Patent Description:
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.

In general, some problems and requirements exist when designing vacuum cleaners. One example is the cleaning efficiency. Users of vacuum cleaners expect a high cleaning efficiency in order to achieve a good cleaning result with little effort. Another problem is noise level during operation. Noise generated by a vacuum cleaner is usually annoying for the user and for persons in the vicinity of the vacuum cleaner. Still another problem is to provide a user-friendly vacuum cleaner which can be used in a simple and intuitive manner. A further problem is energy consumption of the vacuum cleaner. These problems and requirements are usually conflicting problems and requirements. That is, an easy way to increase the cleaning efficiency of a vacuum cleaner is to increase the power of the fan. However, as a result thereof, the noise generated by the vacuum cleaner as well as the energy consumption of the vacuum cleaner will increase.

Moreover, generally, on today's consumer market, it is an advantage if products, such as vacuum cleaners and vacuum cleaner components, have conditions and/or characteristics suitable for being manufactured and assembled in a cost-efficient manner. To be inserted on page <NUM>, line <NUM> of original description.

Document <CIT> discloses an exhaust grille comprising an array of spaced vanes. The grill is configured so as to deflect sound waves incident upon the grille to prevent them from passing through the exhaust grille.

Document <CIT> discloses a stick vacuum cleaner having a handheld vacuum cleaner adapted to be docked to a stick. When the handheld vacuum cleaner is docked to the stick an air path is formed connecting an air outlet of the handheld vacuum cleaner with an air outlet provided in the stick. A noise absorption unit is provided in the air path or outside the air outlet from the stick.

Document <CIT> discloses A cleaning appliance having an exhaust vent and an exhaust baffle, the exhaust baffle includes a body having an upstream face and a downstream face.

Document <CIT> discloses dust collector and a noise reduction structure. A noise reduction sleeve is installed at a tail of the motor cover, and a mazy air-out structure is formed between the noise reduction sleeve and the motor cover to reduce the noise.

Document <CIT> discloses a suction nozzle of a vacuum having a noise reducing rib at the suction port.

Document <CIT> discloses a vacuum cleaner comprising a motor housing providing a wall structure having a plurality of walls and defining an air flow channel with a plurality of turns.

According to a first aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a handheld vacuum cleaner according to the independent claim <NUM>.

Since 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 <NUM> 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.

Furthermore, since the angle between the extension direction of the sound reducing section and the fan axis is less than <NUM> 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 <NUM> 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.

Accordingly, 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.

Optionally, the length of the sound reducing section is greater than <NUM>. 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. Furthermore, 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. Moreover, conditions are provided for a well-balanced vacuum cleaner.

Optionally, the length of the sound reducing section is at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>%, of the distance between the air inlet and the air outlet of the vacuum cleaner. 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. Furthermore, 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. Moreover, conditions are provided for a well-balanced vacuum cleaner.

Optionally, 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. Thereby, the flow resistance of air flowing through the sound reducing section is significantly reduced. As a result, the energy consumption of the vacuum cleaner can be lowered while allowing higher power levels of the fan. Moreover, due to the one or more blades protruding into the sound reducing section, 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.

Optionally, each blade of the one or more blades protrudes in a direction parallel to the fan axis. Thereby, vortex flow of air in the sound reducing section is counteracted in an efficient manner. Moreover, the one or more blades have conditions and characteristics suitable for being manufactured in a cost-efficient manner.

In the invention 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. Thereby, the noise generated by the vacuum cleaner is attenuated in a further efficient manner.

Optionally, the cross sectional area of the second portion is at least <NUM>% smaller than the cross sectional area of the first portion. Thereby, it is ensured that the noise generated by the vacuum cleaner is attenuated in a further efficient manner.

Optionally, the one or more blades is/are arranged upstream of the second portion. Thereby, vortex flow of air in the second portion of the sound reducing section is counteracted in an efficient manner. As a result thereof, the flow resistance of air flowing through the second portion of the sound reducing section is significantly reduced. As a result, the energy consumption of the vacuum cleaner can be lowered while allowing higher power levels of the fan. As a further result of these features, the sound generated by the vacuum cleaner is further lowered.

Optionally, the sound reducing section comprises a narrowing portion between the first and second portions. Thereby, the noise generated by the fan is attenuated in a further efficient manner.

Optionally, the one or more blades is/are arranged in, or upstream of, the narrowing portion. Thereby, 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. As a result thereof, 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. As a result, the energy consumption of the vacuum cleaner can be lowered while allowing higher power levels of the fan. As a further result of these features, the sound generated by the vacuum cleaner is further lowered.

Optionally, 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. Thereby, 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. Moreover, conditions are provided for a well-balanced vacuum cleaner.

Optionally, the cross sectional area of the third portion is at least <NUM>% greater than the cross sectional area of the second portion. Thereby, it is ensured that 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. Moreover, conditions are provided for a well-balanced vacuum cleaner, as is further explained herein.

Optionally, the length of the second portion, measured in a direction coinciding with the fan axis, is more than <NUM>, or more than <NUM>. Thereby, it is ensured that 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. Moreover, conditions are provided for a well-balanced vacuum cleaner, as is further explained herein.

Optionally, outer surfaces of the second portion form a handle for a user of the handheld vacuum cleaner. Thereby, 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. As a result thereof, 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. Moreover, a vacuum cleaner is provided having conditions for a compact and well-balanced design, as is further explained herein.

Optionally, 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. Thereby, 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. Moreover, a vacuum cleaner is provided having conditions for a compact and well-balanced design.

Optionally, 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. Thereby, 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. Moreover, a vacuum cleaner is provided having conditions for a compact and well-balanced design.

Optionally, the third portion comprises the air outlet. Thereby, a vacuum cleaner is provided having conditions for generating less noise during operation.

Optionally, the air outlet comprises a shield. Thereby, 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.

Optionally, the shield is configured to direct the air to directions being angled relative to the fan axis. Thereby, 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. Moreover, conditions are provided for directing the air flowing through the air outlet in directions causing less disturbance to a user of the vacuum cleaner.

Optionally, the shield is configured to direct the air to substantially radial directions relative to the fan axis. Thereby, 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. Moreover, conditions are provided for directing the air flowing through the air outlet in directions causing less disturbance to a user of the vacuum cleaner.

Optionally, 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. Thereby, 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.

Optionally, 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. Thereby, 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.

Optionally, 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. Thereby, 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.

Optionally, the angle between the extension direction of the sound reducing section and the fan axis is less than <NUM> degrees, or less than <NUM> degrees, or around <NUM> degrees.

Optionally, the vacuum cleaner may comprise 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.

Since 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. Furthermore, since 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 <NUM> 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.

Accordingly, 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.

Optionally, 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. Thereby, 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> illustrates a first cross section of a handheld vacuum cleaner <NUM> according to some embodiments. For the reason of brevity and clarity, the handheld vacuum cleaner <NUM> is in some places herein referred to as "the vacuum cleaner". The vacuum cleaner <NUM> comprises an air inlet <NUM>, an air outlet <NUM>, and a fan <NUM>. The fan <NUM> is powered by an electric motor <NUM>. The electric motor <NUM> is configured to rotate the fan <NUM> around a fan axis ax. The cross section of <FIG> is made through a plane comprising the fan axis ax. The fan <NUM> is configured to rotate around the fan axis ax to create an air flow through an air flow path <NUM>. The air flow path <NUM> extends from the air inlet <NUM> to the air outlet <NUM>. The electric motor <NUM> may comprise ball bearings and may be rubber suspended relative a housing <NUM> of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>. In this manner, less noise is generated during operation of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>.

The vacuum cleaner <NUM> further comprises a separation device <NUM> arranged in the air flow path <NUM>. The separation device <NUM> is configured to separate dust from air flowing through the air flow path <NUM>. The separation device <NUM> may comprise a dust bag, a filter, a cyclone separator, or the like.

The air flow path <NUM> comprises a sound reducing section <NUM> arranged downstream of the fan <NUM>. As can be seen in <FIG>, the sound reducing section <NUM> extends from the fan <NUM> in an extension direction d. According to the illustrated embodiments, the sound reducing section <NUM> is substantially concentric to the fan axis ax. According to further embodiments, the angle a1 between the extension direction d of the sound reducing section <NUM> and the fan axis ax may be less than <NUM> degrees, or less than <NUM> degrees, or less than <NUM> degrees, or around <NUM> degrees. Due to these features, as is further explained herein, the noise generated by the fan <NUM> and the electric motor <NUM> is attenuated in an efficient manner. Moreover, as is further explained herein, conditions are provided for a user-friendly vacuum cleaner <NUM> having a balanced weight distribution. The feature that the sound reducing section <NUM> is substantially concentric to the fan axis ax, as mentioned herein, may encompass that a distance between the fan axis ax and the sound reducing section <NUM> is less than <NUM> along the extent of the sound reducing section <NUM>. Moreover, the feature that the sound reducing section <NUM> 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 <NUM> is less than <NUM> degrees.

According to the illustrated embodiments, the length L1 of the sound reducing section <NUM> is approximately <NUM>% of the distance L2 between the air inlet <NUM> and the air outlet <NUM> of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>. According to further embodiments, the length L1 of the sound reducing section <NUM> may be at least <NUM>%, at least <NUM>%, or at least <NUM>%, of the distance L2 between the air inlet <NUM> and the air outlet <NUM> of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>. According to some embodiments, the length L1 of the sound reducing section <NUM> is greater than <NUM>, or greater than <NUM>. Thereby, the noise generated by the fan <NUM> and the electric motor <NUM> can be attenuated in an efficient manner while allowing a low flow resistance of air flowing through the sound reducing section <NUM>. Moreover, as is further explained herein, conditions are provided for a user-friendly vacuum cleaner <NUM> having a balanced weight distribution.

The sound reducing section <NUM> comprises a first portion <NUM> and a second portion <NUM> downstream of the first portion <NUM>. Moreover, the sound reducing section <NUM> comprises a narrowing portion <NUM>' between the first and second portions <NUM>, <NUM>. Furthermore, the sound reducing section <NUM> comprises a third portion <NUM> downstream of the second portion <NUM>. According to the illustrated embodiments, the sound reducing section <NUM>, and the portions <NUM>, <NUM>', <NUM>, <NUM> thereof is formed by inner surfaces of the housing <NUM> of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>. The housing <NUM> may be provided in a polymeric material.

As can be seen in <FIG>, the cross sectional area A2 of the second portion <NUM> is smaller than the cross sectional area A1 of the first portion <NUM>. According to the illustrated embodiments, the cross sectional area A1 of the first portion <NUM> is approximately <NUM><NUM><NUM> and the cross sectional area A2 of the second portion <NUM> is approximately <NUM><NUM>. According to further embodiments, the cross sectional area A1 of the first portion <NUM> may be within the range of <NUM><NUM> - <NUM><NUM><NUM>, and the cross sectional area A2 of the second portion <NUM> may be within the range of <NUM> - <NUM><NUM>. According to some embodiments, the cross sectional area A2 of the second portion <NUM> may be at least <NUM>% smaller than the cross sectional area A1 of the first portion <NUM>.

Moreover, as can be seen in <FIG>, the cross sectional area A3 of the third portion <NUM> is greater than the cross sectional area A2 of the second portion <NUM>. According to the illustrated embodiments, the cross sectional area A3 of the third portion <NUM> is approximately <NUM><NUM><NUM>. According to further embodiments, the cross sectional area A3 of the third portion <NUM> may be within the range of <NUM><NUM> - <NUM><NUM><NUM>. According to some embodiments, the cross sectional area A3 of the third portion <NUM> may be at least <NUM> % greater than the cross sectional area A2 of the second portion <NUM>.

According to the illustrated embodiments, the motor <NUM> is arranged in the first portion <NUM> of the sound reducing section <NUM>. Moreover, the vacuum cleaner <NUM> comprises a battery <NUM> configured to provide electricity to the motor <NUM>. As can be seen in <FIG>, the battery <NUM> is arranged in the third portion <NUM> of the sound reducing section <NUM>. The vacuum cleaner <NUM> comprises electrical wires <NUM> for transferring electricity between the battery <NUM> and the motor <NUM>. The electrical wires <NUM> extends through the second portion <NUM> of the sound reducing section <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a second cross section of the vacuum cleaner <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> with some components removed to provide a better view of the sound reducing section <NUM> and the features thereof. As indicated in <FIG>, the sound reducing section <NUM> comprises a set of blades <NUM> protruding into the sound reducing section <NUM>. The blades <NUM> are configured to counteract vortex flow of air in the sound reducing section <NUM>. According to the illustrated embodiments, the blades <NUM> of the set of blades <NUM> are arranged upstream of the second portion <NUM> and upstream of the narrowing portion <NUM>'. According to further embodiments, the blades <NUM> of the set of blades <NUM> may be arranged in, or upstream of, the narrowing portion <NUM>'. In this manner, vortex flow of air in the second portion <NUM> of the sound reducing section <NUM> is counteracted in an efficient manner.

<FIG> illustrates a third cross section of the vacuum cleaner <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG>. The third cross section of <FIG> is made in a plane perpendicular to the fan axis ax at the first portion <NUM> of the sound reducing section <NUM>. As best seen in <FIG>, each blade <NUM> of the set of blades <NUM> protrudes into the sound reducing section <NUM> in a direction parallel to the fan axis ax. In this manner, vortex flow of air is efficiently counteracted when the air is flowing from the first portion <NUM> into the second portion <NUM> via the narrowing portion <NUM>'. Moreover, since each blade <NUM> of the set of blades <NUM> protrudes into the sound reducing section <NUM> in a direction parallel to the fan axis ax, a vacuum cleaner <NUM> is provided having conditions and characteristics suitable for being manufactured in a cost-efficient manner.

<FIG> illustrates a top view of a vacuum cleaner <NUM> according to the embodiments illustrated in <FIG>. As seen in <FIG>, the vacuum cleaner <NUM> comprises an activation button <NUM> and a battery level indicator <NUM>. Below, simultaneous reference is made to <FIG>. As is indicated in <FIG>, as well as in <FIG> and <FIG>, outer surfaces <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> of the sound reducing section <NUM> form a handle for a user of the handheld vacuum cleaner <NUM>. According to the illustrated embodiments, the length L3 of the second portion <NUM>, 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. According to some embodiments, the length L3 of the second portion <NUM>, measured in a direction d coinciding with the fan axis ax, is more than <NUM>, or more than <NUM>.

Since the outer surfaces <NUM> of the second portion <NUM> form a handle for a user of the handheld vacuum cleaner <NUM>, and since the battery <NUM> is arranged in the third portion <NUM> of the sound reducing section <NUM> and the motor <NUM> is arranged in the first portion <NUM> of the sound reducing section <NUM>, a vacuum cleaner <NUM> is provided having a well-balanced weight distribution, which facilitates use of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>.

As indicated in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>, the third portion <NUM> comprises the air outlet <NUM>. Moreover, according to the illustrated embodiments, the air outlet <NUM> comprises a shield <NUM>. The shield <NUM> is configured to direct the air flowing through the air outlet <NUM> to directions d2 being angled relative to the fan axis ax, as indicated in <FIG> and <FIG>. According to the illustrated embodiments, the shield <NUM> 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 <NUM> is further attenuated and the air flowing through the air outlet <NUM> will cause less disturbance to a user of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>. Furthermore, as indicated in <FIG>, according to the illustrated embodiments, the vacuum cleaner <NUM> comprises a section <NUM> blocking air from flowing towards the top side of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>, wherein the top side of the vacuum cleaner <NUM> is the side that faces the forearm of the user when the user grips the handle of the vacuum cleaner <NUM> in an intended grip direction. Moreover, the top side of the vacuum cleaner <NUM> comprises the activation button <NUM> and the battery level indicator <NUM>. Due to the section <NUM> blocking air from flowing towards the top side of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>, the air flowing through the air outlet <NUM> will cause even less disturbance to a user of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>.

As indicated in <FIG>, the vacuum cleaner <NUM> may comprise at least one sound absorbing unit <NUM>, <NUM> provided in a sound absorbing material arranged in the sound reducing section <NUM>. According to the illustrated embodiments, the vacuum cleaner <NUM> comprises a sound absorbing unit <NUM> provided in a sound absorbing material arranged in the second portion <NUM> of the sound reducing section <NUM>, and a sound absorbing unit <NUM> provided in a sound absorbing material arranged in the third portion <NUM> of the sound reducing section <NUM>. The sound absorbing units <NUM>, <NUM> may each be provided in an air permeable material, such as a foam material. The sound absorbing units <NUM>, <NUM> may also be a surface coating on the inside of any of the first to third portions <NUM>,<NUM>,<NUM> of the sound reduction section <NUM>. Due to the sound absorbing units <NUM>, <NUM>, the noise generated by the vacuum cleaner <NUM> is attenuated in a further efficient manner.

<FIG> illustrates a vacuum cleaner <NUM> according to some embodiments of the present disclosure. The vacuum cleaner <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> is a stick-type vacuum cleaner <NUM>. The vacuum cleaner <NUM> comprises a shaft part <NUM> and a detachable handheld vacuum cleaner <NUM> according to the embodiments illustrated in <FIG>. The shaft part <NUM> comprises a handle <NUM>, two tube parts <NUM>, a floor nozzle <NUM>, and a holder <NUM> for the handheld vacuum cleaner <NUM> arranged between the two tube parts <NUM>. In <FIG>, the handheld vacuum cleaner <NUM> is attached to the holder <NUM> of the vacuum cleaner <NUM>. When in this position, the air inlet of the handheld vacuum cleaner <NUM> is fluidly connected to the floor nozzle <NUM>.

As seen in <FIG>, the air outlet <NUM> of the handheld vacuum cleaner <NUM> is positioned between the two tube parts <NUM> when the handheld vacuum cleaner <NUM> is attached to the holder <NUM>. In this manner, the air flowing through the air outlet <NUM> will cause less disturbance to a user of the vacuum cleaner <NUM> while allowing a low flow resistance of air flowing through the air outlet <NUM> of the handheld vacuum cleaner <NUM>.

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

Claim 1:
A handheld vacuum cleaner (<NUM>) comprising:
- an air inlet (<NUM>),
- an air outlet (<NUM>),
- a fan (<NUM>) configured to rotate around a fan axis (ax) to create an air flow through an air flow path (<NUM>) extending from the air inlet (<NUM>) to the air outlet (<NUM>), and
- a separation device (<NUM>) arranged in the air flow path (<NUM>), the separation device (<NUM>) being configured to separate dust from air flowing through the air flow path (<NUM>),
wherein the air flow path (<NUM>) comprises a sound reducing section (<NUM>) extending from the fan (<NUM>) in an extension direction (d), and wherein the angle (a1) between the extension direction (d) and the fan axis (ax) is less than <NUM> degrees
characterized in that
the sound reducing section (<NUM>) comprises a first portion (<NUM>) and a second portion (<NUM>) downstream of the first portion (<NUM>), and wherein a cross sectional area (A2) of the second portion (<NUM>) is smaller than the cross sectional area (A1) of the first portion (<NUM>).