Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner comprising a housing (1) accommodating a suction unit (7). The vacuum cleaner further comprises a dust container (11) in which a dust filter (21) can be placed. The dust container is detachably coupled to the housing and comprises a handle (33) and an opening (31) via which the dust filter can be placed. According to the invention, the handle is provided on a side wall (39) of the dust container, while the opening is provided at an upper side (35) of the dust container, the upper side of the dust container being directed towards an upper side (37) of the housing in an operational position of the vacuum cleaner. In this manner, it is prevented that the dust filter can fall out of the dust container or that dust can fall out of the dust filter when the dust container is detached from the housing. In a preferred embodiment, the handle of the dust container also is a unique handle for the housing, so that the construction of the housing is simplified.

Abstract: An automatic cable winder for use, for example, with a vacuum cleaner includes a device for latching the cable drum to prevent its rotation in a winding direction, and a braking device to ensure that the cable is wound smoothly and uniformly. The braking device comprises a brake housing, a disc journalled therein, brake blocks pivotally mounted on the disc for engagement with the brake housing, and a friction wheel coupled to the disc and drivable by the drum. The brake housing is rotatable about a pin disposed eccentrically relative to the disc. The brake housing is coupled to the latching mechanism whereby the friction wheel is driven by the drum when the latching mechanism is released.