NUM>. That is, the battery connection axis <NUM> is at a generally perpendicular relative to the debris collector axis. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery connector is positioned at an angle in a range from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees relative to the inlet axis <NUM>. In some embodiments, the range may be from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees relative to the inlet axis <NUM>. In some embodiments, the range may be from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees. More specifically, the battery connection axis <NUM> may be positioned at an angle of approximately <NUM> degrees relative to the debris collector axis <NUM>.

The battery connection axis <NUM> is positioned at an angle <NUM> relative to the suction source axis <NUM>. That is, the battery connection axis <NUM> is at a generally perpendicular relative to the suction source axis <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, the battery connection axis <NUM> is positioned at an angle in a range from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees relative to the suction source axis <NUM>. In some embodiments, the range may be from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees relative to the inlet axis <NUM>. In some embodiments, the range may be from about <NUM> degrees to about <NUM> degrees. More specifically, the battery connection axis <NUM> is positioned at an angle of approximately <NUM> degrees relative to the suction source axis <NUM>.

In operation, the user actuates the switch <NUM> to operate the suction source <NUM> to draw a suction airflow entrained with debris through the suction nozzle <NUM>. The airflow and debris travel through the inlet <NUM> of the first stage separator <NUM>. In the illustrated embodiment, there are no bends in the flow path from the suction nozzle <NUM> into the first stage separator <NUM>. The elimination of any bends in the flow path has been found particularly useful in some applications, including construction job site applications. On construction sites, the debris is relatively large (e.g., wood chips, paper, etc.). The elimination of bends in the flow path reduces the likelihood that the relatively large debris will clog the vacuum cleaner <NUM>.

After traveling through the inlet <NUM>, the debris and suction airflow travel around the cyclone axis <NUM> generally in the direction of arrows <NUM> of <FIG>. By cyclonic action, the debris is forced toward the sidewall <NUM> and eventually through the debris outlet <NUM> into the debris collector <NUM> (<FIG>).

Referring to <FIG>, the airflow and any remaining fine debris travel in the direction of arrows <NUM> through the plurality of apertures <NUM> in the outer cylindrical portion <NUM> and towards the inlet <NUM> of the second stage separator <NUM> downstream the first stage separator <NUM>. After the suction airflow and any debris travel through the plurality of apertures <NUM>, the airflow and debris are directed around the cyclone axis <NUM> of the second stage separator <NUM> as represented by arrows <NUM>. By cyclonic action, the debris is forced toward the sidewall <NUM> and the frustoconical portion <NUM> through the debris outlet <NUM> into the debris cavity <NUM>.

The debris falls along the outlet axis <NUM> (<FIG>) into the debris collector <NUM>. The relatively clean air travels out of the second stage separator <NUM> through the air outlet <NUM> as represented by arrow <NUM> in <FIG>. The airflow then travels through the filter <NUM>, represented by arrow <NUM>, to a channel <NUM>. The channel <NUM> is in communication with the suction source <NUM>, so the airflow travels through the fan <NUM> before being exhausted from the housing <NUM> through the exhaust <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A handheld vacuum cleaner (<NUM>) comprising;
a housing (<NUM>);
a handle (<NUM>) extending from the housing;
a suction nozzle (<NUM>) opening including an inlet axis (<NUM>) that extends centrally through the suction nozzle opening;
a debris separator (<NUM>) configured to separate debris from an airflow, the debris separator including an inlet (<NUM>) having the inlet axis that extends centrally through the inlet and a debris outlet (<NUM>) having an outlet axis (<NUM>) that extends centrally through the debris outlet, the debris separator includes a generally horizontal cyclone (<NUM>) having a cyclone axis (<NUM>) that extends centrally through the generally horizontal cyclone when the handheld vacuum cleaner is set on a surface (<NUM>), the airflow rotatable about the cyclone axis to separate the debris from the airflow, the cyclone axis being generally perpendicular to the inlet axis;
a suction source (<NUM>) operable to generate the airflow, the suction source including a suction source axis (<NUM>), a motor (<NUM>), and a fan (<NUM>) rotated by the motor about the suction source axis (<NUM>);
a battery (<NUM>) that powers the suction source; and
a debris collector (<NUM>) in fluid communication with the debris outlet, the debris collector configured to receive the debris separated from the airflow, the debris collector extending below the suction source during operation of the handheld vacuum cleaner (<NUM>),
characterised in that
said suction source axis (<NUM>) is positioned at an obtuse angle (<NUM>) relative to the inlet axis (<NUM>) and perpendicular to the cyclone axis (<NUM>).