VACUUM CLEANER FILTER ASSEMBLY AND VACUUM CLEANER

Abstract

A vacuum cleaner filter assembly having at least one dust collecting chamber adapted to be coupled to a cyclonic dust separation unit, and a filter unit attached to and extending from the dust collecting chamber.

Description

The present invention is directed to a vacuum cleaner, in particular cyclone type vacuum cleaner, and a vacuum cleaner filter assembly.

Cyclone type vacuum cleaners are widely known because of their benefit in bagless dust collection. Bagless or cyclone type vacuum cleaners or respective cyclone dust separating units are known for example from documents EP 1 042 981 A1, EP 1774887 A1, EP 1 688 078 A2, EP 1 952 745 A2 and WO 2011/058365.

Cyclone type vacuum cleaners, in particular mentioned in the state of technology documents listed before, still have comparatively complicated dust collecting units, which often require complicated cleaning and emptying of dust collection chambers and dust collecting filters.

Therefore, it is one of the objects of the present invention to solve the problems observed with state of technology. In particular, a cyclone type vacuum cleaner and a vacuum cleaner filter assembly shall be provided, which are of comparatively compact design, and enable convenient use and operability.

These and further objects are solved by the features of claims 1 and 11. Embodiments and variants result from respective dependent claims.

According to claim 1, a vacuum cleaner filter assembly is provided which comprises at least one dust collecting chamber, in particular dust collecting compartment. The at least one dust collecting chamber in particular is adapted to accommodate dust separated in a cyclonic dust separating step. The at least one dust collecting chamber therefore is adapted to be coupled to a cyclonic dust separation unit, in particular to a dust outlet face of a cyclonic dust separation unit.

The vacuum cleaner filter assembly further comprises a filter unit, which may be or comprise flat filter unit or flat filter panel, in particular a fine filter unit or fine filter panel. In particular such filter units are adequate to be installed downstream of one or more superior filter units, in particular cyclonic filter units. In particular, the proposed filter unit may represent a final filter step of the vacuum cleaner.

According to the invention it is proposed that the filter unit is attached to and extends from the at least one dust collecting chamber. In this way, simplified operation and space saving designs can be obtained. In particular, the filter unit may be attached and extend from a lateral side of the at least one dust collecting chamber.

According to an embodiment, the vacuum cleaner filter assembly comprises two identical dust collecting chambers. Identical shall mean that the dust collecting chambers have almost and essentially the same design and geometric dimensions.

The two dust collecting chambers preferably are arranged to be laterally spaced from each other in a mirror symmetric alignment. This in particular shall mean that the dust collecting chambers are offset from each other in lateral direction. Preferably, the dust collecting chambers are oriented in a parallel alignment, and preferably are aligned parallel and symmetric with respect to a central symmetry plane. According to the proposed embodiment, the filter unit is attached to and extends between opposing lateral sides of the dust collecting chambers. In other words, the filter unit is arranged or sandwiched between the two dust collecting chambers, in particular between two mutually facing lateral sides of the dust collecting chambers. Arranging and sandwiching the filter unit between the two dust collecting chambers may lead to enhanced mechanical stability and to compact design options.

According to a further embodiment of the vacuum cleaner filter assembly, dust inlet openings are provided at the at least one dust collecting chamber. The dust inlet openings are adapted to be coupled with dust outlet openings of a related cyclonic dust separation unit. The dust inlet openings preferably are provided at a face side of the at least one dust collecting chamber. The face side shall refer to a side of the dust collecting chamber oriented perpendicular to the lateral sides. The special arrangement of dust inlet openings at the face sides, wherein the filter unit is arranged and extending from the lateral face sides is favorable with respect to compact design and usability.

In a variant of the vacuum cleaner filter assembly, it is provided that the face side, carrying the dust inlet openings, is tilted relative to a base area of the at least one dust collecting chamber. If several dust collecting chambers are provided, respective face sides may be tilted accordingly. Note that the base area in particular shall refer to a bottom plane perpendicular to the lateral sides.

In general, the dust collecting chambers, in particular inner volumes thereof, may have a parallelepiped, in particular rectangular parallelepiped, in particular cuboid basic structure. In connection with tilted face sides, on which dust inlet openings may be provided, a cross section of the dust collecting chamber, in parallel its face sides, basically has/have a triangular shape. Parts or volumes of the dust collecting chamber off the tilted face sides may be of cuboid, in particular parallelepiped shape.

Tilted face sides may be advantageous for providing dust inlet openings adapted to be coupled to dust outlet openings of the cyclonic dust separation unit. In particular, such configurations are expedient for easily couple vacuum cleaner filter assembly and cyclones of a cyclonic dust separation unit, in particular in linear motions. As an example, corresponding and slanted faces of vacuum cleaner filter assembly and cyclonic dust separation unit may be coupled by pushing the vacuum cleaner filter assembly in a linear motion into a respective slot provided in or at a bottom face of the vacuum cleaner, for example.

It is preferred, that a tilt angle of the face side of the vacuum cleaner filter assembly, in which the dust inlet openings are provided, lies in the range between 10 and 50 degrees, advantageously amounts about 30 degrees.

In a further variant, at least for a main part of a dust collecting chamber, cross sectional areas of the dust collecting chamber in planes parallel to the base area decrease in a direction from bottom to top. Preferably, almost all cross sections are of rectangular shape. Such a configuration may be advantageous for space saving designs and layouts of the vacuum cleaner filter assembly.

In a further embodiment of the vacuum cleaner filter assembly, a filter panel or filter element of the filter unit is slanted relative to a ground area of the vacuum cleaner filter assembly. Preferably, the filter panel is aligned with, in particular essentially parallel to, the tilted face side of the dust collecting chambers. Such an arrangement of the filter panel may be advantageous for space saving design and filter efficiency.

In a yet further embodiment, the vacuum cleaner filter assembly comprises a lid adapted to close and seal a bottom opening of the at least one dust collecting chamber. The lid obviously may be provided for the purpose of emptying the dust collecting chamber. Providing or arranging the opening and lid at the bottom site of the dust collecting chamber may be advantageous for emptying the dust collecting chamber without major dust disturbances and dust exposure to a user.

According to a preferred variant, the lid is movably, i.e. movably to be opened, viz openably, attached to and provided at a bottom face of the vacuum cleaner filter assembly. In particular, the lid may be pivotably attached. A pivot axis of the lid may be located at, along and/or parallel to a longitudinal edge, in particular bottom edge, of the vacuum cleaner filter assembly. At the other, opposite or remote longitudinal edge, or also at other edges or locations, there may be provided locking devices and/or latches, in particular snap connections, adapted for tightly closing the dust collecting chamber.

In a preferred embodiment, the at least one dust collecting chamber and at least a supporting frame of the filter unit are implemented as a one-piece part. In this case, the vacuum cleaner filter assembly may be provided as a single component without any loose parts, which will greatly enhance usability of the vacuum cleaner filter assembly. For the one piece part, manufacturing processes such as injection molding and the like may be considered, in particular as the vacuum cleaner filter assembly, at least main sections, in particular load bearing sections or frames, may be made from plastic materials.

According to claim 11, a vacuum cleaner is provided which comprises a primary stage cyclone dust separator and a sequential secondary stage cyclone dust separator. Dust outlets of the secondary stage cyclone dust separator are connected to dust inlets of a vacuum cleaner filter assembly according to any of the embodiments and variants described above and further below. As to advantages and advantageous effects, reference is made to the description above.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the vacuum cleaner, a holding fixture for removably holding the vacuum cleaner filter assembly within a cleaner body may be provided. The holding fixture and/or vacuum cleaner filter assembly is accessible from a bottom side of the cleaner body. In order to properly accommodate the vacuum cleaner filter assembly within the cleaner body, a recess or slot may be provided allowing the vacuum cleaner filter unit to be pushed in and out. A cover may be provided to close the recess or slot and/or to lock the vacuum cleaner filter assembly therein. The cover may be of planar shape with a closed surface or comprise a grid-like structure.

The concept of integrating operational functions in or at the bottom side of a vacuum cleaner, such as the vacuum cleaner filter assembly may contribute to compact designs and/or even simplify operation of the vacuum cleaner. Therefore, it has been found to be advantageous that the vacuum cleaner filter assembly is accessible and can be handled from and/or at the bottom side of the vacuum cleaner, in particular cleaner body. Note that implementing functional elements, in particular flaps or lids and respective openings for filter replacement at the bottom side of the vacuum cleaner had not been considered in state of technology so far. Therefore, new options in functionality, and in design, in particular space saving design, will be available.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described in connection with the annexed figures, in which.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner;

FIG. 2 shows a partially broken up lateral side view of a vacuum cleaner;

FIG. 3 shows a vertical cross sectional view of the vacuum cleaner;

FIG. 4 shows a first perspective view of a vacuum cleaner filter assembly;

FIG. 5 shows a second perspective view of the vacuum cleaner filter assembly; and

FIG. 6 shows a third perspective view of the vacuum cleaner filter assembly.

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner 1. The vacuum cleaner comprises a horizontal type cleaner body 2 with a bottom 3, top 4, front 5, back side 6 and lateral sides 7.

The term horizontal type shall mean that in the ordinary and intended position of use, the cleaner body 2 is positioned essentially horizontally. This type is also called cylinder or canister vacuum cleaner. In the context of the present invention and in more general terms this in particular shall mean that the cleaner body 2 during normal operation and with regard to front 5 to back 6 direction is positioned essentially parallel to the ground underneath. Note that in the figures, the vacuum cleaner is shown in its ordinary horizontal use position.

A horizontal type vacuum cleaner 1 in the meaning of the present application is for example shown in EP 1 774 887 A1. Aside from horizontal type vacuum cleaners there also exist vertical type constructions generally comprising a handle to which the cleaner body is mounted to and by which the cleaner body is moved in concert with vacuum-cleaning operations. This type is also called upright type vacuum cleaner. One example of such a vertical type vacuum cleaner is shown in WO 2011/058365.

The vacuum cleaner 1 comprises a primary stage cyclone dust separator 8. The primary stage cyclone dust separator 8 is coupled to a primary stage dust collecting chamber 9. A dust outlet opening 10 (FIG. 3) of the primary stage cyclone dust separator 8 is fluidly connected to the primary stage dust collecting chamber 9.

The primary stage dust collecting chamber 9, which may also be designated as a dust collecting container, is positioned and arranged at the front side 5 of the cleaner body 2.

The vacuum cleaner 1 comprises wheels 11 arranged at/in or on the lateral sides 7 and bottom side 3 of the cleaner body 2, respectively. The wheels 11 are arranged and adapted such that the vacuum cleaner 1 during normal and ordinary operation can be easily moved on the surface underneath.

The vacuum cleaner 1 may comprise other functional elements, such as handles and the like, which will not be described in further detail. In particular, at the front side 5 of the vacuum cleaner 1, an interface is provided which is adapted and configured to connect a flexible suction hose (not shown).

The vacuum cleaner 1 further comprises two secondary stage cyclone dust separating units 12. The secondary stage cyclone dust separating units 12 are positioned and mounted laterally at the front side 5. As can in particular be seen from FIG. 1, the primary stage dust collecting chamber 9 and the secondary stage cyclone dust separating units 12 are mounted in between the lateral sides 7, wherein the primary stage dust collecting chamber 9 is centered between the secondary stage cyclone dust separating units 12.

The proposed arrangement of primary stage dust collecting chamber 9 and secondary stage cyclone dust separating units 12, allows a compact and space saving design. Further, a functional arrangement combined with good operability of components of the vacuum cleaner 1 can be obtained.

Further details of the vacuum cleaner will become apparent in connection with FIGS. 2 to 6. As can be seen in more detail from FIG. 2, representing a partially broken up side view of the vacuum cleaner 1, each secondary stage cyclone dust separating unit 12 comprises several conical cyclones 13. The conical cyclones 13 have equal size, i. e. dimensions, and are arranged side to side in parallel to a respective lateral side 7.

The secondary stage cyclone dust separating unit 12 is connected to the primary stage cyclone dust separating unit 8 by air channels 14 running at the top side 4 of the cleaner body 2. The air outlet of the primary stage cyclone dust separator 8 is located towards the back side 6 and centered with respect to the lateral sides 7. The air channels 14 are guided from a centered back side location in a curved section towards respective lateral sides 7 and then are guided along the lateral sides 7 of the cleaner body 2 to the secondary stage cyclone dust separating units 12.

With further reference to FIG. 2, the conical cyclones 13 are mounted and aligned such that their center axes are tilted, preferably by an angle α between 10 to 50 degrees, from top front to bottom back, which is indicated for one of the conical cyclones by a dotted arrow (v2). The tilt angle shall be understood to be defined between a vector v1 parallel to the front to back direction and a vector v2 parallel to a center axis of a respective conical cyclone 13 and running in a direction top front to bottom back.

In a direction perpendicular to the center axes, the conical cyclones 13 are positioned in a line, without axial displacement. This in particular means that air inlets and air outlets of the conical cyclones of a secondary stage cyclone dust separating unit 12 respectively lie in common planes and define a dust outlet face of the secondary stage cyclone dust separating unit 12.

With further reference to FIG. 2, each secondary stage cyclone dust separating unit 12 comprises a secondary stage dust collecting chamber 15 downstream of and fluidly connected to dust outlet openings 16 of respective conical cyclones 13. In FIG. 2 only one of the secondary stage dust collecting chambers 15 is visible.

On a face side of a respective secondary step dust collecting chamber 15 facing the dust outlet openings 16 of the conical cyclones 13, the secondary step dust collecting chamber 15 has corresponding dust inlet openings 22. The dust inlet openings 22 and dust outlet openings 16 are adapted such that a tight, in particular fluid tight, connection between secondary step dust collecting chamber 15 and respective conical cyclones 13 is obtained.

From FIG. 2 it can further be seen, that with regard to front to back direction each secondary stage dust collecting chamber 15 is positioned and mounted behind respective secondary stage cyclones 13. From FIG. 1 it can be seen that with regard to front to back direction the secondary stage dust collecting chambers 15 are arranged flush with respective secondary stage cyclones 13 and respective cyclone units.

The arrangement as described before is advantageous for obtaining compact overall designs. In addition, the proposed arrangement allows favorable usability and handling of components of the vacuum cleaner 1, and of the vacuum cleaner 1 as a whole.

With reference to FIG. 3, the vacuum cleaner comprises a further filter unit 17, which may be a tertiary stage dust separator, for example. Note that even higher order dust separating stages may be provided. The filter unit 17 in the present case may comprise or make up a fine filter, in particular main filter, of the vacuum cleaner 1.

The filter unit 17 is mounted, with regard to front to back direction, behind the primary stage dust collecting chamber 9 and with regard to bottom to top direction below the primary stage cyclone dust separator 8. In combination with FIG. 2 it becomes clear, that the filter unit 17 is centered between the secondary stage dust collecting chambers 15. By this, optimal utilization of space and compact designs can be obtained.

The secondary stage dust collecting chambers 15 and filter unit 17 in the present case are part of and make up an integral vacuum cleaner filter assembly 18 shown in more details in FIGS. 4 to 6.

The filter unit 17 is arranged between the secondary dust collecting chambers 15. In more detail, the filter unit extends from and between inner lateral sides 19 of the secondary dust collecting chambers. The filter unit 17 may comprise a carrier frame 20 and a filter element 21 attached to the carrier frame 20. As can be seen from FIGS. 4 to 6, the filter unit 17, in particular the carrier frame 20, and the secondary stage dust collecting chambers 15, in particular the shells or outer walls, in particular inner lateral walls, of the secondary stage dust collecting chambers 15 are implemented in a one-piece configuration.

The filter unit 17 as a whole has a base area of essentially rectangular shape, which can best be seen from FIG. 6. The secondary stage dust collecting chambers 15 respectively have rectangular base areas and in general cuboid type bodies or inner volumes.

Throughout FIGS. 3 to 6 the secondary stage dust collecting chambers 15 have a triangular shaped structure, in which cross sections in parallel to the base area decrease in a direction from bottom to top. Due to the cuboid structure of the secondary stage dust collecting chambers 15 the cross sections in bottom to top direction almost all have rectangular shapes.

The triangular shape of the secondary stage dust collecting chambers results from the fact that a dust outlet face, comprising dust outlet openings 16 of the conical cyclones 13 of the secondary stage cyclone dust separator unit 12, is tilted. Here, dust inlet openings 22 to be coupled with the dust outlet openings 16 are provided at a face side 23 of the dust collecting chambers 15. The face sides 23 of the dust collecting chambers 15 are tilted in accordance with the tilt angle of the dust outlet face of the secondary stage cyclone dust separating unit 12. It shall be mentioned that the face side 23 is tilted relative to the base area of a respective secondary stage dust collecting chamber 15.

Note that the mentioned tilt angles and tilted faces and face sides are advantageous for space saving designs, for effective cyclonic dust collecting, for easily emptying the secondary stage dust collecting chambers and for easily discharging and/or rinsing dust from the vacuum cleaner filter assembly 18.

In accordance with the tilt angle of the conical cyclones, the tilt angle of the face side 23 preferably is in the range between 10 and 50 degrees, preferably amounts about 30 degrees.

As can be best seen from FIGS. 4 and 5, the filter unit 17 is slanted relative to the ground area of the vacuum cleaner filter assembly 18. The filter unit 17 essentially runs parallel to the tilted face sides 23 of the secondary stage dust collecting chambers 15.

In particular with reference to FIG. 5, the vacuum cleaner filter assembly 18 at the bottom side comprises a lid 24. The lid 24 is adapted and implemented to close and seal the bottom openings 25 of respective secondary stage dust collecting chambers 15.

In order to tightly close the secondary stage dust collecting chambers 15, a seal may be provided between chamber openings 25 and lid 24. Further, in order to tightly and fixedly close the secondary stage dust collecting chambers 15 there may be provided fixtures to hold the lid 24 in the closed position.

In the present case, the lid 24 is hingedly connected along a longitudinal lateral edge to the bottom face of the vacuum cleaner filter assembly 18. At the other longitudinal lateral edge, the lid 24 comprises snap elements 26 adapted to interact and build up snap connections with counterpart snap elements 27 provided at the carrier frame 20. Via the snap elements 26 and counterpart snap elements 27, the secondary stage dust collecting chambers 15 can be tightly closed but can be easily emptied.

As already stated, it shall be emphasized that the secondary stage dust collecting chambers 15 and filter unit 17, at least the carrier frame 20, are implemented as a one-piece part which may be manufactured by injection molding, for example.

Coming now back to FIGS. 2 and 3, it can be seen that the vacuum cleaner filter assembly 18 is accommodated within the cleaner body 2 in a type of holding fixture. Further, the vacuum cleaner filer assembly 18 is accommodated in the cleaner body in such a way that it is accessible from the bottom side 3, such that it can be set in and be removed from the cleaner body, in particular holding fixture, from the bottom side 3 of the cleaner body 2.

In order to fixedly hold the vacuum cleaner filter assembly 18 within the cleaner body 2, a cover element 28, for example a flap or lid, may be provided at the bottom side 3 of the cleaner body. The cover element 28 may be hingedly attached at the bottom side 3, and for example comprise a click and snap connection to tightly close the holding fixture or opening intended for receiving the vacuum cleaner filter assembly 18. The open configuration of the cover element 28 is indicated as a dashed line in FIG. 2.

As can be seen, the vacuum cleaner filter assembly 18 can easily be removed and reinstalled from and into the holding fixture or cleaner body 2. The vacuum cleaner filter assembly 18 in the present case can be moved in vertical direction, i. e. in bottom to top direction for installing and in top to bottom direction for removing the vacuum cleaner filter assembly 18 from the cleaner body 2, which is indicated by a double arrow in FIG. 2.

Removing the vacuum cleaner filter assembly 18 does not require elaborate and complicated actions. In particular, removal of the vacuum cleaner filter assembly 18 from the vacuum cleaner 1 can be accomplished without dispersing too much dust. For cleaning and removing dust from the vacuum cleaner filter assembly 18 it is possible to rinse the whole vacuum cleaner filter assembly 18 with water. This has the advantage that the user will have less contact with dust and dust particulate matter.

In all, it can be seen, that the proposed vacuum cleaner provides a compact design, enhanced usability and satisfactory cleaning efficiency.

List of Reference Numerals

1 vacuum cleaner

2 cleaner body

3 bottom side

4 top side

5 front side

6 back side

7 lateral side

8 primary stage cyclone dust separator

9 primary stage dust collecting chamber

10 dust outlet opening

11 wheel

12 secondary stage cyclone dust separating unit

13 conical cyclone

14 air channel

15 secondary stage dust collecting chamber

16 dust outlet opening

17 filter unit

18 vacuum cleaner filter assembly

19 inner lateral side

20 carrier frame

21 filter element

22 dust inlet opening

23 face side

24 lid

25 bottom opening

26 snap element

27 counterpart snap element

28 cover element

α tilt angle

v1, v2 vectors

Claims

1-12. (canceled)

13. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a vacuum cleaner body;a cyclonic dust separation unit provided in the vacuum cleaner body and having at least one cyclone for separating dust from a flow of air, and a dust outlet through which the dust separated by the cyclone exits the cyclonic dust separation unit; anda filter assembly removably connectable to the vacuum cleaner body and the cyclonic dust separation unit, the filter assembly comprising: a dust collecting chamber comprising a sealed chamber except for a dust inlet that is in fluid communication with the dust outlet of the cyclonic dust separation unit, when the filter assembly is connected to the vacuum cleaner body, to receive the dust separated by the cyclonic dust separation unit, anda filter unit attached to and extending from the dust collecting chamber and having a filter positioned outside the dust collecting chamber.

14. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 13, wherein the filter assembly comprises two dust collecting chambers laterally spaced from each other in a mirror symmetric alignment, each of the two dust collecting chambers having a respective lateral side facing the other of the two dust collection chambers, and wherein the filter unit is attached to and extends between the respective lateral sides of the two dust collecting chambers.

15. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 13, wherein the filter assembly is slideably insertable into the vacuum cleaner body along an installation direction;the dust inlet is provided at a face side of the dust collecting chamber; andthe face side is tilted at an angle relative to a the installation axis.

16. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 15, wherein the cyclonic dust separation unit comprises a plurality of cyclones, each cyclone having a separate respective dust outlet, and wherein the separate respective dust outlets are arranged in a line that is parallel to the face side.

17. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 15, wherein the collecting chamber comprises a base that is adjacent an outer surface of the vacuum cleaner body when the filter assembly is connected to the vacuum cleaner body, and the face side is tilted at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the base.

18. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 17, wherein a tilt angle of the face side relative to the base is in the range between 10 and 50 degrees.

19. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 17, wherein the tilt angle of the face side relative to the base is about 30 degrees.

20. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 13, wherein the collecting chamber comprises a base that is adjacent an outer surface of the vacuum cleaner body when the filter assembly is connected to the vacuum cleaner body, and the cross sectional area of the dust collecting chamber in planes parallel to a base decreases at locations further from the base.

21. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 20, wherein the filter comprises a panel filter that is slanted at a non-perpendicular angle relative to the base.

22. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 13, wherein the dust collecting chamber comprises a lid movable between a closed position in which the lid closes and seals a portion of the dust collecting chamber, and an open position in which the lid opens the portion of the dust collecting chamber to allow removal of dust from the dust collecting chamber.

23. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 22, wherein the lid is pivotably attached to and provided at a bottom face of the filter assembly.

24. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 13, wherein the dust collecting chamber and at least a supporting frame of the filter unit comprise a one-piece part.

25. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 13, wherein the vacuum cleaner filter assembly is accessible from a bottom side of the vacuum cleaner body.

26. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 13, wherein: the cyclonic dust separation unit comprises a primary stage cyclone unit and a secondary stage cyclone unit located downstream of the primary stage cyclone unit;the dust collecting chamber comprises a secondary stage dust collecting chamber configured to receive and collect dust separated by the secondary stage cyclone unit; andthe filter unit comprises a tertiary dust separation filter unit.

27. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 26, further comprising a primary stage dust collecting chamber in fluid communication with an outlet of the primary stage cyclone unit to receive a portion of dust separated by the primary stage cyclone unit.

28. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 13, wherein: the cyclonic dust separation unit comprises two separate groups of cyclones, each group of cyclones having a respective dust outlet; andthe dust collecting chamber comprises two dust collecting chambers, each dust collecting chamber having a respective dust inlet configured to couple with the dust outlet of a respective one of the groups of cyclones when the filter assembly is connected to the vacuum cleaner body.

29. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 28, wherein the filter unit extends between the two dust collecting chambers.

30. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 13, wherein: the cyclonic dust separation unit comprises a plurality of parallel cyclones, and the dust outlet comprises a separate dust outlet for each of the plurality of cyclones; andThe dust collecting chamber comprises a separate dust inlet for each of the dust outlets.

31. A vacuum cleaner according to claim 30, wherein each of the parallel cyclones comprises a conical cyclone body, each separate dust outlet is located at a terminal end of each conical cyclone body, and each separate dust inlet seals with a respective one of the separate dust outlets.