Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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HANDHELD SURFACE CLEANING APPARATUS
FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates generally to surface cleaning apparatus. In
a
preferred embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus comprises a portable
surface cleaning apparatus, such as a hand vacuum cleaner.
INTRODUCTION
[0002] The following is not an admission that anything
discussed below is
part of the prior art or part of the common general knowledge of a person
skilled in
the art.
[0003] Various types of surface cleaning apparatus are known,
including
upright surface cleaning apparatus, canister surface cleaning apparatus, stick
surface cleaning apparatus, central vacuum systems, and hand carriable surface
cleaning apparatus such as hand vacuums. Further, various designs for cyclonic
hand vacuum cleaners, including battery operated cyclonic hand vacuum
cleaners,
are known in the art.
SUMMARY
[0004] The following introduction is provided to introduce
the reader to the
more detailed discussion to follow. The introduction is not intended to limit
or define
any claimed or as yet unclaimed invention. One or more inventions may reside
in
any combination or sub-combination of the elements or process steps disclosed
in
any part of this document including its claims and figures.
[0005] In accordance with one aspect of this disclosure,
which may be used
alone or in combination with any other aspect, a hand vacuum cleaner includes
an
energy storage unit at its lower end. The hand vacuum cleaner has a pistol
grip
handle located above the rear end of the energy storage unit and a suction
motor
located above the front end of the energy storage unit. This configuration of
the
heavier components of the hand vacuum cleaner and the handle allows a user to
easily wield the hand vacuum cleaner with one hand and provides a comfortable
hand feel.
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[0006]
The energy storage unit may include multiple energy storage
members arranged in a row extending in a forward/rearward direction. This may
further enhance the weight distribution of the hand vacuum cleaner by
spreading
out the weight of the energy storage unit.
[0007] In
accordance with this broad aspect, there is provided a hand
vacuum cleaner having an upper end, a lower end, a front end having a dirty
air
inlet and a rear end, the hand vacuum cleaner comprising:
(a) an air flow path extending from the dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet;
(b) an air treatment member positioned in the air flow path, the air treatment
member having a front end and a rear end and an axis that extends between the
front and rear ends of the air treatment member;
(c) an energy storage unit having a front end and a rear end;
(d) a suction motor positioned in the air flow path; and,
(e) a pistol grip handle,
wherein when the hand vacuum cleaner is oriented with the upper end above
the lower end, the pistol grip handle is located at the rear end of the hand
vacuum
cleaner, the energy storage unit is located at the lower end of the hand
vacuum
cleaner with the suction motor located above the front end of the energy
storage
unit and the pistol grip handle located above the rear end of the energy
storage unit.
[0008] In some
embodiments, the hand vacuum cleaner may include a finger
grip area where, when the hand vacuum cleaner is oriented with the upper end
above the lower end, the finger grip area is positioned forward of the pistol
grip
handle and above the energy storage unit.
[0009]
In some embodiments, the finger grip area may be positioned
between the front end and the rear end of the energy storage unit.
[0010]
In some embodiments, the energy storage unit may include a plurality
of energy storage members and a line that extends through at least some of the
energy storage members may be substantially parallel to the air treatment
member
axis.
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[0011] In some embodiments, the energy storage unit may
include a plurality
of energy storage members, the energy storage members may have a longitudinal
axis and the energy storage members may be oriented with the longitudinal
energy
storage member axis extending transverse to the air treatment member axis.
[0012] In some embodiments, the energy storage members may be arranged
in a single extending row extending in a forward/rearward direction.
[0013] In some embodiments, the energy storage members may be
arranged
in a single extending row extending in a forward/rearward direction.
[0014] In some embodiments, the energy storage unit may
include a plurality
of energy storage members and when the hand vacuum cleaner is oriented with
the
upper end above the lower end, at least one of the energy storage members may
underlie the suction motor and at least another of the energy storage members
may
underlie the pistol grip handle.
[0015] In some embodiments, the air treatment member may
include a
cyclone and the air treatment member axis may be a cyclone axis of rotation.
[0016] In some embodiments, the suction motor may have an
axis of rotation
and the suction motor axis of rotation may be substantially parallel to the
air
treatment member axis.
[0017] In some embodiments, the suction motor may be
positioned rearward
of a pre-motor filter and forward of the pistol grip handle.
[0018] In some embodiments, the hand vacuum cleaner may
include a finger
grip area where, the finger grip area is positioned between the suction motor
and
the pistol grip handle.
[0019] In some embodiments, the hand vacuum cleaner may
include a
second stage cyclone downstream from the air treatment member where the
second stage cyclone is located between the air treatment member and the
suction
motor.
[0020] In some embodiments, the hand vacuum cleaner may
include a pre-
motor filter where the pre-motor filter is located forward of the energy
storage unit.
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[0021] In some embodiments, a forward projection of the
energy storage unit
may intersect the pre-motor filter.
[0022] In some embodiments, the air treatment member and a
pre-motor
filter may include a removable air treatment unit that is located forward of
the energy
storage unit.
[0023] In some embodiments, the air treatment member may have
a front
openable door.
[0024] In some embodiments, the air treatment member may be
removably
mounted at a location forward of the energy storage unit
[0025] In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be
used alone or in combination with any other aspect, a hand vacuum cleaner may
have a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber external to the cyclone
chamber. A rearward projection of the dirt collection chamber sidewall may
enclose
or substantially enclose the pre-motor filter, suction motor, energy storage
unit, and
handle of the hand vacuum cleaner, and optionally a post motor filter. The
generally
linear arrangement of components within the hand vacuum cleaner may allow the
height of the hand vacuum cleaner to be reduced while reducing backpressure
through the hand vacuum cleaner, which may improve maneuverability and
cleanability and make it easier to clean hard-to-reach areas.
[0026] In accordance with this broad aspect, there is provided a hand
vacuum cleaner having an upper end, a lower end, a front end having a dirty
air
inlet and a rear end, the hand vacuum cleaner comprising:
(a) an air flow path extending from the dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet;
(b) a cyclone positioned in the air flow path, the cyclone having a cyclone
front end, a cyclone rear end, a cyclone air inlet, a cyclone air outlet and a
cyclone
axis of rotation axis extending between the cyclone front end and the cyclone
rear
end;
(c) a dirt collection chamber external to the cyclone and surrounding at least
80% of the cyclone; and
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(d) a main body comprising a suction motor that is positioned in the air flow
path, a plurality of energy storage members and a pistol grip handle, the
pistol grip
handle having an upper end and a lower end,
wherein a line that extends through the plurality of energy storage members
is substantially parallel to the cyclone axis of rotation, and
wherein when the hand vacuum cleaner is oriented with the upper end above
the lower end, the suction motor is located rearward of a pre-motor filter,
the pistol
grip handle is located at the rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner and the
plurality
of energy storage members are located at the lower end of the hand vacuum
cleaner, and
wherein a pre-motor filter, the suction motor, the energy storage unit and the
pistol grip handle are substantially located within a volume defined by a
projection
of the dirt collection chamber sidewall.
[0027] In some embodiments, when the hand vacuum cleaner is
oriented
with the upper end above the lower end, the energy storage members may be
located below the pistol grip handle.
[0028] In some embodiments, the energy storage unit may
include a plurality
of energy storage members and when the hand vacuum cleaner is oriented with
the
upper end above the lower end, the energy storage members may be located below
the suction motor.
[0029] In some embodiments, when the hand vacuum cleaner is
oriented
with the upper end above the lower end, the energy storage members may be
located below the pistol grip handle.
[0030] In accordance with this broad aspect, there is also
provided a hand
vacuum cleaner having an upper end, a lower end, a front end having a dirty
air
inlet and a rear end, the hand vacuum cleaner comprising:
(a) an air flow path extending from the dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet;
(b) a cyclone positioned in the air flow path, the cyclone having a cyclone
first end, an opposed cyclone second end, a cyclone air inlet, a cyclone air
outlet,
a cyclone axis of rotation axis extending between the cyclone first end and
the
cyclone second end and an axially extending cyclone sidewall;
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(c) a dirt collection chamber external to the cyclone and surrounding the
cyclone; and
(d) a main body comprising a suction motor that is positioned in the air flow
path, an energy storage unit and a pistol grip handle, the pistol grip handle
having
an upper end and a lower end,
wherein when the hand vacuum cleaner is oriented with the upper end above
the lower end, the pistol grip handle is located rearward of the front end of
the hand
vacuum cleaner and the suction motor is located rearward of a pre-motor
filter, and
wherein a pre-motor filter, the suction motor, the energy storage unit and the
pistol grip handle are substantially located within a volume defined by a
projection
of the dirt collection chamber sidewall.
[0031] In some embodiments, the energy storage unit may be
provided at
the lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner.
[0032] In some embodiments, when the hand vacuum cleaner is
oriented
with the upper end above the lower end, the energy storage unit may be located
below the pistol grip handle.
[0033] In some embodiments, the energy storage unit may
include a plurality
of energy storage members and a line that extends through at least some of the
energy storage members may be substantially parallel to the cyclone axis of
rotation.
[0034] In some embodiments, the energy storage unit may
include a plurality
of energy storage members and when the hand vacuum cleaner is oriented with
the
upper end above the lower end, the suction motor may be located above at least
some of the energy storage members.
[0035] In some embodiments, the pistol grip handle may be located at the
rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner.
[0036] In some embodiments, the hand vacuum cleaner may
include an air
inlet conduit extending downstream from the dirt air inlet, the air inlet
conduit having
an inlet conduit axis where a projection of the inlet conduit intersects the
upper end
of the handle.
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[0037]
In some embodiments, the hand vacuum cleaner may include a
second cyclonic stage downstream from the cyclone where the second cyclonic
stage is located within the volume defined by a projection of the dirt
collection
chamber sidewall.
[0038] In
accordance with this broad aspect, there is also provided a hand
vacuum cleaner having an upper end, a lower end, a front end having a dirty
air
inlet and a rear end, the hand vacuum cleaner comprising:
(a) an air flow path extending from the dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet;
(b) a cyclone unit comprising a cyclone positioned in the air flow path and a
dirt collection chamber external to the cyclone chamber, the cyclone having a
cyclone front end, a cyclone rear end, a cyclone air inlet, a cyclone air
outlet and a
cyclone axis of rotation axis extending between the cyclone front end and the
cyclone rear end, the cyclone unit having an axially extending sidewall; and
(c) a main body comprising a suction motor positioned in the air flow path,
an energy storage unit and a pistol grip handle,
wherein when the hand vacuum cleaner is oriented with the upper end above
the lower end, the suction motor is located rearward of a pre-motor filter,
the pistol
grip handle is located at the rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner and the
energy
storage unit is located at the lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner, and
wherein a projection of the cyclone chamber and dirt collection chamber
sidewalls substantially encompasses a pre-motor filter, the suction motor, the
energy storage unit and the pistol grip handle.
[0039]
In some embodiments, when the hand vacuum cleaner is oriented
with the upper end above the lower end, the energy storage unit may be located
below the pistol grip handle.
[0040]
In some embodiments, the energy storage unit may include a plurality
of energy storage members and a line that extends through at least some of the
energy storage members may be substantially parallel to the cyclone axis of
rotation.
[0041] In some
embodiments, the energy storage unit may include a plurality
of energy storage members and when the hand vacuum cleaner is oriented with
the
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upper end above the lower end, the suction motor may be located above at least
some of the energy storage members.
[0042] In some embodiments, the hand vacuum cleaner may
include an air
inlet conduit extending downstream from the dirt air inlet, the air inlet
conduit having
an inlet conduit axis wherein a projection of the inlet conduit may intersect
the upper
end of the handle.
[0043] In some embodiments, the hand vacuum cleaner may
include a
second cyclonic stage downstream from the cyclone wherein the second cyclonic
stage may be located within the volume defined by a projection of the cyclone
chamber and dirt collection chamber sidewalls.
[0044] In some embodiments, at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or
95% of the
pre-motor filter, the suction motor, the energy storage unit and the pistol
grip handle
may be located within the volume defined by a projection of the cyclone
chamber
and dirt collection chamber sidewalls.
[0045] In some embodiments, the energy storage unit may include a plurality
of energy storage members and when the hand vacuum cleaner is oriented with
the
upper end above the lower end, at least some of the energy storage members may
be located below the suction motor.
[0046] It will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art
that an apparatus
or method disclosed herein may embody any one or more of the features
contained
herein and that the features may be used in any particular combination or sub-
combination.
[0047] These and other aspects and features of various
embodiments will be
described in greater detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0048] For a better understanding of the described
embodiments and to
show more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be
made,
by way of example, to the accompanying drawings in which:
[0049] Figure 1 is a top front perspective view of a hand
vacuum cleaner in
accordance with one embodiment;
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[0050] Figure 2 is a side view of the hand vacuum cleaner of
Figure 1 in
accordance with the embodiment of Figure 1;
[0051] Figure 3 is a top view of the hand vacuum cleaner of
Figure 1 in
accordance with the embodiment of Figure 1;
[0052] Figure 4 is a sectional view of the hand vacuum cleaner of Figure 1
along line 4-4 in Figure 1 in accordance with the embodiment of Figure 1;
[0053] Figure 5 is a front view of the hand vacuum cleaner of
Figure 1 in
accordance with the embodiment of Figure 1;
[0054] Figure 6 is a front perspective sectional view of the
hand vacuum
cleaner of Figure 1 along line 6-6 in Figure 1 in accordance with the
embodiment of
Figure 1;
[0055] Figure 7 is a top front perspective view of a hand
vacuum cleaner in
accordance with another embodiment;
[0056] Figure 8 is a perspective sectional view of the hand
vacuum cleaner
of Figure 7 along line 8-8 in Figure 7 in accordance with the embodiment of
Figure
6;
[0057] Figure 9 is an isolated perspective sectional view of
the hand vacuum
cleaner of Figure 7 along line 9-9 in Figure 7 in accordance with the
embodiment of
Figure 6;
[0058] Figure 10 is a top front perspective view of a hand vacuum cleaner
in
accordance with another embodiment;
[0059] Figure 11 is a perspective sectional view of the hand
vacuum cleaner
of Figure 10 along line 11-11 in Figure 10 in accordance with the embodiment
of
Figure 10;
[0060] Figure 12 is an isolated perspective sectional view of the hand
vacuum cleaner of Figure 10 along line 12-12 in Figure 10 in accordance with
the
embodiment of Figure 10;
[0061] Figure 13 is a top front perspective view of a hand
vacuum cleaner in
accordance with another embodiment;
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[0062] Figure 14 is a perspective sectional view of the hand
vacuum cleaner
of Figure 13 along line 14-14 in Figure 13 in accordance with the embodiment
of
Figure 13;
[0063] Figure 15 is a top front perspective view of a hand
vacuum cleaner in
accordance with another embodiment; and
[0064] Figure 16 is a perspective sectional view of the hand
vacuum cleaner
of Figure 15 along line 16-16 in Figure 15 in accordance with the embodiment
of
Figure 15.
[0065] The drawings included herewith are for illustrating
various examples
of articles, methods, and apparatuses of the teaching of the present
specification
and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way.
DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS
[0066] Various apparatuses, methods and compositions are
described below
to provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No
embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed
invention may cover apparatuses and methods that differ from those described
below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses, methods and
compositions having all of the features of any one apparatus, method or
composition described below or to features common to multiple or all of the
apparatuses, methods or compositions described below. it is possible that an
apparatus, method or composition described below is not an embodiment of any
claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus, method or
composition
described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter
of
another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application,
and the
applicant(s), inventor(s) and/or owner(s) do not intend to abandon, disclaim,
or
dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document
[0067] The terms "an embodiment," "embodiment,"
"embodiments," "the
embodiment," 'The embodiments," "one or more embodiments," "some
embodiments," and "one embodiment' mean "one or more (but not all)
embodiments of the present invention(s)," unless expressly specified
otherwise.
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[0068] The terms "including," "comprising" and variations
thereof mean
"including but not limited to," unless expressly specified otherwise. A
listing of items
does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless
expressly
specified otherwise. The terms "a," "an" and "the" mean "one or more," unless
expressly specified otherwise.
[0069] As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts
are said to be
"coupled", "connected", "attached", or "fastened" where the parts are joined
or
operate together either directly or indirectly (i.e., through one or more
intermediate
parts), so long as a link occurs. As used herein and in the claims, two or
more parts
are said to be "directly coupled", "directly connected", "directly attached",
or "directly
fastened" where the parts are connected in physical contact with each other.
None
of the terms "coupled", "connected", "attached", and "fastened" distinguish
the
manner in which two or more parts are joined together.
[0070] Furthermore, it will be appreciated that for
simplicity and clarity of
illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated
among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. In
addition,
numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough
understanding
of the example embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by
those of ordinary skill in the art that the example embodiments described
herein
may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-
known
methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as
not
to obscure the example embodiments described herein. Also, the description is
not
to be considered as limiting the scope of the example embodiments described
herein.
[0071] Referring to Figures 1 to 16, exemplary embodiments of a surface
cleaning apparatus is shown generally as 1000. In the illustrated embodiment,
the
surface cleaning apparatus is a hand vacuum cleaner, which may also be
referred
to as a "handvac" or "hand-held vacuum cleaner". As used herein, a hand vacuum
cleaner is a vacuum cleaner that can be operated to clean a surface generally
one-
handedly. That is, the entire weight of the vacuum may be held by the same one
hand used to direct a dirty air inlet of the vacuum cleaner with respect to a
surface
to be cleaned. For example, the handle and a clean air inlet may be rigidly
coupled
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to each other (directly or indirectly) so as to move as one while maintaining
a
constant orientation relative to each other. This is to be contrasted with
canister and
upright vacuum cleaners, whose weight is typically supported by a surface
(e.g. a
floor) during use.
5 [0072] Optionally,
surface cleaning apparatus 1000 may be removably
mountable on a base so as to form, for example, an upright vacuum cleaner, a
canister vacuum cleaner, a stick vacuum cleaner or stick vac, a wet-dry vacuum
cleaner and the like. For example, the base of the surface cleaning apparatus
may
include a surface cleaning head and an elongate wand that can be connected to
the hand vacuum 1000. In this configuration, the surface cleaning apparatus
may
be used to clean a floor or other surface in a manner analogous to a
conventional
upright-style vacuum cleaner.
[0073] As exemplified
in Figures 1 to 6, surface cleaning apparatus 1000
includes a main body 1010 having a housing 1011 and a handle 1020, an air
treatment member 1100 connected to the main body 1010, a dirty air inlet 1030,
a
clean air outlet 1040, and an air flow path extending between the dirty air
inlet 1030
and the clean air outlet 1040. The air treatment member 1100 is positioned in
the
air flow path.
[0074] Surface
cleaning apparatus 1000 has a front end 1002, a rear end
1004, an upper end or top 1006, and a lower end or bottom 1008. In the
embodiment shown, dirty air inlet 1030 is at an upper portion of the front end
1002
and clean air outlet 1040 is at rearward portion of the main body 1010,
between the
upper and lower ends 1006 and 1008. It will be appreciated that the dirty air
inlet
1030 and the clean air outlet 1040 may be provided in different locations.
[0075] A suction
motor 1200 (see e.g. Figures 4, 8, 11, 14 and 16) is
positioned in the air flow path to generate vacuum suction through the air
flow path.
The suction motor 1200 is positioned within a motor housing 1210. In the
illustrated
embodiment, the suction motor 1200 is positioned downstream from the air
treatment member 1100. In alternative embodiments, the suction motor 1200 may
be positioned upstream of the air treatment member 1100 (e.g., a dirty air
motor).
The suction motor 1200 defines a motor axis 1205 (about which the rotor
rotates).
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[0076] Air treatment member 1100 is configured to remove
particles of dirt
and other debris from the air flow and/or otherwise treat the air flow. As
exemplified
herein, the air treatment member may comprise one or more cyclonic stages,
each
of which may comprise a single cyclone or a plurality of cyclones in parallel.
Each
cyclonic stage may have a single dirt collection chamber or a plurality of
dirt
collection chambers. The dirt collection chamber(s) may be external to the
cyclone
chamber or may be internal the cyclone chamber and configured as a dirt
collection
area or region within the cyclone chamber. Alternatively, the air treatment
member
1100 need not include a cyclonic cleaning stage, and can incorporate a bag, a
porous physical filter media (such as foam or felt), or other air treating
means.
[0077] In Figures 1-12, the air treatment member is
exemplified as a cyclone
assembly having two cyclonic cleaning stages arranged in series with each
other.
The first stage cyclone is exemplified as having a single cyclone and the
second
cyclonic stage is exemplified as having a plurality of cyclones (e.g., four
cyclones)
in parallel. The dirt collection chambers are exemplified as being external to
the
cyclone chambers.
[0078] As exemplified in the embodiments shown in Figures 4,
6, 8 and 11,
the air treatment member 1100 may corn prise a two-stage cyclone assembly
having
a first stage cyclone 1130 and a second stage cyclone unit 1132 that is
arranged in
series, downstream from the first stage cyclone 1130. The cyclone assembly
also
includes, in this embodiment, a first stage dirt collection chamber 1134 to
receive
dirt separated by the first stage cyclone 1130, and a second stage dirt
collection
chamber 1136 to receive dirt separated by the second stage cyclone unit 1132.
[0079] The first stage cyclone chamber 1130 has a cyclone air
inlet 1120 in
fluid communication with the inlet conduit 1036, a cyclone air outlet 1122,
and a dirt
outlet 1140 that is in communication with the dirt collection chamber 1134.
[0080] The second stage cyclone unit 1132 may include a
plurality of cyclone
chambers 1150 arranged in parallel. In the example illustrated, there are four
second stage cyclone chambers 1150 (see e.g. Figure 1), although greater or
fewer
numbers of second stage cyclone chambers 1150 may be provided. Each cyclone
chamber 1150 has a cyclone air inlet 1151 in fluid communication with the
cyclone
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air outlet 1122, a cyclone air outlet 1152, and a dirt outlet 1155 that is in
communication with the dirt collection chamber 1136.
[0081] Optionally, as exemplified in Figures 4, 8 and 11, one
or more of the
second stage cyclone chambers 1150 may be arranged as multi-inlet cyclones.
The
cyclone air inlet 1151 of each multi-inlet cyclone 1150 may include a
plurality of air
inlet ports 1153 and, which may share a common airflow passage leading
upstream
from the first stage cyclone air outlet 1122. Air entering each second stage
cyclone
air inlet 1151 passes through the common airflow passage, then to the air
inlet ports
1153 before entering the cyclone chamber 1150.
[0082] One or both of the first stage cyclone 1130 and the second stage
cyclone 1132 may optionally be a `uniflow' cyclone chamber (i.e. wherein the
cyclone air inlet and cyclone air outlet are at opposite ends of the cyclone
chamber).
Alternatively or in addition, one or both of the first stage cyclone 1130 and
the
second stage cyclone 1132 may provide bidirectional air flow (i.e. where the
cyclone
air inlet and cyclone air outlet are at the same end of the cyclone chamber).
In the
examples illustrated by Figures 1-12, the first stage cyclone 1130 and the
second
stage cyclone 1132 use bidirectional air flow. Optionally, the first stage
cyclone
1130 and/or the second stage cyclone 1132 may be an inverted cyclone.
[0083] The first stage cyclone 1130 defines a first cyclone
axis 1115, about
which air circulates when in the first stage cyclone 1130. Each cyclone
chamber
1150 in the second stage cyclone unit 1132 may also define a corresponding
second cyclone axis (not shown), about which air circulates when in the second
stage cyclone chamber 1150. The cyclone axes of the first and second stage
cyclones 1130 and 1150 may be generally parallel as in the illustrated
examples.
Optionally, the cyclone axes may be both parallel and co-axial with each other
(e.g.
where the second stage cyclone unit 1132 includes a single cyclone chamber).
In
other arrangements, the cyclone axes need not be parallel or co-axial with
each
other.
[0084] The cyclone chambers 1130 and 1150 and dirt collection
chambers
1134 and 1136 may be of any configuration suitable for separating dirt from an
air
stream and collecting the separated dirt, respectively. The cyclone chambers
1130
and 1150 may be oriented in any direction, including those described in more
detail
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herein. For example, when surface cleaning apparatus 1000 is oriented with the
upper end 1006 above the lower end 1008, the cyclone axes may be oriented
generally horizontally or horizontally as exemplified, or alternatively may be
oriented
vertically, or at any angle between horizontal and vertical.
[0085] Alternatively, as shown in the examples of Figures 13-
16, air
treatment member 1100 may include a cyclone assembly having a single cyclonic
cleaning stage with a single cyclone chamber 1130 and a dirt collection region
1134
external to the cyclone chamber. The cyclone chamber 1130 and dirt collection
region 1134 may be of any configuration suitable for separating dirt from an
air
stream and collecting the separated dirt, respectively.
[0086] The cyclone chamber 1130 may be oriented in any
direction. For
example, when surface cleaning apparatus 1000 is oriented with the upper end
1006 above the lower end 1008, e.g. positioned generally parallel to a
horizontal
surface, a central axis or axis of rotation 1115 of the cyclone chamber 1130
may be
oriented horizontally, as exemplified in Figure 4. In alternative embodiments,
the
cyclone chamber may be oriented vertically, or at any angle between horizontal
and
vertical.
[0087] The first stage dirt collection chamber 1136 may
surround part of all
of the first stage cyclone 1130. For example, as exemplified in Figures 6, 9
and 16,
the first stage dirt collection chamber 1134 may surround only part of the
first stage
cyclone 1130 (e.g., the upper portion thereof). Alternately, as exemplified in
Figures
12 and 14, the first stage dirt collection chamber 1134 may surround all of
the first
stage cyclone 1130.
[0088] Preferably, at least a portion of the air treatment
member may be
openable for emptying. For example, at least one end (e.g., the front end in
the
exemplified orientation), and optionally both ends (e.g., the front and rear
ends in
the exemplified orientation) of the dirt collection chamber 1134 may be
openable
for emptying. Optionally, at least one end, and optionally both ends of the
cyclone
chamber 1130 may also be openable for emptying.
[0089] In the examples illustrated, the front end wall 1160 of the cyclone
chamber 1130 and the front end wall 1126 of the dirt collection chamber 1134
are
both provided by portions of an openable front door 1190 that covers the front
end
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of the cyclone assembly 1100. In this arrangement, opening the front door 1190
will
concurrently open the front end walls 1160 and 1126 of the cyclone and dirt
collection chambers 1130, 1134.
[0090] The second stage dirt collection chamber 1136 may
extend forwardly
through or adjacent the first stage dirt collection chamber 1134 and/or the
first stage
cyclone 1130 to terminate at the front end of the air treatment member 1100.
Accordingly, opening the front door also opens the second stage dirt
collection
chamber 1136.
[0091] For example, one or more dirt collection chamber
passages 1123 may
extend forwardly through or adjacent the first stage dirt collection chamber
1134
and/or the first stage cyclone 1130 such that the second stage dirt collection
chamber 1136 may be emptied when the first stage dirt collection chamber 1134
is
opened for emptying. As exemplified in Figure 6, a single dirt collection
passage
1123 extends underneath the first stage cyclone 1130. Accordingly, when front
door
1190 is opened, both the first and second dirt collection chambers 1134 and
1136
may be emptied. Similarly, as exemplified in Figure 9, two dirt collection
passages
1123a and 1123b extend underneath the first stage cyclone 1130. As exemplified
in Figure 12, two dirt collection passages 1123a and 1123b extend adjacent the
outer side of the sidewall 1133 of the first stage dirt collection chamber
1134.
[0092] Accordingly, for example, in the embodiments of Figures 6, 9 and 12,
opening the front door also opens the second stage dirt collection chamber
1136.
In the illustrated example, a user may hold the hand vacuum 1000 via the
handle
1020 with one hand and open the front door 1190 with the other hand. The front
end wall 1160 of the cyclone chamber 1130 and the front end wall 1126 of the
dirt
collection chamber 1134 (and the dirt collection chamber 1136 in the
embodiment
of Figure 4) may be concurrently openable and may cover all of a substantial
portion
of the front end of the cyclone chamber and the dirt collection chamber(s).
For
example, the front end wall 1160 of the cyclone chamber 1130 and the front end
wall 1126 of the dirt collection chamber 1134 (and optionally the front end
wall of
the second stage dirt collection chamber(s)) may be a one piece assembly (i.e.
they
may be integrally formed).
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[0093] Alternately, the front end wall 1126 of the dirt
collection chamber 1134
(and optionally also the dirt collection chamber 1136) may be separate from
the
front end wall 1160. For example, as exemplified in Figure 4, the front end
wall 1126
of the dirt collection chambers 1134, 1136 may be defined by the openable door
1190 while the front end wall of the cyclone chamber 1160 is defined by an
arrester
plate 1135 connected to door 1190. Alternately, as exemplified in Figure 8,
the front
end wall 1126 of the dirt collection chamber 1134 may be defined by the
openable
door 1190 while the front end wall of the cyclone chamber 1160 is defined by
an
arrester plate 1135 connected to door 1190.
[0094] The front door 1190 may be openably connected (e.g., pivotally
openable or removably mounted) to the rest of the cyclone assembly using any
suitable mechanism, including a hinge or other suitable device. Optionally,
the front
door 1190 may be secured in the closed position using any suitable type of
locking
mechanism, including a latch mechanism that may be released by a user.
[0095] Alternately or in addition, the air treatment member 1100 may be
removably mounted to main body 1010. For example, the air treatment member
1100 may be removably mounted to main body 1010 at a location forward of the
energy storage unit 1500. Removing the air treatment member 1100 may
facilitate
emptying and/or cleaning. This may provide greater access to the rear portion
of
the air treatment member 1100, e.g. as the rear portion may be spaced apart
from
the front openable door 1190. This may also facilitate access to a second
stage
cyclone unit 1132 in the embodiment of Figure 8 and/or the pre-motor filter
chamber.
[0096] Optionally, one or more pre-motor filters may be
placed in the air flow
path between the air treatment member 1100 and the suction motor 1200. As
shown in the examples of Figures 7-16, hand vacuum cleaner 1000 may include a
pre-motor filter housing 1310 provided in the air flow path downstream of the
air
treatment member 1100 and upstream of the suction motor 1200. Pre-motor filter
housing 1310 may be of any suitable construction, including any of those
exemplified herein. One or more pre-motor filters 1320 may be positioned
within the
pre-motor filter housing 1310. Pre-motor filter(s) 1320 may be formed from any
suitable physical, porous filter media and having any suitable shape,
including the
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examples disclosed herein with respect to a removable pre-motor filter
assembly.
For example, the pre-motor filter may be one or more of a foam filter, felt
filter,
NEPA filter, other physical filter media, electrostatic filter, and the like.
[0097] Optionally, a secondary pre-motor filter 1322 may also
be provided.
The pre-motor filter housing 1310 may house both an upstream filter 1320 and a
downstream filter 1322 (see e.g. Figures 8, 14 and 16). For example, upstream
filter
1320 may include a foam filter medium while the downstream filter 1322
includes a
felt filter medium.
[0098] Optionally, the pre-motor filter 1320 (and optional
filter 1322) may be
removable. For example, filter housing 1310 may include a removable or
otherwise
openable door to provide access to the interior of the pre-motor filter
housing 1310.
[0099] Optionally, the pre-motor filter 1300 may be removable
from the main
body 1010 with the air treatment member 1100. For example, the pre-motor
filter
housing 1310 and air treatment member 1100 may be detachably mounted to the
main body.
[00100] Optionally, the pre-motor filter 1300 may remain in
place with the main
body 1010 when the air treatment member 1100 is removed. For example, the air
treatment member 1100 may be detachably mounted by itself to the main body.
[00101] The air treatment member 1100 and, optionally, also
the pre-motor
filter 1300 may together define a removable air treatment unit. As
illustrated, the
removable air treatment unit may be located forward of the energy storage
unit.
Removing the air treatment member 1100 and pre-motor filter 1300 may
facilitate
cleaning and maintenance of the hand vacuum cleaner 1000, as these components
are often most likely to collect dirt and debris.
[00102] In the illustrated embodiment, the dirty air inlet 1030 of the hand
vacuum cleaner 1000 is the inlet end 1032 of an inlet conduit 1036.
Optionally, inlet
end 1032 of the conduit 1036 can be used as a nozzle to directly clean a
surface.
The air inlet conduit 1036 is, in this example, a generally linear hollow
member that
extends along an inlet conduit axis 1035 that is oriented in a longitudinal
forward/backward direction and is generally horizontal when hand vacuum
cleaner
1000 is oriented with the upper end 1006 above the lower end 1008.
Alternatively,
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or in addition to functioning as a nozzle, inlet conduit 1036 may be connected
or
directly connected to the downstream end of any suitable accessory tool such
as a
rigid air flow conduit (e.g., an above floor cleaning wand), a crevice tool, a
mini
brush, and the like. Optionally, dirty air inlet 1030 may be positioned
forward of the
air treatment member 1100, although this need not be the case. As exemplified,
the
dirty air inlet 1030 is positioned above the cyclone chamber 1130. Optionally,
the
dirty air inlet 1030 may be provided at an alternative location, such as in
the front
end wall 1160.
[00103] In the illustrated embodiment, the air inlet conduit
1036 is located
above (e.g., closer to the upper end 1006 than) the cyclone axis 1115. The air
inlet
conduit 1036 may be spaced from the axis 1115 by a distance selected to be
large
enough that the air inlet conduit 1036 is above the air treatment member 1100,
and
is therefore above the first stage cyclone 1130, the second stage cyclone 1132
and
their respective axes and other features. This may help facilitate using a
generally
linear air flow conduit 1036, which may help facilitate air flow through the
apparatus
1000. Alternatively, the distance may be selected so that the inlet conduit
1036 is
above the cyclone axes, but at least partially overlaps (i.e., an projection
of part or
all of the conduit may pass through one or both of the first and second stage
cyclone) the first stage cyclone 1130 and/or the second stage cyclone 1132 in
the
up/down direction_ This may help reduce the overall height of the apparatus
1000.
[00104] In the illustrated example, the clean air outlet 1040
is provided as part
of the main body 1010, and includes a grill. As illustrated in Figure 3, the
clean air
outlet 1040 may be provided on both lateral sides of the main body 1010. In
this
example, the grill is oriented such that air exiting the clean air outlet 1040
travels
laterally outward from the main body 1010 (e.g., in a direction perpendicular
to the
cyclone 1115). This may ensure that the exhausted air is directed away from a
users hand when they are holding the handle 1020 rearward of the clean air
outlet
1040. Alternately, the clean air outlet may be oriented such that the
exhausted air
travels generally rearwardly from the rear end 1004 of the hand vacuum 1000
(in a
direction parallel to the cyclone axis 1115).
[00105] Optionally, one or more post-motor filters may be
positioned in the air
flow path between the suction motor 1200 and the clean air outlet 1040 to help
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further treat the air passing through the hand vacuum 1000. The post-motor
filter
may be formed from any suitable physical, porous filter media and having any
suitable shape for filtering air in the airflow path downstream of the suction
motor
1200. The post-motor filter may be any suitable type of filter such as one or
more
of a foam filter, felt filter, HEPA filter, other physical filter media,
electrostatic filter,
and the like. The clean air outlet 1040 may form part of an optional post-
motor filter
housing.
[00106] In the example illustrated, the suction motor axis
1205 is generally
parallel to the cyclone axes and to the inlet conduit axis 1035. As
exemplified, the
motor axis 1205 may be also positioned so that the axis 1205 intersects one or
more of the pre-motor filter housing 1310, the first stage cyclone 1130,
second
stage cyclone 1132, and front end walls 1160 and 1126.
[00107] Optionally, motor axis 1205 may be generally co-axial
with one or both
of the cyclone axes. This may help provide a desirable hand feel to a user.
[00108] As exemplified, the main body 1010 may be configured such that the
suction motor housing 1210 is located rearward of the pre-motor filter housing
1310
and, preferably, axially aligned with the pre-motor filter housing 1310 such
that air
exiting the pre-motor filter may travel generally linearly to the suction
motor. It will
be appreciated that suction motor housing 1210 and pre-motor filter housing
1310
may be of any configuration_ The diameter of the front portion of the suction
motor
housing 1210 may be about the same as the rear side of the pre-motor filter
housing
1310 such that the pre-motor filter may have an upstream header that is about
the
diameter of the pre-motor filter and a downstream header that is about the
diameter
of the pre-motor filter.
[00109] The hand vacuum cleaner 1000 can include a handle 1020. As shown
in the examples illustrated, the handle 1020 may be located at the rear end
1004 of
the hand vacuum cleaner 1000. Alternately, the handle 1020 may be located at
other suitable positions on the hand vacuum cleaner, such as the upper end
1006.
[00110] In the examples illustrated, the handle 1020 is a
pistol grip type handle
with an elongate pistol-grip style hand grip portion 1026 that extends
upwardly and
forwardly along a hand grip axis 1025 (Figure 2) between upper and lower ends
1022 and 1024, when the hand vacuum 1000 is oriented so that the upper end
1006
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is disposed above the lower end 1008. As exemplified in Figure 2, a rearwardly
extending bridge portion 1027 extends from the rear end of the inlet nozzle to
the
upper end 1022 of the handle 1020 and a rearwardly extending bridge portion
1029
extends rearwardly of the motor housing 1210 to the lower end 1024 of the
handle
1020.
[00111] In this configuration, a finger gap or finger grip
area 1028 for receiving
the fingers of a user is formed between the hand grip 1026 and the main body
1010.
As shown in Figure 4 for example, the finger grip area 1028 may be positioned
between the rear of the suction motor 1200 and the front of the handle 1020.
[00112] In the example illustrated, the finger grip area 1028 is partially
bounded by the hand grip 1026, the upper end 1022 of the handle, the lower end
1024 of the handle, the upper and lower bridge portions 1027, 1029 and the
suction
motor housing 1210. In this configuration, a rearward projection of the
cyclone
chamber axis 1115 intersects the hand grip 1026 and the finger gap 1028, as
well
as passing through the suction motor housing 1210, pre-motor filter housing
1310
(in the embodiments of Figures 7-16), and second stage cyclone 1132 (in the
embodiments of Figures 1-12).
[00113] Optionally, power can be supplied to the surface
cleaning apparatus
1000 by an electrical cord connected to the hand vacuum that may be connected
to a standard wall electrical outlet The cord may optionally be detachable
from the
hand vacuum 1000.
[00114] Alternatively, or in addition, the power source for
the surface cleaning
apparatus 1000 may be or comprise an onboard energy storage device which may
include, for example, one or more batteries. In the example illustrated, the
hand
vacuum 1000 includes an onboard energy storage unit 1500. The energy storage
unit 1500 can include one or more energy storage members 1520, such as one or
more batteries or other energy storage device.
[00115] The hand vacuum cleaner may include a power switch
that is provided
to selectively control the operation of the suction motor (e.g. either on/off
or variable
power levels or both), for example by establishing a power connection between
the
energy storage members 1520 and the suction motor 1200. The power switch may
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be provided in any suitable configuration and location, including a button,
rotary
switch, sliding switch, trigger-type actuator and the like.
[00116] Optionally, the inlet conduit 1036, or other portion
of the apparatus
1000, may be provided with any suitable electrical connector that can
establish an
electrical connection between the apparatus 1000 and any accessory tool,
cleaning
head and the like that is connected to the inlet conduit 1036. In such a
configuration, the hand vacuum 1000 may be used to power a surface cleaning
head having a rotating brush, or other tools of that nature, using either
power
supplied by the wall outlet and/or the onboard battery pack 1500.
[00117] As shown in the example of Figure 4, the energy storage unit 1500
extends between a front end 1502 and a rear end 1504. The energy storage unit
1500 may have a housing 1510 that is attached to the main body 1010.
Optionally,
energy storage unit 1500 may be removably mounted to the main body 1010 (e.g.,
removable from a position below the motor housing 1210 and the lower bridge
portion 1029). For example, the housing 1510 may be detached from the main
body
1010 to allow the energy storage members 1520 to be charged and/or replaced.
Altematively or in addition, the energy storage members 1520 may be charged
while attached to main body 1010, e.g. using an electrical cord attached to
the hand
vacuum cleaner 1000. if the energy storage unit is not removably mounted, it
may
provide lower bride portion 1029.
[00118] The housing 1510 can enclose a plurality of energy
storage members
1520. Each energy storage member may be, for example, a battery or a
capacitor,
such as a super capacitor. Altemately, the housing 1510 may enclose only a
single
energy storage member 1520.
[00119] In some examples, the energy storage members 1520 can be
distributed between the front end 1502 and rear end 1504 of the energy storage
unit 1500. In the examples illustrated, the energy storage members 1520 are
arranged in a single row that extends in a forward/rearward direction.
Alternately,
energy storage members 1520 may be vertically and/or transversely oriented
within
the energy storage unit 1500 and/or two or more rows of energy storage members
1520 may be provided.
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[00120] As shown in the
illustrated examples (e.g., Figure 4), a line 1535 that
extends through at least some of the energy storage members 1520 may be
substantially parallel to the cyclone axis 1115. As shown in Figure 4, line
1535 may
extend substantially in a forward/rearward direction, e.g., through a centre
of the
vertical height of the energy storage members 1520. This may help distribute
the
weight of the energy storage members 1520 in the forward/rearward direction.
[00121] Each of the
energy storage members 1520 may have a longitudinal
energy storage member axis 1525 (see e.g. Figure 8). As shown in Figure 8, the
energy storage members 1520 can be oriented within the energy storage unit
1500
with the longitudinal energy storage member axis 1525 extending transverse
to the
air treatment member axis 1115. The weight of the individual energy storage
members 1520 may thus be distributed laterally across the hand vacuum cleaner
1000.
[00122] In the example
illustrated, the energy storage unit 1500 is provided at
the lower end 1008 of the hand vacuum cleaner 1000. In other embodiments, one
or more battery packs 1500 may be provided in other portions of the main body
1010 to provide power to the suction motor 1200, such as, for example, a
battery
pack that is provided within a hand grip portion 1026 of the handle 1020 or a
compartment positioned on a front side of the handle 1020.
[00123] The energy
storage unit 1500 (and the energy storage members 1520
enclosed therein) may be positioned below the suction motor 1200. This may
help
distribute the weight of the heavier components of the hand vacuum cleaner
1000
in the vertical direction. As shown in Figure 8 for example, the suction motor
1200
is located on top of (i.e. overlying) a subset of the energy storage members
1520.
25 [00124] Aternately, all
of the energy storage members 1520 may be
positioned to underlie the suction motor 1200.
[00125] Alternately,
the energy storage members 1520 may be spaced apart
from the suction motor 1200 in the forward/rearward direction. For example,
the
energy storage members 1520 may underlie the finger grip area 1028 and/or
handle
1020.
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[00126] In the examples illustrated, the energy storage unit
1500 is positioned
below the handle 1020. As shown in Figure 8 for example, the handle 1020 is
located on top of (i.e. overlying) a subset of the energy storage members
1520. This
may provide a good hand feel for a user wielding the handle 1020, with the
weight
of the energy storage members 1520 below the handle 1020.
[00127] Alternately, all of the energy storage members 1520
may be
positioned to underlie the handle 1020.
[00128] AJternately, the energy storage members 1520 may be
spaced apart
from the handle 1020 in the forward/rearward direction. For example, the
energy
storage members 1520 may underlie the finger grip area 1028 and/or suction
motor
1200.
[00129] Optionally, the energy storage members 1520 may be
positioned so
that at least one of the energy storage members 1520 underlies the suction
motor
1200 and at least another of the energy storage members 1520 underlies the
pistol
grip handle 1020.
[00130] As shown in the examples illustrated, the handle 1020
may be located
at the rear end 1004 of the vacuum cleaner 1000 with the energy storage unit
1500
positioned under all (or some) of the lower end 1008. The suction motor 1200
can
be located above (e.g. on top of or overlying) the front end 1502 of the
energy
storage unit 1500 and the pistol grip handle 1020 can be located above the
rear
end 1504 of the energy storage unit 1500. This distribution of the weight of
the
heavier components of the hand vacuum cleaner 1000, relative to the handle
1020,
may help provide a desirable hand feel to a user.
[00131] Additionally or alternately, the finger grip area 1028
may be positioned
above (e.g. on top of or overlying) the energy storage unit 1500. As shown in
the
illustrated examples, the finger grip area 1028 may be positioned between the
front
and rear ends 1502 and 1504 of the energy storage unit 1500.
[00132] As shown, the suction motor 1200, energy storage unit
1500, and
handle 1020 may be provided with a generally u-shaped distribution around the
finger grip area 1028. This may provide a good weight distribution that can be
easily
supported by a user holding the handle 1020. In such a configuration, it will
be
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appreciated that the suction motor may be oriented such that the suction motor
axis
need not be forward/rearward but may be vertical or angled upwardly and
forwardly
(e.g., line the piston grip portion of the handle).
[00133] In some examples, the pre-motor filter 1300 may be
located forward
of the energy storage unit 1500. For example, a forward projection of the
energy
storage unit 1500 may intersect the pre-motor filter 1300 (see e.g. Figure 8).
This
may help provide a compact configuration for the hand vacuum cleaner.
[00134] In the example illustrated, cyclone chamber 1130
extends between a
front end 1112 and a rear end 1114 (see e.g. Figure 2). In the examples
illustrated,
the cyclone chamber 1130 has a front end wall 1160 and an opposing rear end
wall
1170 that is spaced apart from the front end wall 1160. The cyclone axis 1115,
about which air circulates within the cyclone chamber 1130 during operation of
the
hand vacuum cleaner, extends between the front end 1112 (and front end wall
1160) and the rear end 1114 (and rear end wall 1170) of the cyclone chamber
1130.
A cyclone chamber sidewall 1180 extends between the front and rear end walls
1160, 1170.
[00135] Optionally, as exemplified, when the hand vacuum is
oriented with the
upper end above the lower end, the cyclone axis 1115 is generally horizontal,
and
is closer to horizontal than vertical, e.g., 200, 15 , 100, or 5 from the
horizontal.
Optionally, as exemplified, the cyclone axis 1115 is substantially parallel
to, e.g.
within 20 , 15 , 10 , or 5 , and vertically offset below the conduit axis
1035 of
the air inlet conduit 1036, and the cyclone chamber 1130 and dirt collection
chamber 1134 are both below the inlet conduit axis 1035. As illustrated, a
rearward
extension of the conduit axis 1035 may intersect the upper end 1022 of the
handle
1020.
[00136] In the example illustrated, the cyclone air inlet 1120
is a tangential air
inlet that, as exemplified, terminates at an aperture or port that is formed
in cyclone
sidewall 1180, optionally an upper portion of the cyclone sidewall 1180,
adjacent
the rear end wall 1170. Optionally, the cyclone air inlet 1120 may be provided
at an
alternative location, such as in the front end wall 1160 or adjacent the front
end wall
1160.
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[00137] The cyclone air inlet 1120 is fluidly connected with
the outlet end of
the conduit 1036 via a corresponding air outlet aperture or port 1038 that may
be
provided in a lower portion of the air inlet conduit 1036. The cyclone air
inlet 1120
may have any suitable arrangement and/or configuration, and in the illustrated
example is configured as a tangential air inlet that is directly connected to
the air
outlet aperture 1038_ Connecting the air inlet 1120 to the air outlet aperture
1038 in
this manner may help reduce the need for additional conduits to fluidly
connect the
dirty air inlet 1030 to the cyclone chamber 1130, and may reduce or eliminate
the
need for additional bends or air flow direction changes between the dirty air
inlet
1030 and the cyclone chamber 1130. Reducing the conduit length and number of
bends may help reduce the backpressure and air flow losses within the 1100air
flow
Path.
[00138] Optionally, as exemplified in Figure 2, the cyclone
air outlet 1122 is
provided in the rear end wall 1170 of the cyclone chamber 1130, and an axially
extending vortex finder conduit 1137 extends from the rear end wall 1170 and
is
aligned with the cyclone air outlet 1122. Optionally, a mesh screen (not
shown) may
provide some or all of the inlet apertures 1138 of the vortex finder conduit
1137 to
help inhibit lint, hair, and other such debris from entering the vortex finder
conduit
1137. Positioning the air outlet 1122 comprising a porous section (e.g., a
mesh
screen or a shroud) toward the rear end (and optionally in the rear end wall
1170)
may help facilitate the desired air flow through the cyclone chamber 1130,
such that
air, while swirling, travels generally axially though the cyclone chamber 1130
from
the front end wall 1160 toward the rear end wall 1170.
[00139] Positioning the air outlet 1122 in the rear end wall
1170 of the cyclone
chamber 1130 may also help facilitate a low back pressure air flow connection
between the cyclone chamber 1130 and a downstream component in the hand
vacuum 1000, such as a second stage cyclone unit 1132 or a pre-motor filter.
[00140] In this arrangement, air travelling through the hand
vacuum 1000 will
travel generally rearwardly along the air inlet conduit 1036 (i.e. parallel to
the
conduit axis 1035 and then enter a tangential air inlet which essentially
changes the
direction of the air to travel generally downwardly through the cyclone air
inlet 1120
(i.e. generally orthogonal to the cyclone axis 1115). The air can then
circulate within
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the cyclone chamber 1130, and ultimately exit the cyclone chamber 1130 via the
cyclone air outlet 1122 while travelling through the vortex finder conduit
1137 in a
rearward direction (i.e. generally parallel to the cyclone axis 1115).
[00141] From the cyclone air outlet 1122 air travels
rearwardly towards the
suction motor 1200. After passing through the second stage cyclone unit 1132
and/or pre-motor filter 1320, air may travel generally rearwardly to an inlet
end of
the suction motor 1200. An advantage of this arrangement is that, by promoting
air
to travel in this manner, the need for air flow direction changes between an
air outlet
of the air treatment member 1100 and the suction motor may be reduced or
eliminated, thereby reducing backpressure and/or air flow losses through this
portion of the hand vacuum cleaner 1000.
[00142] The cyclone dirt outlet 1140 may be of any suitable
configuration, for
example as shown in the example of Figures 1-7 the dirt outlet is a slot 1140
that is
provided in the cyclone chamber side wall 1180, toward the front end wall
1160.
The slot 1140 may extend around at least a portion of the perimeter of the
cyclone
side wall 1180. While shown directly adjacent the front end wall 1160, such
that the
slot 1140 is partially bounded by the cyclone side wall 1180 and the front end
wall
1160, the slot 1140 may be located at another location along the length of the
cyclone side wall 1180, and need not be directly adjacent the front end wall
1160.
Alternatively, the dirt outlet 1140 may be provided toward the mid-point of
the
cyclone chamber sidewall 1180, or may be provided toward the rear end wall
1170.
[00143] In the example illustrated by Figures 1-7, the cyclone
chamber 1130
has a single dirt outlet 1140_ Alternately, the cyclone chamber 1130 may
include
two or more dirt outlets that are in communication with the same dirt
collection
chamber, or optionally with different dirt collection chambers. For example,
Figures
10-14 illustrate examples of the cyclone chamber 1130 that includes multiple
dirt
outlets 1140. As shown in the examples of Figures 11 and 14, the cyclone
chamber
1130 may include an upper dirt outlet and a separate lower dirt outlet.
[00144] In the examples illustrated by Figures 10-14, the dirt
outlets are in
communication with a single dirt collection chamber 1134 that surrounds the
cyclone chamber 1130. Alternately, the cyclone chamber 1130 may include
multiple
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dirt outlets to different dirt collection chambers 1134. This may facilitate
collection
of different sizes of dirt and debris.
[00145] In the illustrated examples, the dirt collection
chamber 1134 is
external to the cyclone chamber 1130 and may at least partially surround the
cyclone chamber 1130. It will be appreciated that if the second stage dirt
collection
chamber includes dirt collection chamber passages 1123, then the dirt
collection
chamber 1134 and the dirt collection chamber passages 1123 may at least
partially
surround the cyclone chamber 1130. In some examples, the dirt collection
chamber
1134 (and the passages 1123 if any) may surround a majority or all of the
cyclone
chamber 1130. For example, the dirt collection chamber 1134 (and the passages
1123 if any) may surround at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or all of the cyclone
chamber 1130.
[00146] The perimeter of the air treatment member 1100 may
define the
majority (80% or 85% or 90% or 95% or more) or all of the height and width of
hand
vacuum cleaner 1000. For example, as shown in Figure 9, the air treatment
member
1100, and in particular the dirt collection chamber sidewall 1133 may occupy a
substantial majority (at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%) or all of the height and
width of
the hand vacuum cleaner 1000.
[00147] In this configuration, a rearward projection of the
outer sidewall of the
air treatment member, which may be sidewall 1133 of the dirt collection
chamber
1134 (if the dirt collection chamber 1134 surrounds the cyclone chamber 1130)
may
encompass the majority (at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%) or all of each of the
components of the hand vacuum cleaner 1000.
[00148] As shown for instance by Figures 9-12, the rearward
projection of the
sidewall 1133 of the dirt collection chamber 1134 may substantially encompass
the
suction motor 1200, second stage cyclone unit 1132, pre-motor filter 1300,
energy
storage unit 1500, and handle 1020.
[00149] Alternately, as shown for instance by Figures 1-9, the
rearward
projection of the outer sidewall of the air treatment member (which comprises
the
outer wall of the passages 1123 and the dirt collection chamber sidewall 1133
of
the dirt collection chamber 1134) may substantially encompass the suction
motor
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1200, second stage cyclone unit 1132, pre-motor filter 1300 (in the example of
Figures 7-9), energy storage unit 1500, and handle 1020.
[00150] For example, as exemplified, the only components that
may extend
laterally outward from the rearward projection of the outer wall (e.g.,
sidewall 1133)
may be the inlet conduit 1036, the upper end 1027 of handle 1020, and in some
embodiments a lower section of the energy storage unit 1500. For example, the
rearward projection of the outer wall (e.g., sidewall 1133) may encompass the
suction motor 1200, second stage cyclone unit 1132, pre-motor filter 1300, the
pistol
grip portion of the handle 1020 and at least an upper portion of the energy
storage
unit 1500 (e.g., the projection of the sidewall 1133 may pass above line 1535,
essentially along line 1535 or below line 1535).
[00151] In some embodiments, at least 80% or 85% or 90% or 95%
of one or
more of (or each of) the suction motor 1200, second stage cyclone unit 1132
(in the
examples of Figures 1-12), pre-motor filter 1300 (in the examples of Figures 7-
16),
energy storage unit 1500, and handle 1020 may be located within the volume
defined by a projection of the outer wall (e.g., sidewall 1133). This may help
reduce
the height of the vacuum cleaner 1100.
[00152] The air treatment member 1100 (including the optional
second stage
cyclone unit 1132), pre-motor filter 1300 (in the examples of Figures 7-16),
and
suction motor 1200 may be positioned with a substantially linear arrangement
moving from the front end 1002 of the vacuum cleaner 1000 towards the rear end
1004. This may help reduce the number of turns in the airflow path through the
hand
vacuum cleaner 1000. This may also help provide a reduced profile to the hand
vacuum cleaner 1000, with each of these components (as well as others such as
the handle 1020 and energy storage unit 1500 for example) contained within the
volume defined by a rearward projection of the perimeter of the air treatment
member 1100 (which may in some cases be defined at least in part by sidewall
1133).
[00153] As used herein, the wording "and/or' is intended to
represent an
inclusive - or. That is, "X and/or r is intended to mean X or V or both, for
example.
As a further example, "X, V. and/or Z' is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any
combination thereof.
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[00154] While the above description describes features of
example
embodiments, it will be appreciated that some features and/or functions of the
described embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from
the
spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. For example,
the
various characteristics which are described by means of the represented
embodiments or examples may be selectively combined with each other.
Accordingly, what has been described above is intended to be illustrative of
the
claimed concept and non-limiting. It will be understood by persons skilled in
the art
that other variants and modifications may be made without departing from the
scope
of the invention as defined in the claims appended hereto. The scope of the
claims
should not be limited by the preferred embodiments and examples, but should be
given the broadest interpretation consistent with the description as a whole.
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