Vacuum Cleaner

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to the technical field of cleaning devices, and in particular, to a vacuum cleaner.

BACKGROUND

As a type of cleaning device, vacuum cleaners are widely used in various scenarios. Depending on their shape, vacuum cleaners are generally categorized as upright vacuum cleaners, canister vacuum cleaners, handheld vacuum cleaners, and barrel vacuum cleaners. Due to advantages such as large capacity, strong suction power, and high-efficiency filtration, barrel vacuum cleaners are often used for cleaning public or industrial environments. A barrel vacuum cleaner typically consists of a dust collection barrel and a head assembly. The dust collection barrel includes a dust collection chamber for storing dust and debris, while the head assembly usually includes a fan that generates suction airflow and a filter that filters the air. The head assembly is expected to have a compact size. Reducing the size of the head assembly can decrease the overall space occupied by the barrel vacuum cleaner without significantly reducing the dust collection chamber capacity, thereby improving the portability and maneuverability of the barrel vacuum cleaner. However, conventional barrel vacuum cleaners often have a relatively large head assembly.

SUMMARY

In view of the above, the present disclosure provides a barrel vacuum cleaner, aiming to solve the problem of the relatively large size of the head assembly in conventional barrel vacuum cleaners.

The vacuum cleaner provided in the present disclosure includes a dust collection barrel and a head assembly detachably assembled to the dust collection barrel. The head assembly includes a fan and a filter. During operation of the vacuum cleaner, an airflow path is formed from an inlet to an outlet of the vacuum cleaner. The airflow path includes a first path portion extending from the filter to the fan. The filter is located on a radial side of the fan, and the fan and the filter are arranged along a straight-line segment. This straight-line segment defines the maximum dimension of the head assembly in the radial direction. The first path portion includes an axial path segment extending in a direction substantially parallel to an axial direction of the fan, and the axial path segment does not intersect the straight-line segment.

According to the vacuum cleaner provided in the present disclosure, on one hand, the filter is located on the radial side of the fan, which allows the head assembly to have a smaller dimension in the axial direction of the fan. On the other hand, the fan and the filter are arranged along the straight-line segment defining the maximum radial dimension of the head assembly. The first path portion from the filter to the fan includes an axial path segment extending substantially parallel to the axial direction, and this axial path segment does not intersect the straight-line segment. This configuration allows the fan and the filter to be positioned closer to each other in the radial direction of the fan, helping the head assembly achieve a smaller dimension in the radial direction. Based on these two aspects, the head assembly can have a compact size. With this compact head assembly, the vacuum cleaner can achieve a smaller overall size without significantly reducing the space of the dust collection chamber, thereby resulting in reduced space occupation, improved portability, and enhanced maneuverability.

Additionally or alternatively, the inlet is provided on the dust collection barrel, the inlet is located on the straight-line segment or on an extension line of the straight-line segment, and the filter is located farther from the inlet than the fan.

This arrangement increases the length of the portion of the airflow path from the inlet to the filter, i.e., the second path portion. Due to the extended length of the second path portion, dust and debris entrained in the suction airflow have more sufficient time and distance to settle while flowing through it. This helps improve cleaning efficiency and prevents the filter from becoming clogged with dust and debris.

Additionally or alternatively, the airflow path further comprises a second path portion upstream of the first path portion. The first path portion extends from a top end of the filter to the fan. The second path portion extends from the inlet, through a dust collection chamber within the dust collection barrel, to a bottom end of the filter, such that airflow flows through the filter from bottom to top.

According to this configuration, the second path portion is located upstream of the first path portion. The airflow driven by the fan flows from upstream to downstream. Consequently, the airflow flows from the second path portion to the first path portion. Furthermore, since the second path portion extends to the bottom end of the filter and the first path portion extends from the top end of the filter to the fan, the airflow necessarily flows through the filter from bottom to top. Compared to airflow flowing through the filter from top to bottom, the benefit of bottom-to-top flow is that, as the airflow passes through the filter, dust, debris, and other particles tend to settle at the bottom of the dust collection chamber under gravity. This helps improve cleaning efficiency and reduces the risk of the filter becoming clogged.

Additionally or alternatively, the first path portion further comprises a top end path segment and a bottom end path segment. The top end path segment extends from the top end of the filter to a top end of the axial path segment. The bottom end path segment extends from a bottom end of the axial path segment to a bottom end of the fan.

After being filtered, the airflow may flow from the top end of the filter, sequentially through the top end path segment, the axial path segment, and the bottom end path segment, into the fan.

Additionally or alternatively, the top end path segment has a top surface facing the filter, and the top surface gradually rises in a direction approaching the axial path segment.

The top surface gradually rising in the direction approaching the axial path segment forms a guiding inclined surface. Assisted by this guiding inclined surface, the airflow can maintain smooth flow during its transition from the filter to the axial path segment, thereby helping to avoid unnecessary turbulence and eddies as the airflow enters the axial path segment.

Additionally or alternatively, in a plan view observed along the axial direction of the fan, the filter does not overlap with the bottom end path segment.

According to this configuration, the bottom end of the filter is directly exposed to the dust collection chamber and is not shielded by the bottom end path segment. In other words, the bottom end path segment does not pass directly below the filter. The benefit of this is that the presence of the bottom end path segment does not, or only minimally, obstruct the upward airflow from the dust collection chamber towards the filter, thus reducing flow resistance.

Additionally or alternatively, a first airflow guide portion is provided between the top end path segment and the axial path segment. The first airflow guide portion streamlines the airflow flowing from the top end path segment to the axial path segment.

The first airflow guide portion primarily streamlines the airflow transitioning from the top end path segment to the axial path segment. It can smoothly guide the airflow from the top end path segment into the axial path segment, ensuring a smooth transition and uniform distribution of the airflow, thereby preventing turbulence.

Additionally or alternatively, a second airflow guide portion is provided within the axial path segment. The second airflow guide portion streamlines the airflow flowing through the axial path segment.

The second airflow guide portion is located within the axial path segment and is responsible for streamlining the airflow passing through this segment. It ensures uniform distribution of the airflow within the axial path segment and helps prevent turbulence.

Additionally or alternatively, a third airflow guide portion is provided within the bottom end path segment. The third airflow guide portion streamlines the airflow flowing through the bottom end path segment.

The third airflow guide portion is located within the bottom end path segment and is responsible for streamlining the airflow passing through this segment. It can smoothly guide the airflow from the bottom end path segment to other path segments or the exhaust system, preventing turbulence and ensuring overall system airflow balance.

Additionally or alternatively, the head assembly comprises a top cover, a support frame, and a tray assembled together. The support frame is provided with a first support portion, a second support portion, and a flow channel portion. The fan is supported by the first support portion, and the filter is supported by the second support portion. The top cover and the support frame together form the top end path segment, the flow channel portion forms the axial path segment, and the tray and the support frame together form the bottom end path segment.

This configuration offers advantages of simple structure and easy assembly.

Additionally or alternatively, the airflow path further comprises a third path portion downstream of the first path portion. The third path portion extends from the fan to the outlet. In a plan view observed along the axial direction of the fan, the first path portion and the third path portion are located on opposite sides of the straight-line segment in a lateral direction.

Since the fan and the filter are arranged along the straight-line segment and the head assembly is generally cylindrical, there is remaining space on the opposite transverse sides of the straight-line segment. If both the first path portion and the third path portion were arranged on the same transverse side of the straight-line segment, the space on the other side would be unused, reducing space utilization. Reflected in the product, this would either result in a narrower airflow path or increase the size of the head assembly. In contrast, in the presently disclosed embodiment, arranging the first path portion and the third path portion on opposite transverse sides of the straight-line segment improves space utilization. Consequently, this allows for a wider airflow path without significantly increasing the size of the head assembly.

Additionally or alternatively, in a plan view observed along the axial direction of the fan, the third path portion extends from the fan to the outlet in a direction away from the inlet.

According to this configuration, the outlet is generally located on the side of the overall vacuum cleaner opposite to the inlet. Considering that during actual use, the area to be cleaned is typically located on the side where the inlet is situated, if the outlet were also on this side, the airflow exhausted during operation might scatter dust or debris in the area to be cleaned, thereby affecting cleaning efficiency. Furthermore, arranging the inlet and the outlet on generally opposite sides of the vacuum cleaner also helps improve space utilization, thereby further contributing to a reduction in the overall size of the vacuum cleaner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

It should be understood that the following drawings show only certain embodiments of the present disclosure and should not be considered as limiting the scope.

It should be understood that the same or similar reference numerals are used in the drawings to denote the same or similar elements.

It should be understood that the drawings are schematic, and the dimensions and proportions of elements in the drawings are not necessarily precise.

FIG. 1 is a schematic structural view of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a schematic structural view showing the arrangement relationship of the fan, the filter, and the airflow path in the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is an exploded schematic view of the head assembly of the vacuum cleaner in FIG. 1.

FIG. 7 is a schematic structural view of the second cover plate in FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is a schematic structural view of the tray in FIG. 6.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

• • 100: Vacuum cleaner; 10: Dust collection barrel; 11: Dust collection chamber; 20: Head assembly; 20a: Outer contour; 21: Fan; 211: Actuator; 212: Impeller; 22: Filter; 23: Top cover; 231: Top cover main body; 2311: Window; 2312: First grille portion; 232: First cover plate; 2321: Plate portion; 2322: Second grille portion; 2323: Window portion; 2324: First airflow guide portion; 233: Second cover plate; 24: Support frame; 241: First support portion; 242: Second support portion; 243: Flow channel portion; 2431: Second airflow guide portion; 25: Tray; 251: Sloped portion; 2512: Third airflow guide portion; 252: Tray portion; 30: Inlet; 40: Outlet; 70: Wheel; D: Minimum circumscribed circle; S: Axis; G: Top surface; R11: Axial path segment; R12: Top end path segment; R13: Bottom end path segment; R2: Second path portion; R3: Third path portion; X: Straight-line segment

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In conventional barrel vacuum cleaners, the head assembly tends to occupy considerable space, which adversely affects the portability and maneuverability of the vacuum cleaner.

The head assembly includes major functional components of the barrel vacuum cleaner, such as the fan and the filter. Additionally, a portion of the airflow path is also integrated within the head assembly. These two aspects are the primary reasons contributing to the relatively large size of the head assembly.

In one type of head assembly, the filter is arranged on one axial side of the fan. This configuration results in a larger dimension of the head assembly along the axial direction of the fan. In most cases, the axial direction of the fan corresponds to the vertical direction (i.e., the direction of gravity) during use. Such a head assembly may encroach upon the space of the dust collection chamber. Alternatively, to ensure the dust collection chamber has sufficient capacity, a barrel vacuum cleaner equipped with this type of head assembly tends to have a greater height.

In another type of head assembly, the filter is arranged on the radial side of the fan, and the portion of the airflow path from the filter to the fan is located radially between the fan and the filter. This arrangement leads to a larger radial dimension of the head assembly. Typically, the head assembly, and often the entire barrel vacuum cleaner, has a generally cylindrical shape. Consequently, a barrel vacuum cleaner with this type of head assembly tends to have a larger diameter.

As illustrated above, the aforementioned reasons cause conventional head assemblies to have either a large axial dimension or a large radial dimension. How to reduce the size of the head assembly within limited design constraints—that is, without significantly altering its components and functions—poses a challenge to those skilled in the art.

To address this issue, the present disclosure provides a barrel vacuum cleaner. While incorporating major functional components such as the fan and the filter and housing a portion of the airflow path, the head assembly of the barrel vacuum cleaner disclosed herein features a compact size. Thanks to this head assembly, the disclosed barrel vacuum cleaner achieves improved portability and maneuverability.

Specific embodiments and their accompanying drawings are provided below to illustrate the head assembly disclosed herein by way of example.

Numerous specific details will be set forth below to facilitate understanding of the structure, function, and use of the embodiments shown in the description and drawings. It should be understood that the embodiments described and shown herein are non-limiting examples. Thus, it should be recognized that the specific structural and functional details disclosed are representative and exemplary. Modifications and alterations may be made to these embodiments without departing from the scope of the claims.

An embodiment of the present disclosure provides a vacuum cleaner 100, illustrated in FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 1, the vacuum cleaner 100 is a barrel vacuum cleaner comprising a dust collection barrel 10 and a head assembly 20. Referring to FIG. 2, the dust collection barrel 10 includes a dust collection chamber 11 for storing the sucked-in dust and debris. The head assembly 20 is mounted on top of the dust collection barrel 10 to seal the top side of the dust collection chamber 11. With reference to FIGS. 1 and 3, the vacuum cleaner 100 is provided with an inlet 30 and an outlet 40. For example, the inlet 30 may be provided on the dust collection barrel 10, while the outlet 40 may be provided on the head assembly 20.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the head assembly 20 includes a fan 21 and a filter 22. The fan 21 is configured to generate suction airflow. The filter 22 is configured to filter the air, retaining dust and debris within the dust collection chamber. For example, referring to FIG. 6, the fan 21 may include an actuator 211 and an impeller 212. The actuator 211 can output torque to the impeller 212, driving the impeller 212 to rotate about an axis S. During rotation, the impeller 212 pushes air, thereby generating the suction airflow. The suction airflow moves along an airflow path extending from the inlet 30 to the outlet 40.

To facilitate understanding, the general course of this airflow path is indicated by dashed lines with arrows in FIG. 5. It should be understood that the representation of the airflow path in FIG. 5 is schematic, and the configuration and dimensions of its various parts are not necessarily precise. As shown in FIG. 5, following the direction from upstream to downstream, i.e., the flow direction of the suction airflow, the airflow path extends sequentially from the inlet 30 through the dust collection chamber 11, the filter 22, and the fan 21, finally reaching the outlet 40.

During operation of the vacuum cleaner, the suction airflow enters the dust collection chamber 11 via the inlet 30 and proceeds through the dust collection chamber 11 to the filter 22. The filter 22 allows the air itself to intersect but blocks the dust and debris entrained in the airflow. Consequently, the dust and debris are retained within the dust collection chamber 11. Subsequently, the filtered suction airflow passes from the filter 22 through the fan 21 to the outlet 40, and is ultimately discharged to the outside of the vacuum cleaner 100.

By way of example only, returning to FIG. 1, the vacuum cleaner 100 may further include a tube 50 and a suction head 60. A proximal end of the tube 50 connects to the inlet 30, and a distal end connects to the suction head 60. Utilizing the tube 50 and the suction head 60, the starting point of the suction airflow can be extended from the inlet 30 to the suction inlet of the suction head 60. This allows the operator to apply the suction airflow to locations farther away or to hard-to-reach corners.

Again, by way of example only, and with continued reference to FIG. 1, the vacuum cleaner 100 may further include a plurality of wheels 70. These wheels 70 can be supported at the bottom of the dust collection barrel 10. With the aid of these wheels 70, the operator can move the vacuum cleaner 100 manually or via motorized assistance to perform cleaning tasks over a larger area.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, the filter 22 is located on a radial side of the fan 21. Herein, the term “axial” may refer to the direction along the axis S, while the term “radial” may refer to directions lying in a plane perpendicular to the axis S and passing through the axis S. In most cases, the axial direction may be the vertical direction, i.e., the direction parallel to gravity. In such a case, the filter 22 being located on a radial side of the fan 21 means that the filter 22 is neither above nor below the fan 21, but is arranged side-by-side with the fan 21.

With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, the fan 21 and the filter 22 are arranged along a straight-line segment X. This straight-line segment X defines the maximum dimension of the head assembly 20 in the radial direction. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, in a plan view observed along the axial direction, the head assembly 20 has an outer contour (or outer envelope) 20a. The outer contour 20a has a minimum circumscribed circle D. The straight-line segment X can be defined as a line segment passing through the center of the circumscribed circle D and having its endpoints on the circumference of the circle D. In other words, the straight-line segment X is the diameter of this circumscribed circle D. It should be understood that FIG. 3 is simplified for clarity, omitting some elements visible from this viewing angle, such as the wheels 70.

With continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, the airflow path includes a first path portion extending from the filter 22 to the fan 21. That is to say, the airflow will flow from the filter 22 to the fan 21 along the first path portion. The first path portion includes an axial path segment R11 extending in a direction substantially parallel to the axial direction of the fan 21. FIGS. 2 and 4 show the axial path segment R11 from another perspective. The axial path segment R11 does not intersect the straight-line segment X.

On one hand, the filter 22 is located on a radial side of the fan 21, which enables the head assembly 20 to have a smaller dimension in the axial direction of the fan 21.

On the other hand, the fan 21 and the filter 22 are arranged along the straight-line segment X, which defines the maximum radial dimension of the head assembly 20. The first path portion from the filter 22 to the fan 21 includes the axial path segment R11 extending substantially parallel to the axial direction, and this axial path segment R11 does not intersect the straight-line segment X. This configuration allows the fan 21 and the filter 22 to be positioned closer to each other in the radial direction of the fan 21, helping the head assembly 20 achieve a smaller dimension in the radial direction.

Based on the above two aspects, the head assembly 20 can have a compact size. With this compact head assembly 20, the vacuum cleaner 100 can achieve a smaller overall size without significantly reducing the space of the dust collection chamber 11, thereby resulting in reduced space occupation, improved portability, and enhanced maneuverability.

Referring to FIGS. 2 to 5, the inlet 30 may be located on the straight-line segment X or on an extension line of the straight-line segment X. Furthermore, the filter 22 is located farther from the inlet 30 than the fan 21. In other words, the fan 21 is closer to the inlet 30 relative to the filter 22. Stated differently, the filter 22 is disposed on a side of the fan 21 opposite to the inlet 30. This arrangement increases the length of the portion of the airflow path from the inlet 30 to the filter 22, i.e., the second path portion R2. Due to the extended length of the second path portion R2, dust and debris entrained in the suction airflow have more sufficient time and distance to settle while flowing through it. This helps improve cleaning efficiency and prevents the filter 22 from becoming clogged with dust and debris.

Continuing to refer to FIGS. 2 to 5, the second path portion R2 is located upstream of the first path portion (comprising segments R12, R11, R13). That is to say, the suction airflow first flows through the second path portion R2 and then flows through the first path portion R12, R11, R13. The second path portion R2 extends from the inlet 30, through the dust collection chamber 11 within the dust collection barrel 10, to a bottom end of the filter 22. The first path portion R12, R11, R13 extends from a top end of the filter 22 to the fan 21, causing the airflow to flow through the filter 22 from bottom to top. According to this configuration, the second path portion R2 is located upstream of the first path portion R12, R11, R13. The airflow driven by the fan flows from upstream to downstream. Therefore, the airflow flows from the second path portion R2 to the first path portion R12, R11, R13. Furthermore, since the second path portion R2 extends to the bottom end of the filter 22 and the first path portion R12, R11, R13 extends from the top end of the filter 22 to the fan 21, the airflow necessarily flows through the filter 22 from bottom to top. Compared to airflow flowing through the filter 22 from top to bottom, the benefit of bottom-to-top flow is that, as the airflow passes through the filter 22, dust, debris, and other particles tend to settle at the bottom of the dust collection chamber 11 under gravity. This helps improve cleaning efficiency and reduces the risk of the filter 22 becoming clogged.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, the first path portion may further include a top end path segment R12 and a bottom end path segment R13. The top end path segment R12 may extend from the top end of the filter 22 to a top end of the axial path segment R11. The bottom end path segment R13 may extend from a bottom end of the axial path segment R11 to a bottom end of the fan 21. The filtered airflow may flow from the top end of the filter 22, sequentially through the top end path segment R12, the axial path segment R11, and the bottom end path segment R13, into the fan 21.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5, the top end path segment R12 may have a top surface G facing the filter 22. The top surface G may gradually rise in a direction approaching the axial path segment R11. From the viewing angle of FIG. 2, the top surface G rises higher towards the left. The top surface G gradually rising in the direction approaching the axial path segment R11 forms a guiding inclined surface. Assisted by this guiding inclined surface, the airflow can maintain smooth flow during its transition from the filter 22 to the axial path segment R11, thereby helping to avoid unnecessary turbulence and eddies as the airflow enters the axial path segment R11.

By way of example only, and with reference to FIG. 6, the head assembly 20 may further include a top cover 23. The top cover 23 may include a top cover main body 231, a first cover plate 232, and a second cover plate 233. The top cover main body 231 may be provided with a window 2311 exposing the filter 22. The first cover plate 232 may be mounted covering this window 2311, and the second cover plate 233 may be mounted covering the first cover plate 232. After a period of use, the operator can sequentially remove the second cover plate 233 and the first cover plate 232, and then take out the filter 22 through the window 2311 for necessary cleaning or replacement. As shown in conjunction with FIGS. 2 and 7, the first cover plate 232 may have a plate portion 2321, and the top surface G may be the surface of the plate portion 2321 facing the filter 22.

By way of example only, and referring to FIGS. 2, 6, and 7, the first cover plate 232 may be provided with a first grille portion 2322 and a window portion 2323. The top cover main body 231 may be provided with a second grille portion 2312. The top end path segment R12 passes through the first grille portion 2322 to reach the upper side of the first cover plate 232, then sequentially passes through the window portion 2323 and the second grille portion 2312 to reach the axial path segment R11. According to this configuration, when replacing or cleaning the filter 22, the entry of foreign objects into the axial path segment R11 can be prevented. If foreign objects enter the axial path segment R11, they might travel along the first path portion to the fan 21, potentially damaging it.

Please refer primarily to FIG. 3, with additional reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. In a plan view observed along the axial direction of the fan 21, the filter 22 and the bottom end path segment R13 may not overlap. For ease of understanding, the bottom end path segment R13 is indicated by a dashed line in FIG. 3. According to this configuration, the bottom end of the filter 22 is directly exposed to the dust collection chamber 11 and is not shielded by the bottom end path segment R13. In other words, the bottom end path segment R13 does not pass directly below the filter 22. The benefit of this is that the presence of the bottom end path segment R13 does not, or only minimally, obstruct the upward airflow from the dust collection chamber 11 towards the filter 22, thus reducing flow resistance.

Referring to FIG. 6, the head assembly 20 may further include a support frame 24 and a tray 25. The support frame 24 may be provided with a first support portion 241, a second support portion 242, and a flow channel portion 243. The fan 21 may be supported by the first support portion 241, and the filter 22 may be supported by the second support portion 242. The top cover 23 and the support frame 24 may together form the top end path segment R12. The flow channel portion 243 may form the axial path segment R11. The tray 25 and the support frame 24 may together form the bottom end path segment R13. This configuration offers advantages of simple structure and easy assembly.

Furthermore, referring to FIGS. 4 and 8, the tray 25 may include a sloped portion 251 and a tray portion 252. The sloped portion 251 may gradually descend in a circumferential direction about the axis S. The tray portion 252 may be located directly below the fan 21. This configuration helps ensure that the bottom path segment R13, defined in part by the tray 25, does not overlap with the filter 22 in a plan view observed along the axial direction of the fan 21.

In order to minimize flow resistance, airflow guide portions may be provided in areas of the first path portion prone to turbulence. These guide portions may be configured as airflow guide ribs extending along the flow direction of the airflow.

In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 2, a first airflow guide portion 2324 may be provided between the top end path segment R12 and the axial path segment R11. The first airflow guide portion 2324 can streamline the airflow flowing from the top end path segment R12 to the axial path segment R11. The first airflow guide portion 2324 primarily streamlines the airflow transitioning from the top end path segment R12 to the axial path segment R11. It can smoothly guide the airflow from the top end path segment R12 into the axial path segment R11, ensuring a smooth transition and uniform distribution of the airflow, thereby preventing turbulence. By way of example only, and referring to FIG. 7, the first airflow guide portion 2324 may be part of the first cover plate 232 and may be disposed at the first grille portion 2322.

In some embodiments, referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a second airflow guide portion 2431 may be provided within the axial path segment R11. The second airflow guide portion 2431 can streamline the airflow flowing through the axial path segment R11. The second airflow guide portion 2431 is located within the axial path segment R11 and is responsible for streamlining the airflow passing through this path segment R11. It ensures uniform distribution of the airflow within the axial path segment R11 and helps prevent turbulence. By way of example only, and in conjunction with FIG. 6, the second airflow guide portion 2431 may be part of the flow channel portion 243 and may be disposed within the flow channel portion 243.

In some embodiments, referring to FIG. 2, a third airflow guide portion 2512 may be provided within the bottom end path segment R13. The third airflow guide portion 2512 can streamline the airflow flowing through the bottom end path segment R13. The third airflow guide portion is located within the bottom end path segment and is responsible for streamlining the airflow passing through this path segment. It can smoothly guide the airflow from the bottom end path segment to other path segments or the exhaust system, preventing turbulence and ensuring overall system airflow balance. By way of example only, and in conjunction with FIG. 8, the third airflow guide portion 2512 may be part of the sloped portion 251 of the tray 25 and may be disposed within the sloped portion 251.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, the airflow path may further include a third path portion R3 located downstream of the first path portion. The third path portion R3 may extend from the fan 21 to the outlet 40. In a plan view observed along the axial direction of the fan 21, and with reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, the first path portion (comprising segments R12, R11, R13) and the third path portion R3 may be located on opposite sides of the straight-line segment X in a lateral direction. It should be understood that herein, the “lateral direction” of the straight-line segment X is a concept relative to its longitudinal direction; the longitudinal direction of the straight-line segment X may refer to the direction from one end of the segment X to the other end; the lateral direction of the straight-line segment X may refer to the direction crossing the segment X, from one side of the segment X to the other.

Since the fan 21 and the filter 22 are arranged along the straight-line segment X, and the head assembly 20 is generally cylindrical, there is remaining space on the opposite transverse sides of the straight-line segment X. If both the first path portion R12, R11, R13 and the third path portion R3 were arranged on the same transverse side of the straight-line segment X, the space on the other side would be unused, reducing space utilization. Reflected in the product, this would either result in a narrower airflow path or increase the size of the head assembly 20. In contrast, in the presently disclosed embodiments, arranging the first path portion R12, R11, R13 and the third path portion R3 on opposite transverse sides of the straight-line segment X improves space utilization. Consequently, this allows for a wider airflow path without significantly increasing the size of the head assembly 20.

Furthermore, with continued reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, in a plan view observed along the axial direction of the fan 21, the third path portion R3 may extend from the fan 21 to the outlet 40 in a direction away from the inlet 30.

According to this configuration, the outlet 40 will be generally located on the side of the overall vacuum cleaner 100 opposite to the inlet 30. Considering that during actual use, the area to be cleaned is typically located on the side where the inlet 30 is situated, if the outlet 40 were also on this side, the airflow exhausted during operation might scatter dust or debris in the area to be cleaned, thereby affecting cleaning efficiency. Furthermore, arranging the inlet 30 and the outlet 40 on generally opposite sides of the vacuum cleaner 100 also helps improve space utilization, thereby further contributing to a reduction in the overall size of the vacuum cleaner 100.

It should be noted that the various elements described in the above detailed embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner, provided there is no conflict. To avoid unnecessary repetition, the present disclosure will not elaborate on various possible combinations.

It should be understood that multiple components and/or portions may be provided by a single integrated component or portion. Alternatively, a single integrated component or portion may be divided into separate multiple components and/or portions. The use of the indefinite articles “a” or “an” to describe an element or portion is not intended to exclude the presence of other elements or portions.

It should be understood that although terms such as “first” or “second” may be used herein to describe various elements (e.g., a first path portion and a second path portion), these elements are not limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element from another.

The basic principles of the present disclosure have been described above in connection with specific embodiments. However, it should be pointed out that the advantages, benefits, effects, etc., mentioned in the present disclosure are for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting. They should not be considered as essential to every embodiment of the present disclosure. Furthermore, the specific details disclosed above are for the purpose of illustration and ease of understanding only, and are not limiting. These details do not restrict the present disclosure to implementation using precisely those specific details.

The foregoing represents only specific embodiments of the present disclosure. However, the protection scope of the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Any person skilled in the art, within the technical scope disclosed in the present disclosure, can readily conceive of changes or substitutions, which should fall within the protection scope of the present disclosure. Therefore, the protection scope of the present disclosure shall be determined by the scope of the claims.