Patent Application
20250127360
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.
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.
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.
This summary is intended to introduce the reader to the more detailed description that follows and not 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.
In accordance with one aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspect, a hand vacuum cleaner has a motor and fan assembly that is at least partially and, optionally, substantially or fully positioned interior of a handle and, optionally, the hand grip portion of the handle, which may be a pistol grip handle.
In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner having an airflow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, and an air treatment member provided in the airflow path. The air treatment member has a front end, a rear end, and a centrally positioned longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends. The hand vacuum cleaner has a pistol grip handle and a motor and fan assembly. The motor and fan assembly has a volume and a motor axis of rotation, and at least 50% of the volume is positioned in the pistol grip handle.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspect, a hand vacuum cleaner is provided wherein one or more energy storage members is located forward of the motor and fan assembly, and optionally upstream thereof. In accordance with this aspect, the operating components of the hand vacuum cleaner (the air treatment member(s), an optional pre-motor filter, the energy storage member(s) and the motor and fan assembly are arranged linearly and the motor and fan assembly is at least partially and, optionally, substantially or fully positioned interior of a handle.
In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner having an airflow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, and an air treatment member provided in the airflow path. The air treatment member has a front end, a rear end, and a centrally positioned longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends. The hand vacuum cleaner has an energy storage member housing positioned rearward of the air treatment member. The longitudinal axis extends through the energy storage member housing. The hand vacuum cleaner has a motor and fan assembly positioned rearward of the energy storage member housing, the motor and fan assembly having a motor axis of rotation. The longitudinal axis extends through the motor and fan assembly.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspect, a hand vacuum cleaner has one or more energy storage members which are at least partially and, optionally, substantially or fully positioned interior of an air treatment member, which may be an air treatment chamber. The air treatment member may be a first or a second stage air treatment member.
In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner has an airflow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, and an air treatment member provided in the airflow path. The air treatment member has a front end, a rear end and a centrally positioned longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends. The hand vacuum cleaner has an energy storage member housing positioned at least partially internal of the air treatment member, and a motor and fan assembly. The motor and fan assembly has a motor axis of rotation.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspect, a hand vacuum cleaner has one or more energy storage members which are at least partially and, optionally, substantially or fully positioned interior of a second stage air treatment member. The second stage air treatment member may be a single cyclone or a plurality of cyclones in parallel.
In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner has an airflow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, and a first air treatment stage including a first stage air treatment member provided in the airflow path. The first stage air treatment member has a front end, a rear end, and a centrally positioned longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends. The hand vacuum cleaner includes a second air treatment stage including a second stage air treatment member provided in the airflow path and an energy storage member housing positioned at least partially internal of the second air treatment stage. The hand vacuum cleaner includes a motor and fan assembly, the motor and fan assembly having a motor axis of rotation.
In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a hand vacuum cleaner has an airflow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, and an air treatment stage including a plurality of air treatment members in parallel provided in the airflow path. The hand vacuum cleaner has an energy storage member housing positioned at least partially internal of the air treatment stage, and a motor and fan assembly, the motor and fan assembly having a motor axis of rotation.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspect, a hand vacuum cleaner has motor and fan assembly that is at least partially and, optionally, substantially or fully positioned interior of an air treatment member. The air treatment member may be a first or a second stage air treatment member.
In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner has an airflow path from a dirty air inlet, which is provided at a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner, to a clean air outlet, and a first air treatment stage including a first stage air treatment member provided in the airflow path. The first stage air treatment member has a front end, a rear end, and a centrally positioned longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends. The hand vacuum cleaner has a second air treatment stage including a second stage air treatment member provided in the airflow path. The hand vacuum cleaner has a motor and fan assembly positioned at least partially internal of the second air treatment stage, the motor and fan assembly having a motor axis of rotation.
In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a hand vacuum cleaner has an airflow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, and an air treatment stage including a plurality of air treatment members in parallel provided in the airflow path. The hand vacuum cleaner has a motor and fan assembly positioned at least partially internal of the air treatment stage, the motor and fan assembly having a motor axis of rotation.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspect, a hand vacuum cleaner has one or more pre-motor filters which are at least partially and, optionally, substantially or fully positioned interior of a second stage air treatment member. The second stage air treatment member may be a single cyclone or a plurality of cyclones in parallel.
In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner has an airflow path from a dirty air inlet, which is provided at a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner, to a clean air outlet, and a first air treatment stage including a first stage air treatment member provided in the airflow path. The first stage air treatment member has a front end, a rear end, and a centrally positioned longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends. The hand vacuum cleaner has a second air treatment stage including a second stage air treatment member provided in the airflow path. The hand vacuum cleaner has a motor and fan assembly having a motor axis of rotation. The hand vacuum cleaner has a post-motor filter housing positioned at least partially internal of the second air treatment stage.
In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a hand vacuum cleaner has an airflow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, and an air treatment stage including a plurality of air treatment members in parallel provided in the airflow path. The hand vacuum cleaner has a motor and fan assembly having a motor axis of rotation. The hand vacuum cleaner has a post-motor filter housing positioned at least partially internal of the air treatment stage.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspect, a hand vacuum cleaner is provided wherein the motor and fan assembly is located forward of the air treatment chamber and, if the hand vacuum cleaner has a plurality of air treatment stages, each of which comprises an air treatment chamber, then the motor and fan assembly is located forward of the first air treatment stage.
In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner has a first air treatment stage including a first stage air treatment member. The first stage air treatment member has a first stage air treatment member air inlet, a first stage air treatment member air outlet, a front end, a rear end, and a centrally positioned longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends. The hand vacuum cleaner has an airflow path from a dirty air inlet, which is provided at a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner, to a clean air outlet. The airflow path includes an inlet passage upstream of the first stage air treatment member air inlet. The hand vacuum cleaner has a motor and fan assembly having a motor axis of rotation. The motor and fan assembly is positioned forward of a rear end of the first stage air treatment member. The hand vacuum cleaner has a pistol grip handle. When the hand vacuum cleaner is oriented with the dirty air inlet above the pistol grip handle, the pistol grip handle extends downwardly from a lower surface of the hand vacuum cleaner.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspect, a hand vacuum cleaner is provided wherein the motor and fan assembly is located forward of the rear end of the air treatment chamber and, if the hand vacuum cleaner has a plurality of air treatment stages, each of which comprises an air treatment chamber, then the motor and fan assembly is located forward of the rear end of the first air treatment stage or the second air treatment stage.
In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner has a first air treatment stage including a first stage air treatment member. The first stage air treatment member has a first stage air treatment member air inlet, a first stage air treatment member air outlet, a front end, a rear end, and a centrally positioned longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends. The rear end of the first stage air treatment member is openable. The hand vacuum cleaner has an airflow path from a dirty air inlet, which is provided at a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner, to a clean air outlet. The airflow path includes an inlet passage upstream of the first stage air treatment member air inlet. The hand vacuum cleaner has a motor and fan assembly having a motor axis of rotation. The motor and fan assembly is positioned forward of a rear end of the first stage air treatment member. The hand vacuum cleaner has a pistol grip handle.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspect, the motor and fan assembly is provided at an elevation of a lower end of the handle, and optionally below or at a lower end of the handle. A conduit, which may be a forward side of a finger grip area, may connect the motor and fan assembly with the air treatment assembly of the hand vacuum cleaner.
In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner has an airflow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, a main body, and a first stage air treatment member provided in the airflow path rearward of the main body. The first stage air treatment member has a front end, a rear end, and a centrally positioned longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends. The hand vacuum cleaner has a handle having a lower end that is positioned below the dirt air inlet. A finger grip area positioned forward of the handle. The hand vacuum cleaner has a motor and fan assembly, the motor and fan assembly having a motor axis of rotation. A plane that is transverse to the longitudinal axis extends through one of the main body and the air treatment member, the finger grip area, and the motor and fan assembly.
In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a hand vacuum cleaner has an airflow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, and a first stage air treatment member provided in the airflow path. The first stage air treatment member has a front end, a rear end, and a centrally positioned longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends. The hand vacuum cleaner has a handle having a lower end that is positioned below the dirty air inlet. A finger grip area positioned forward of the handle, and a finger guard is positioned forward of the finger grip area. The hand vacuum cleaner has a motor and fan assembly, the motor and fan assembly having a motor axis of rotation. A plane that is transverse to the longitudinal axis extends through the finger grip area and the motor and fan assembly.
In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a hand vacuum cleaner has an airflow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, a first stage air treatment member provided in the airflow path, and a second stage air treatment member provided in the airflow path. The hand vacuum cleaner has a handle having a lower end that is positioned below the dirty air inlet. A finger grip area is positioned forward of the handle. The hand vacuum cleaner has a motor and fan assembly. A plane that is transverse to the longitudinal axis extends through the second stage air treatment member, the finger grip area, and the motor and fan assembly.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspect, a hand vacuum cleaner is provided wherein one or more, or all, of the energy storage members is located forward of the rear end of the air treatment chamber and, if the hand vacuum cleaner has a plurality of air treatment stages, each of which comprises an air treatment chamber, then the motor and fan assembly is located forward of the rear end of the first air treatment stage or the second air treatment stage. Optional, some or all of the energy storage members are located forward of the air treatment chamber and, if the hand vacuum cleaner has a plurality of air treatment stages, each of which comprises an air treatment chamber, then some or all of the energy storage members are located forward of the first air treatment stage or the second air treatment stage.
In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner has an airflow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, and an air treatment member provided in the airflow path. The air treatment member has a front end, a rear end, and a centrally positioned longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends. The hand vacuum cleaner has an energy storage member housing positioned forward of the air treatment member. The longitudinal axis extends through the energy storage member housing. The hand vacuum cleaner has a motor and fan assembly having a motor axis of rotation.
In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a hand vacuum cleaner has an airflow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, and a first stage air treatment member provided in the airflow path. The air treatment member having a front end, a rear end and a centrally positioned longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends. The hand vacuum cleaner has a second stage air treatment member provided in the airflow path downstream of the first stage air treatment member. The hand vacuum cleaner has an energy storage member housing positioned forward of a rear end of the second stage air treatment member. The longitudinal axis extends through the energy storage member housing. The hand vacuum cleaner has a motor and fan assembly having a motor axis of rotation, and a main body that houses at least one of a pre-motor filter, the energy storage member housing and a post motor filter housing. A handle extends downwardly from a lower surface of one of the main body and the first stage air treatment member and the second stage air treatment member.
In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a hand vacuum cleaner has an airflow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, and a first stage air treatment member provided in the airflow path. The air treatment member has a front end, a rear end, and a centrally positioned longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends. The hand vacuum cleaner has an energy storage member housing positioned forward of a rear end of the first stage air treatment member. The longitudinal axis extends through the energy storage member housing. The hand vacuum cleaner has a motor and fan assembly having a motor axis of rotation, and a main body that houses at least one of a pre-motor filter, the energy storage member housing, and a post motor filter housing. A handle extends downwardly from a lower surface of one of the main body and the first stage air treatment member. The motor and fan assembly is at least partially positioned in the handle or the motor and fan assembly is positioned at a lower end of the handle.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspect, a hand vacuum cleaner has a pistol grip handle and a motor and fan assembly. The motor and fan assembly has a volume and the motor and fan assembly is at least partially positioned in the handle, e.g., and at least 50% of the volume is positioned in the pistol grip handle. The handle is positioned of the air treatment chamber. If the hand vacuum cleaner has a plurality of air treatment stages, each of which comprises an air treatment chamber, then the handle is located rearward of one or all of the air treatment stages.
In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner has an airflow path from a dirty air inlet, which is provided at a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner, to a clean air outlet, and a first air treatment stage including a first stage air treatment member. The first stage air treatment member has a first stage air treatment member air inlet, a first stage air treatment member air outlet, a front end, a rear end, and a centrally positioned longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends. The first stage air treatment member is provided at a rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner. The hand vacuum cleaner has a main body that houses at least one of a pre-motor filter, an energy storage member housing, a post motor filter housing, and a second stage air treatment member. The hand vacuum cleaner has a motor and fan assembly having a motor axis of rotation, and a pistol grip handle. When the hand vacuum cleaner is oriented with the dirty air inlet above the pistol grip handle, the pistol grip handle extends downwardly from a lower surface of one of the main body and the first stage air treatment member and the second stage air treatment member. The motor and fan assembly is at least partially positioned in the handle.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspect, a hand vacuum cleaner has an air treatment chamber and a motor and fan assembly. The motor and fan assembly is at least partially and, optionally, substantially or fully positioned interior of the air treatment chamber. If the hand vacuum cleaner has a plurality of air treatment stages, each of which comprises an air treatment chamber, then the motor and fan assembly is at least partially and, optionally, substantially or fully positioned interior of one or all of the air treatment stages.
In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner has an airflow path from a dirty air inlet, which is provided at a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner, to a clean air outlet, and a first air treatment stage including a first stage air treatment member provided in the airflow path. The first stage air treatment member has a front end, a rear end, and a centrally positioned longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends. The hand vacuum cleaner has a motor and fan assembly positioned at least partially internal of the first air treatment stage, the motor and fan assembly having a motor axis of rotation.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner having a handle and a finger guard positioned forward of the handle. In use, an energy storage member (e.g., one or more batteries or capacitors, which may be in one or more energy storage packs, e.g., battery packs) is positioned at least partially in the finger guard. The handle may be a pistol grip style handle and may extend outwardly (upwardly or downwardly) from a sidewall of the hand vac. The finger guard may also extend outwardly (upwardly or downwardly) from a sidewall of the hand vac and may extend generally parallel to the hand grip portion of the handle.
In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner having an airflow path from a dirty air inlet positioned at a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a clean air outlet positioned rearward of the dirty air inlet. An air treatment chamber positioned in the airflow path has a front end, a rear end and a centrally positioned longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends. A motor and fan assembly positioned in the air flow path has a motor axis of rotation. The hand vacuum cleaner has a handle having a first end, an opposed second end, a hand grip portion and a handle axis that extends through the first end, the opposed second end and the hand grip portion. In use, the motor and fan assembly is positioned at least partially in the handle.
In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner having a handle with an optional finger guard positioned forward of the handle. In use, the motor and fan assembly is positioned at least partially in the handle. The handle may be a pistol grip style handle and may extend outwardly (upwardly or downwardly) from a sidewall of the hand vac. The finger guard, if provided, may also extend outwardly (upwardly or downwardly) from a sidewall of the hand vac and may extend generally parallel to the hand grip portion of the handle.
In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner having an airflow path from a dirty air inlet positioned at a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a clean air outlet positioned rearward of the dirty air inlet. An air treatment chamber is positioned in the airflow path. A motor and fan assembly positioned in the air flow path has a motor axis of rotation. The hand vacuum cleaner has a handle having a first end, an opposed second end, a hand grip portion and a handle axis that extends through the first end, the opposed second end and the hand grip portion. The first end of the handle is positioned on a main body of the hand vacuum cleaner, the handle extends away from the main body and the motor and fan assembly is positioned at the second end of the handle.
These and other aspects and features of various embodiments will be described in greater detail below.
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:
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.
Various apparatus, 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 apparatus, 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 apparatus, 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
As used herein, the wording “and/or” is intended to represent an inclusive-or. That is, “X and/or Y” is intended to mean X or Y or both, for example. As a further example, “X, Y, and/or Z” is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof.
As used herein and in the claims, two elements are said to be “parallel” where those elements are parallel and spaced apart, or where those elements are collinear.
Some elements herein may be identified by a part number, which is composed of a base number followed by an alphabetical or subscript-numerical suffix (e.g., 300a, or 3001). Multiple elements herein may be identified by part numbers that share a base number in common and that differ by their suffixes (e.g., 3001, 3002, and 3003). All elements with a common base number may be referred to collectively or generically using the base number without a suffix (e.g., 300).
It should be noted that terms of degree such as “substantially”, “about”, and “approximately” as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. These terms of degree may also be construed as including a deviation of the modified term, such as by 1%, 2%, 5% or 10%, for example, if this deviation does not negate the meaning of the term it modifies. For example, the expressions “substantially perpendicular” and “substantially parallel” mean within 10% of perpendicular and parallel, respectively.
In the embodiments illustrated, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 is a hand-held vacuum cleaner, which is commonly referred to as a “hand vacuum cleaner” or a “handvac”. As used herein, a hand-held vacuum cleaner or hand vacuum cleaner or handvac is a vacuum cleaner that can be operated generally one-handedly to clean a surface while its weight is held by the same one hand. This is contrasted with upright and canister vacuum cleaners, the weight of which is supported by a surface (e.g., floor below) during use. Optionally, surface cleaning apparatus 100 could be removably mountable on a base so as to form, for example, an upright vacuum cleaner, a canister vacuum cleaner, a stick vac, a wet-dry vacuum cleaner and the like.
Optionally, the hand vacuum 100 can be removably mounted to a base, such as base 102 in
As exemplified in the illustrated embodiments, the hand vacuum 100 has a front end 108, a rear end 110, an upper end 112, and a lower end 114. The hand vacuum 100 may include a main body 116 having a main body housing 118 and a handle 120, an air treatment member 122 connected to the main body 116 (e.g., fixed or removably connected), a dirty air inlet 124, a clean air outlet 126, an airflow path 128 extending between the inlet 124 and outlet 126, and a suction motor 130 to generate vacuum suction through the airflow path 128 (see example airflow path in
Power can be supplied to the hand vacuum 100 by an optional electrical cord 140 (see e.g.,
The dirty air inlet 124 may be provided at the front end 108 and may be positioned proximate the upper end 112 (see e.g.,
The dirty air inlet 124 may be provided at one of the axially opposed ends of the air inlet conduit 144, e.g., the front end, such that the dirty air inlet 124 is positioned forward of the air treatment member 122 as shown. Optionally, the end of the air inlet conduit 144 having the dirty air inlet 124 can be used as a nozzle to directly clean a surface. A dirty air outlet 150 may be provided proximate the other of the axially opposed ends of the air inlet conduit 144, e.g., the rear end, such as at the axially opposed end or in the sidewall 146 of the air inlet conduit 144 proximate the end. The dirty air outlet 150 introduces dirty air into the air treatment assembly, which is also referred to as an air treatment member 122. It will be appreciated that the air inlet conduit 144, dirty air inlet 124, and/or dirty air outlet 150 may be provided in different locations.
The air treatment member 122 may be configured to treat the air in a desired manner, including, for example, removing dirt particles and other debris and/or water from the air flow. The air treatment member 122 may include at least one cleaning stage and may optionally include two or more cleaning stages arranged in series with each other. Each cleaning stage may comprise one or more air treatment chambers, some or all of which may be cyclone chambers. Accordingly, the cleaning stages may be cyclonic (see e.g.,
The air treatment member 122 may be provided toward the front end 108 or rear end 110 of the hand vacuum 100. As exemplified, the air treatment member 122 may have a central axis 152 oriented in the longitudinal forward/backward direction. If the air treatment chamber is a cyclone, then the central axis 152 is a cyclone axis of rotation (see e.g.,
As shown, the central axis 152 is the cyclone axis of rotation about which air circulates when within the first stage cyclone chamber 158. The first stage cyclone chamber 158 has a sidewall 164 extending between a front end wall 162 and a rear end wall 164. As shown, the front end wall 162 of the first stage cyclone chamber 158 may be a common wall with the forward end wall 154 of the air treatment member 122 (see e.g.,
As exemplified, dirty air enters the first stage cyclone chamber 158 through a cyclone air inlet 166 and exits through a cyclone air outlet 168. The cyclone air inlet 166 may be a tangential air inlet and may be provided in the front end wall 162, rear end wall 164, or sidewall 160 of the first stage cyclone chamber 158. The cyclone air outlet 168 may be provided in the front end wall 162 or the rear end wall 164 of the first stage cyclone chamber 158. An axially extending porous member 170, such as a screen or mesh, may be positioned over the cyclone air outlet 168 and extend axially inwardly into the first stage cyclone chamber 158 from the rear end wall 164 and/or front end wall 162. Optionally, the cyclone air outlet 168 may include a cyclone air outlet conduit 172 extending axially inwardly into the first stage cyclone chamber 158 from the rear end wall 164 and/or front end wall 162, and the porous member 170 may extend from the distal end of the cyclone air outlet conduit 172 (see e.g.,
The cyclone air inlet 166 of the first stage cyclone chamber 158 is fluidly connected with the dirty air outlet 150 of the air inlet conduit 144. The cyclone air inlet 166 may be in fluid flow communication with the dirty air outlet 150 of the air inlet conduit 144 through a corresponding aperture in the front end wall 162 of the air treatment member 122 (see e.g.,
The air exiting the first stage cyclone chamber 158 may then travel downstream to the suction motor 130 through any intervening elements, such as the pre-motor filter 132 and/or energy storage member(s) 142. Optionally, as exemplified in
As shown, the second cyclonic stage 174 may be rearward of the first stage cyclone chamber 158 such that the airflow path travels rearwardly from the cyclone air outlet 168 of the first stage cyclone chamber 158 to the second stage cyclone chamber(s) 180. In such embodiments, a front end wall 176 of the second stage cyclone chamber(s) 180 may be a common wall with the rear end wall 164 of the first stage cyclone chamber 158 and a rear end wall 178 of the second stage cyclone chamber(s) 180 may a common wall with the rearward end wall 156 of the air treatment member 122. As shown, the front end wall 176 of the second cyclonic stage 174 may be substantially the same shape and size as the rear end wall 164 of the first stage cyclone chamber 158, and the rear end wall 178 of the second cyclonic stage 174 may be larger in size (or, optionally, the same size or smaller in size) than the front end wall 176.
Alternatively, one or more of the second stage cyclone chamber(s) 180 may be forward of the first stage cyclone chamber 158 such that the airflow path travels forwardly to the one or more of the second stage cyclone chamber(s) 180 from the first stage cyclone chamber 158. In such embodiments, the front end wall 176 of the one or more of the second stage cyclone chamber(s) 180 may be a common wall with the forward end wall 154 of the air treatment member 122, and the rear end wall 178 of the one or more of the second stage cyclone chamber(s) 180 may be a common wall with the front end wall 162 of the first stage cyclone chamber 158. In such embodiments, the rear end wall 178 of the second cyclonic stage 174 may be substantially the same shape and size as the front end wall 162 of the first stage cyclone chamber 158, and the front end wall 176 of the second cyclonic stage 174 may be larger in size or smaller in size than the rear end wall 178 or the same size as the rear end wall 178.
Each cleaning stage of the air treatment member 122 may include at least one dirt collection region. For example, as exemplified in
As exemplified in
Optionally, if a second cyclonic stage 174 is present, a dirt collection region 182b of the second cyclonic stage 174 may similarly be internal or external to the second stage cyclone chamber 180. As exemplified in
The dirt outlet 186 in the first stage cyclone chamber 158 and in each cyclone 180 in the second cyclonic stage 174 may be of any suitable configuration. As shown, the dirt outlet 186 may be a slot that is provided in the sidewall 160 of the first stage cyclone chamber 158 or the sidewall of each cyclone 180 toward the rear end (see e.g.,
At least a portion of the air treatment member 122 can be openable for emptying. For example, the forward end wall 154, rearward end wall 156, sidewall 157, or optionally both end walls, can be openable for emptying one or more of the dirt collection region(s) 182 in the first stage cyclone chamber 158, second cyclonic stage 174, and dirt collection chamber(s) of the first and/or second cyclonic stages. As exemplified in
As described, the front end wall 162 of the first stage cyclone chamber 158 may be a common wall with the forward end wall 154 of the air treatment member 122 (see e.g.,
In any embodiment, the external dirt collection chamber 184 of the first stage cyclone chamber 158 may be openable by moving the front door 190 to the open position. For example, in
In any embodiment, the external dirt collection chamber 184 of the second cyclonic stage 174 may be openable by moving the front door 190 to the open position. For example, the central conduit 188 for the second cyclonic stage extends to the front door 190 or front wall 162. Alternately, in some embodiments, the air inlet conduit 144 may be moveable with the front door 190 and the central conduit 188 defining the dirt collection chamber 184 may be enclosed at one end by the air inlet conduit 144 (see e.g.,
Accordingly, in the example embodiments described herein, opening the front door 190 of the air treatment member 122 (and/or rear door in alternate embodiments) may concurrently open the first stage cyclone chamber 158, the dirt collection chamber 184 of the first stage cyclone chamber 158, and/or the dirt collection chamber 184 of the second cyclonic stage 174 and/or the second stage cyclone chambers 180 for simultaneously emptying the dirt collection regions 182 therein. In this arrangement, a user may hold the hand vacuum 100 via the handle 120 with one hand and open the front door 190 with the other hand to empty the dirt collection regions 182. Additionally, or alternatively, the air treatment member 122 may be fully removable from the main body 116, including the first stage cyclone chamber 158 and dirt collection chamber(s) 184, for simultaneously emptying the dirt collection region(s) 182 therein. This may also allow access to additional portions of the hand vacuum 100 that would otherwise be concealed for cleaning, inspection and the like.
As exemplified, the suction motor 130 may be positioned within a motor housing 198, which may be part of the main body 116. As discussed subsequently, the suction motor 130 may be forward or rearward of the air treatment member 122. In the embodiments illustrated in
The suction motor 130 used in the hand vacuum 100 may be of any suitable design and configuration that is sufficient to impart a desired air flow through the hand vacuum 100. For example, the suction motor 130 may include a fan and/or impeller (i.e., a motor and fan assembly), which rotates about a motor axis 200 of rotation to help generate the desired air flow. When the hand vacuum 100 is oriented with the upper end 112 above the lower end 114, the motor axis 200 of the suction motor 130 may be oriented horizontally. The motor axis 200 may be parallel to the central axis 152 of the air treatment member 122 and/or the conduit axis 148 of the air inlet conduit 144 (see e.g.,
As exemplified in
Optionally, one or more pre-motor filters 132 may be provided in the hand vacuum 100 at any position in the airflow path 128 upstream from the suction motor 130, such as in the pre-motor filter housing 136 in the main body 116, annularly around the suction motor 130, and/or partially nested or fully nested in the air treatment chamber 122, or in the handle 120, for example. The pre-motor filter 132 may be formed from foam or any other suitable physical, porous filter media and have any suitable shape, such as cylindrical, or a generally flat, slab-like filter. An optional felt filter layer can be provided on one side of the pre-motor filter 132, and preferably is positioned adjacent the downstream side but may be provided on the upstream side.
Optionally, one or more post-motor filters 134 may, alternatively or in addition to the pre-motor filter 132, be provided in the hand vacuum 100 at any position in the airflow path 128 downstream from the suction motor 130, such as in the post-motor filter housing 138 in the main body 116, annularly or partially annularly around the suction motor 130, and/or partially nested or fully nested in the air treatment chamber 122, or in the handle 120, for example. The post-motor filter 134 may be a physical foam media filter or may be any other suitable physical porous filter media, including, for example, a felt filter, a HEPA filter, a paper filter, other physical filter media, an electrostatic filter, and the like.
The hand vacuum 100 in accordance with the example embodiments described herein may include any suitable type of carry handle as part of the main body 116. As exemplified, the handle 120 may be located proximate the rear end 110 of the hand vacuum 100.
The handle 120 may be a pistol-grip style handle having an elongate hand grip portion 204 extending downwardly and rearwardly along a hand grip axis 210 between an upper end 206 and a lower end 208 (see e.g.,
In some examples, the upper end 206 of the handle 120 may be coupled to a lower side of the main body 116 such that the handle 120 extends downwardly and rearwardly from the lower side of the main body 116 (see e.g.,
In some examples, the upper end 206 of the handle 120 may include an upper member 218 and the lower end 208 of the handle 120 may include the lower member 212. Each of the upper and lower members 206, 208 (e.g., flanges) may be coupled to a rear end of the main body 116 (see e.g.,
Alternately, the handle 120 may be a wand-style handle, wherein the elongate hand grip portion 204 extends axially rearwardly along the hand grip axis 210 between a forward end 220 and a rearward end 222 (see e.g.,
Optionally, the hand vacuum 100 may be powered by an electrical cord 140, such as illustrated in
The energy storage members 142 used in the surface cleaning apparatus 100 may be provided at a single location, for example as one large battery pack, such as in the lower member 212 of the handle 120 (see e.g.,
Optionally, energy storage members 142 may be positioned generally opposite each other on opposite sides of a central plane or axis of the hand vacuum 100, for example toward the upper end 112 and lower end 114 of the hand vacuum 100. In this configuration, the weight of one energy storage member 142 may at least partially offset/counterbalance the weight of the opposing energy storage member 142. For example, providing upper and lower energy storage members 142 may help reduce the torque experienced by the user if they rotate the hand vacuum 100 about the longitudinally extending central axis 152.
If the energy storage member(s) 142 is/are a battery pack, each battery pack may include any suitable number of cells, and may include, for example, 3 cell 18560 lithium ion batteries. If two battery packs are connected in series, they may create a 6 cell 22V Li-ion power source. Any number of cells may be used to create a power source having a desired voltage and current, and any type of battery may be used, including NiMH, alkaline and the like.
Additionally, or as an alternative to the energy storage members 142 being onboard power sources, the wand 106 that is connectable to the surface cleaning apparatus 100 and/or the surface cleaning head 104 that is connectable to the wand 106 may be configured to include one or more energy storage members 142. Providing energy storage members 142 in the wand 106 and/or the surface cleaning head 104 may help provide some additional power (e.g., to the suction motor) when the hand vacuum 100 is connected to the wand 106 and/or to the surface cleaning head 104 via the wand 106. For example, the extra power in the additional energy storage members 142 may be used to help power a brush motor, lights, or other such features that require power in the surface cleaning head 104 and/or help power the suction motor 130. If the energy storage members 142 are supported in the wand 106 and/or the surface cleaning head 104, the additional mass of those energy storage members 142 can be left behind when a user detaches the hand vacuum 100 for above floor cleaning. This may help reduce the weight of the hand vacuum 100, while still providing a desired level of power when operating in the floor cleaning mode. Optionally, all of the energy storage members 142 can provide at least some power to the suction motor 130 and at least some power to the surface cleaning head 104. This may help provide longer run times, higher suction levels or both as compared to only using the power supplied from the hand vacuum 100.
In addition to functioning as a nozzle, the air inlet conduit 144 can be connected or directly connected to the downstream end of any suitable accessory tool such as a rigid air flow conduit (e.g., the wand 106), crevice tool, mini brush or the like. The hand vacuum 100 can include an electrical connector 224 provided proximate the front end 108, such as on the upper end 112, on the lower end 114, or on the front end 108 proximate the air inlet conduit 144. The downstream end of the accessory, such as the wand 106, can include another electrical connector (not shown) detachably matingly connectable to the electrical connector 224 of the hand vacuum 100. The electrical connectors 224 may be of any suitable configuration, such as mating pins and sockets. Power can thereby be communicated between the surface cleaning head 104 and the hand vacuum 100 via the wand 106.
For example,
In the illustrated examples, the surface cleaning head 104 may be any known in the art. As exemplified, the surface cleaning head includes a body 230, a pair of rear wheels 232 connected to the body 230 to rollingly support the surface cleaning head 104 above a surface to be cleaned, and a cleaning head dirty air inlet 234 in the downward facing lower body surface. The surface cleaning head 104 also includes an upflow duct 236 that is pivotally connected to the body 230. The lower end 228 of the wand 106 can be connected to the upflow duct 236, whereby the wand 106 is movable relative to the surface cleaning head 104. In the illustrated example, the upflow duct 236 is in fluid communication with the cleaning head dirty air inlet 234. The lower end 228 of the wand 106 is configured to receive the upflow duct 236 (or optionally vice versa) and to fluidly connect the surface cleaning head 104 to the hand vacuum 100. Optionally, the lower end 228 of the wand 106 can be detachably connected to the upflow duct 236, using any means, including a friction fit, suitable latch, locking mechanism or the like. Providing a detachable connection may allow the wand 106 to be separate from the surface cleaning head 104 for maintenance and/or for use in above floor cleaning. In such a configuration, the lower end 228 of the wand 106 can function as an auxiliary dirty air inlet, and the wand 106 as an extension of the air inlet conduit 144.
Preferably, the hand vacuum 100 can be detachably connected to the opposing upper end 226 of the wand 106, for example using a latch, so that the hand vacuum 100 can be detached and used independently from the wand 106 and/or surface cleaning head 104. Providing detachable connections at both ends of the wand 106 may help facilitate use of the hand vacuum 100 in at least three different operating modes: (i) an upright cleaning mode in which both the surface cleaning head and hand vacuum are attached to the wand and there is an airflow path extending from the dirty air inlet in the surface cleaning head to the hand vacuum and including the wand; (ii) a first above floor cleaning mode in which the wand is detached from the surface cleaning head and an airflow path extends from the auxiliary dirty air inlet of the wand to the hand vacuum cleaner; and (iii) a second above floor cleaning mode in which the hand vacuum is detached from the upper end of the wand and the nozzle is used to directly clean a surface and/or is connected to one or more auxiliary cleaning tools (such as a hose, crevice tool, upholstery brush and the like).
Optionally, the hand vacuum 100 may include one or more information display devices to provide information to a user. For example, the hand vacuum 100 may include one or more lights to indicate when the suction motor is on, and its current power level (if applicable), current battery charge level and the like. The hand vacuum may also include one or more display screens 238, such as an LCD display, LED screen, OLED screen and the like. The screen, and associated electronics, may be used to display status information. Optionally, the information display device may be connectable to other apparatuses, for example if the hand vacuum 100 is connected to a different apparatus, such as a tool or the wand 106 and/or surface cleaning head 104, the information displayed may be customized for each type of apparatus that can be connected to the hand vacuum 100. That is, the screen 238 can optionally be configured to show information about whatever apparatus is connected to the hand vacuum 100 (e.g., via the electrical connector 224), so that the same screen can be used for multiple apparatuses. This may reduce the need to provide screens or the like on each separate apparatus that can be connected to the handle.
As exemplified, the hand vacuum 100 may include an information display device in the form of a display screen 238 that is provided on the rear end 110 of the hand vacuum 100 (see e.g.,
Optionally, a power switch 240 that controls operation of the suction motor 130 (either on/off or variable power levels or both) can be provided on the handle 120, for example by establishing a power connection between the energy storage members 142 and the suction motor 130 (or other portion of the hand vacuum). The power switch 240 can be provided in any suitable configuration and location, including a button (see e.g.,
The power switch 240 may also be configured to control other aspects of the hand vacuum 100 (brush motor on/off, etc.) or may be configured entirely as a control switch that controls some functions of the hand vacuum 100 but does not control the suction motor 130 (e.g., an additional switch may be provided to control a brush motor in the surface cleaning head 104). Optionally, the power switch 240 illustrated, or an additional designated power switch, may be used to provide different functions for different powered devices (e.g., the surface cleaning head 104), if the hand vacuum 100 is connected to different devices. For example, the power switch 240 may be used to select different power profiles (high power vs. low power), or other device functions. Optionally, the function of the switch 240 may be displayed on suitable display device, such as the screen 238 described herein. For example, the power switch 240 may be operable to control both the suction motor 130 and the brush motor in the surface cleaning head 104, along with lights and any other electrified elements provided on the wand 106, surface cleaning head 104, or any other tool or attachment.
Optionally, the hand vacuum cleaner 100 may be configurable in two or more different operating modes, having different power profiles. For example, the suction motor 130 in the hand vacuum 100 may be operable at a low power mode and a high power mode, each providing different levels of suction and air flow through the hand vacuum 100. Switching between such power modes may be done manually by a user in some embodiments, or may be done automatically based on the configuration or operation of the hand vacuum in other embodiments. In some embodiments, the apparatus may be operable to automatically change power modes, but may also include a manual option for a user to override the automatic changes.
A hand vacuum cleaner using any one or more aspects discussed herein, including one or more of the other aspects set out herein including one or more of the energy storage member forward of the suction motor, energy storage member nested in air treatment member, the suction motor nested in the air treatment member, the post-motor filter nested in the air treatment member, the suction motor forward of the air treatment member, the rearwardly opening air treatment member, the suction motor below the handle, the energy storage member forward of the air treatment member, the suction motor nested in the handle and forward of the air treatment member, the suction motor nested in the first cleaning stage, the energy storage member in the finger guard, may have the suction motor at least partially nested in the handle.
Providing the suction motor 130 at least partially in the handle 120 may provide a more compact hand vacuum 100. Providing the suction motor 130 at least partially in the handle 120 may also position the center of gravity of the hand vacuum 100 closer to the hand of the user when gripping the hand grip portion 204. This may reduce the torque experienced by the user when using the hand vacuum 100 in an above-floor cleaning mode when the hand vacuum 100 extends from the user's hand in an unsupported cantilevered length. While the position of suction motor 130 with respect to other components is discussed separately with respect to each other component, and other possible positions of suction motor 130 are discussed separately, it will be appreciated that any embodiment of a hand vacuum 100 discussed herein may utilize the positioning of suction motor 130 nested in the handle with respect to one or more of the other components discussed herein.
In any of the body types of the example hand vacuums 100 described herein, the suction motor 130 may be provided partially or fully nested in the handle 120. For example, as exemplified in
The suction motor 130 may be positioned fully within the hand grip portion 204 of handle 120 (see e.g.,
In any embodiment, having any handle style, the suction motor 130 may be positioned at least partially in the handle 120 such that the motor axis 200 is substantially parallel, and optionally coaxial, with hand grip axis 210. The suction motor 130 may have a motor length in the direction of the axially extending motor axis 200 between a first end and a second end of the suction motor 130. In any embodiment, at least 10% of the motor length (e.g., more than 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or more) may be provided within the handle 120. For example, the motor length of the suction motor 130 is exemplified as 25% nested in the handle 120 in
In the example embodiments wherein the suction motor 130 is positioned at least partially in the pistol-grip style handle 120, the hand grip portion 204 and one or more of the upper member 218 (if present), the lower member 212 (if present) and the finger guard 214 (if present), may be hollow and form part of the airflow path 128 therein. In such embodiments, the clean air outlet 126 may be provided in the sidewall or an end wall of the handle 120, the lower member 212, or the finger guard 214. Optionally, the optional post-motor filter 134 may be provided at any position downstream from the suction motor 130, such as positioned at the clean air outlet 126, the lower member 212, or the finger guard 214 and may be fully nested, partially nested, or not nested in the handle 120. Additionally, or alternatively, the energy storage member 142 (if present) may optionally be provided in the airflow path at any position either upstream or downstream from the suction motor 130 and upstream or downstream from the post-motor filter 134 if present. The energy storage member 142 may further be fully nested, partially nested, or not nested in the handle 120, the upper member, the lower member 212, or the finger guard 214. Providing the energy storage member 142 in the airflow path may beneficially cool the energy storage member 142 by the airflow drawing heat from the energy storage member 142 before exhausting to the external environment.
Even if the energy storage members 142 are not in the air flow path, some or all of the energy storage members 142 may be partially or fully nested in the handle 120 (see e.g.,
As exemplified in
As exemplified in
In alternate examples, such as exemplified in
In some embodiments wherein the finger guard 214 is present, the finger guard 214 may form a portion of the airflow path such that the airflow path includes the hand grip portion 204, the lower member 212, and the finger guard 214. In such embodiments, the clean air outlet 126 may be provided downstream from the suction motor 130, such as in the sidewall of the finger guard 214. Optionally, the post-motor filter 134 may be provided at any position downstream from the suction motor 130 such as positioned at least partially in the finger guard 214. Additionally, or alternatively, the energy storage member 142 may optionally be provided in the airflow path at any position upstream of downstream from the suction motor 130 such as positioned at least partially in the finger guard 214.
As exemplified in
Referring to
In the examples described herein, the pre-motor filter 132 may have any suitable positioning upstream from the suction motor 130 in the airflow path. For example, the pre-motor filter 132 may be positioned downstream (e.g., rearward) from the air treatment member 122 in the main body housing 118 such that the central axis 152 of the air treatment member 122 intersects the pre-motor filter 132 (see e.g.,
The pre-motor filter 132 may be provided at any other position in the hand vacuum 100 upstream from the suction motor 130, which may depend on the type of handle 120 used in the particular embodiment of the hand vacuum 100. For example, in the various pistol grip-style handles 120 described herein, the pre-motor filter 132 may be provided at least partially in the upper member 218 of the handle 120 (see e.g.,
It will be appreciated that any portion of the suction motor may be provided in the handle. For example, the fan may be located upstream of the motor such that, if the suction motor is partially be nested in the handle, the fan may be located exterior the handle in the main body. It will also be appreciated that the motor section may be located partially or fully exterior of the handle and the fan may be located in the handle.
The figures described in this section are exemplary of the suction motor nested in the handle. It will be appreciated that other figures not discussed within this section may also show the suction motor nested in the handle in accordance with this aspect.
A hand vacuum cleaner using any one or more aspects discussed herein, including one or more of the other aspects set out herein including one or more of the suction motor nested in the handle, the energy storage member nested in air treatment member, the suction motor nested in the air treatment member, the post-motor filter nested in the air treatment member, the suction motor forward of the air treatment member, the rearwardly opening air treatment member, the suction motor below the handle, the energy storage member forward of the air treatment member, the suction motor nested in the handle and forward of the air treatment member, the suction motor nested in the first cleaning stage, the energy storage member in the finger guard, may have the energy storage member forward of the suction motor.
In any embodiment, the hand vacuum 100 may optionally have a generally linear layout of two or more components. A linear layout in the hand vacuum 100 may provide a straighter (fewer bends) and/or shorter airflow path through the hand vacuum 100 from the air treatment member 122 to the clean air outlet 126. In a linear layout, the airflow path may travel through fewer or less dramatic bends, optionally without passing through any bends, thereby reducing the backpressure created by airflow through the hand vacuum.
In any embodiment, the linear layout may include the energy storage member 142 and the air treatment member 122. In such embodiments, the energy storage member 142 may be positioned in the main body housing 118 rearward of the air treatment member 122 such that the central axis 152 of the air treatment member 122 extends through the energy storage member 142, and optionally centrally therethrough. The linear layout may further include the suction motor housing 198, and the energy storage member 142 may further be positioned forward of the suction motor housing 198 such that the motor axis 200 of rotation of the suction motor 130 extends through the energy storage member 142, and optionally centrally therethrough. The central axis 152 and the motor axis 200 may be parallel, and optionally coaxial, providing a generally straight airflow path from the outlet of the air treatment member 122 to the rearward end of the suction motor 130. Optionally, if included, the linear layout may further include the pre-motor filter 132 forward or rearward of the energy storage member 142, and the central axis 152 and the motor axis 200 may also extend through the pre-motor filter housing 136, and optionally centrally therethrough.
For example, as exemplified in
Optionally, the pre-motor filter 132 provided in the pre-motor filter housing 136 may be positioned in the main body 116 downstream from the air treatment member 122 such that the central axis 152 and motor axis 200 extend through the pre-motor filter housing 136 and, optionally, the pre-motor filter 132 therein, e.g., if the pre-motor filter is planar and not annular. In such embodiments, the pre-motor filter housing 136 may be included in the linear layout. The pre-motor filter housing 136 may be positioned upstream or downstream from the energy storage member 142. If provided downstream from the energy storage member 142, the suction motor 130 may extend into the pre-motor filter housing 136 and the pre-motor filter 132 may be positioned annularly about at least a portion of the suction motor 130.
For example, as exemplified in
Optionally, if a post-motor filter is provided, then the post-motor filter housing 138 having the post-motor filter 134 provided therein may be positioned in the main body 116 or the wand-style handle 120 downstream from the suction motor 130 such that the central axis 152 and motor axis 200 extend through the post-motor filter housing 138 and, optionally, the post-motor filter 134 therein. In such embodiments, the post-motor filter housing 138 may be included in the linear layout. The post-motor filter 134 may be positioned rearward of the suction motor 130. Additionally, or alternatively, the suction motor 130 may extend into the post-motor filter housing 138 and the post-motor filter 134 may be positioned above, below, or annularly about at least a portion of the suction motor 130. The post-motor filter housing 138 may be positioned rearward of the energy storage member 142 and/or the suction motor 130.
For example, as exemplified in
Optionally, the pre-motor filter 132 and/or post-motor filter 134, and further optionally the suction motor 130, may be removable from the main body 116 or handle 120, such as for cleaning or replacement. For example, the pre-motor filter 132 and/or post-motor filter 134 may be radially removable, such as through an openable portion of the sidewall of the main body housing 118. As another example, the pre-motor filter 132 and/or the post-motor filter 134 may be rearwardly removable, such as axially rearwardly removable from the rear end of the main body 116 or rearward end of the wand-style handle 120. The suction motor 130 may remain in the main body 116 or be removed with the pre-motor filter 132 and/or the post-motor filter 134.
For example, as exemplified in
Optionally, the removable pre-motor filter housing 136 and/or post-motor filter housing 138 can be secured the to the rest of the main body housing 118 by any suitable type of locking mechanism, including a latch mechanism that can be released by a user or a bayonet mount. The actuator for releasing the filter housing 136, 138 can be provided on the main body housing 118 or on any other portion of the hand vacuum 100. Removing the pre-motor filter housing 136 and/or post-motor filter housing 138 from the rest of the main body housing 118 may further provide access to additional components remaining in the main body 116, such as the pre-motor filter 132, suction motor 130, energy storage member 142, or air treatment member 122, for cleaning, replacement, or other maintenance, for example. It will be appreciated that the pre-motor filter housing 136 and/or post-motor filter housing 138 may be axially rearwardly removable from the rearward end of the wand-style handle 120 in a fashion similar to as described. It will be appreciated that a filter may be removable with all or a portion of the filter housing that is moved to reveal the volume of the filter housing.
Optionally, if the handle 120 is a wand-style handle extending generally axially rearwardly from the rear end of the main body 116 (see e.g.,
The figures described in this section are exemplary of the energy storage member forward of the suction motor. It will be appreciated that other figures not discussed within this section may also show the energy storage member forward of the suction motor in accordance with this aspect.
Energy Storage Member Nested in Air treatment Member
A hand vacuum cleaner using any one or more aspects discussed herein, including one or more of the other aspects set out herein including one or more of the suction motor nested in the handle, the energy storage member forward of the suction motor, the suction motor nested in the air treatment member, the post-motor filter nested in the air treatment member, the suction motor forward of the air treatment member, the rearwardly opening air treatment member, the suction motor below the handle, the energy storage member forward of the air treatment member, the suction motor nested in the handle and forward of the air treatment member, the suction motor nested in the first cleaning stage, the energy storage member in the finger guard, may have the energy storage member at least partially nested in air treatment member.
Providing the energy storage member 142 at least partially in the air treatment member 122 may provide a more compact hand vacuum 100. Providing the energy storage member 142 at least partially in the air treatment member 122 may also position the energy storage member 142 directly in the airflow path, advantageously allowing the airflow to cool the energy storage member 142. While the position of energy storage member 142 with respect to other components is discussed separately with respect to each other component, it will be appreciated that any embodiment of a hand vacuum 100 may utilize the positioning of the energy storage member 142 nested in an air treatment member with respect to one or more of the other components discussed herein. It will also be appreciated that any air treatment member 122 discussed herein may be used.
In any of the body types of the example hand vacuums 100 described herein, the energy storage member 142 may be provided partially nested or fully nested in the air treatment member 122. In any embodiment, the air treatment member 122 may include a first cleaning stage and optionally a second cleaning stage. The first cleaning stage may include the first stage cyclone chamber 158 or a non-cyclonic cleaning stage (e.g., a non-cyclonic momentum separator, pleated filter, filter bag, etc.). The second cleaning stage may include the one or more second stage cyclone chambers 180 or optionally a non-cyclonic cleaning stage (e.g., a non-cyclonic momentum separator, pleated filter, filter bag, etc.). The energy storage member 142 may be provided fully nested or partially nested in the first cleaning stage, fully nested or partially nested in the second cleaning stage, or fully nested or partially nested in both the first and second cleaning stages. Each cleaning stage may comprise one or more cyclones or one or more non-cyclonic air treatment chambers Accordingly, the energy storage member 142 may be provided in one or more air treatment chambers.
As exemplified in
As exemplified in
As exemplified in
As exemplified, the energy storage member 142 may be annularly ring-shaped with a central opening, which forms an airflow passage through the energy storage member 142 (see e.g.,
As exemplified in
As exemplified in
It will be appreciated that the energy storage member 142 may optionally be partially nested in the pre-motor filter 132 in addition to the first and second cleaning stages (wherein the second cleaning stage comprises one or more air treatment chambers) such as exemplified in
In any embodiment, an additional energy storage member 142 may be provided at any other position in the hand vacuum 100 as described herein. For example, the additional energy storage member 142 may be provided in the lower member 212 (see e.g.,
The figures described in this section are exemplary of the energy storage member nested in air treatment member. It will be appreciated that other figures not discussed within this section may also show the energy storage member nested in air treatment member in accordance with this aspect.
Suction Motor Nested in Air treatment Member
A hand vacuum cleaner using any one or more aspects discussed herein, including one or more of the other aspects set out herein including one or more of the suction motor nested in the handle, the energy storage member forward of the suction motor, the energy storage member nested in air treatment member, the post-motor filter nested in the air treatment member, the suction motor forward of the air treatment member, the rearwardly opening air treatment member, the suction motor below the handle, the energy storage member forward of the air treatment member, the suction motor nested in the handle and forward of the air treatment member, the suction motor nested in the first cleaning stage, the energy storage member in the finger guard, may have the suction motor at least partially nested in the air treatment member.
Providing the suction motor 130 at least partially in the air treatment member 122 may provide a more compact hand vacuum 100. While the position of suction motor 130 with respect to other components is discussed separately with respect to each other component, and other possible positions of suction motor 130 are discussed separately, it will be appreciated that any embodiment of a hand vacuum 100 may utilize the positioning of the suction motor 130 nested in an air treatment member with respect to one or more of the other components discussed herein.
In any of the body types of the example hand vacuums 100 described herein, the suction motor 130 may be provided partially nested or fully nested in the air treatment member 122. The air treatment member 122 may include one or more cyclonic and/or non-cyclonic cleaning stages as described previously herein. The suction motor 130 may be provided fully nested or partially nested in the first cleaning stage, fully nested or partially nested in the second cleaning stage, or partially nested in both the first and second cleaning stages. Each cleaning stage may comprise one or more cyclones or one or more non-cyclonic air treatment chambers Accordingly, the suction motor may be provided in one or more air treatment chambers.
As exemplified in
As exemplified in
It will be appreciated that the suction motor 130 may optionally be partially nested in the pre-motor filter 132 in addition to the second cleaning stage such as exemplified in
As exemplified in
As exemplified in
As exemplified in
As exemplified in
In any embodiment, such as exemplified in
In any embodiment, such as exemplified in
As exemplified in
As described previously with respect to
In any embodiment, the energy storage member 142, and optionally an additional energy storage member 142, may be provided at any position in the hand vacuum 100 as described herein. For example, the energy storage member 142 may be provided in the lower member 212 (see e.g.,
The figures described in this section are exemplary of the suction motor nested in the air treatment member. It will be appreciated that other figures not discussed within this section may also show the suction motor nested in the air treatment member in accordance with this aspect.
A hand vacuum cleaner using any one or more aspects discussed herein, including one or more of the other aspects set out herein including one or more of the suction motor nested in the handle, the energy storage member forward of the suction motor, the energy storage member nested in air treatment member, the suction motor nested in the air treatment member, the suction motor forward of the air treatment member, the rearwardly opening air treatment member, the suction motor below the handle, the energy storage member forward of the air treatment member, the suction motor nested in the handle and forward of the air treatment member, the suction motor nested in the first cleaning stage, the energy storage member in the finger guard, may have the post-motor filter at least partially nested in the air treatment member.
Providing the post-motor filter 134 at least partially in the air treatment member 122 may provide a more compact hand vacuum 100. While the position of the post-motor filter 134 with respect to other components is discussed separately with respect to each other component, it will be appreciated that any embodiment of a hand vacuum 100 may utilize the positioning of the post-motor filter 134 nested in an air treatment member (chamber) with respect to one or more of the other components discussed herein.
In any of the body types of the example hand vacuums 100 described herein, the post-motor filter 134 may be provided partially nested or fully nested in the air treatment member 122. The air treatment member 122 may include one or more cyclonic and/or non-cyclonic cleaning stages, each of which may comprise one or more cyclones or one or more non-cyclonic air treatment chambers as described previously herein. The post-motor filter 134 may be provided fully nested or partially nested in the first cleaning stage, fully nested or partially nested in the second cleaning stage, or partially nested in both the first and second cleaning stages. Each cleaning stage may comprise one or more cyclones or one or more non-cyclonic air treatment chambers Accordingly, the post-motor filter 134 may be provided in one or more air treatment chambers.
As exemplified in the example embodiments shown in
As exemplified in the example embodiment shown in
As exemplified in the example embodiments shown in
In any embodiment, the energy storage member 142, optional additional energy storage member 142, suction motor 130, and pre-motor filter 132 may be provided at any other position in the hand vacuum 100 as described herein, such as described in the previous section.
The figures described in this section are exemplary of the post-motor filter at least partially nested in the air treatment member. It will be appreciated that other figures not discussed within this section may also show the post-motor filter at least partially nested in the air treatment member in accordance with this aspect.
Rearwardly Opening Air treatment Member
A hand vacuum cleaner using any one or more aspects discussed herein, including one or more of the other aspects set out herein including one or more of the suction motor nested in the handle, the energy storage member forward of the suction motor, the energy storage member nested in air treatment member, the suction motor nested in the air treatment member, the post-motor filter at least partially nested in the air treatment member, the suction motor forward of the air treatment member, the suction motor below the handle, the energy storage member forward of the air treatment member, the suction motor nested in the handle and forward of the air treatment member, the suction motor nested in the first cleaning stage, the energy storage member in the finger guard, may have the air treatment member being rearwardly openable.
In any of the body types of the example hand vacuums 100 described herein, the air treatment member 122 may be provided rearward of the main body 116. The air treatment member 122 may include one or more cyclonic and/or non-cyclonic cleaning stages as described previously herein. In any embodiment, the air treatment member 122 may include the first cleaning stage and optionally the second cleaning stage, and the second cleaning stage may be at least partially forward or rearward of the first cleaning stage. Each cleaning stage may comprise one or more cyclones or one or more non-cyclonic air treatment chambers, one or both stages of which are rearwardly openable.
In accordance with this aspect, in some embodiments, the air inlet conduit 144 may extend through the main body 116 to the front end wall 162 or rear end wall 164 (or any position therebetween) of the first stage cyclone chamber 158 as described previously herein. In alternate embodiments, the air inlet conduit 144 may extend along the upper or lower end 112, 114 of the hand vacuum 100 across the main body 116 to the front or rear end walls 162, 164 (or any position therebetween) of the first stage cyclone chamber 158 as described previously herein. The cyclone air inlet 166 may be axial or tangential at the front or rear end wall 162, 164, and the cyclone air outlet 168 may be at the same end wall or opposed end wall so as to produce a uniflow or an inverted cyclone as described previously.
In embodiments in which the second cyclonic stage 174 is provided forward of the first stage cyclone chamber 158, the air inlet conduit 144 may also extend through the second cyclonic stage 174. One or more of the suction motor 130, the optional pre-motor filter 132, the optional post-motor filter 134, and the optional energy storage member 142, may be provided in the main body housing 118 forward of the air treatment member 122. As expanded upon in the subsequent section, one or more of the pre-motor filter 132, the post-motor filter 134, and the energy storage member 142 may be provided in an annular ring about the air inlet conduit 144 within the main body 116 such that the air inlet conduit 144 also extends through the pre-motor filter 132, the post-motor filter 134, and/or the energy storage member 142. In any embodiment, the optional energy storage member 142, the optional additional energy storage member 142, the suction motor 130, the optional pre-motor filter 132, and optional the post-motor filter 134 may be provided at any other position in the hand vacuum 100 as described herein.
As exemplified in
Optionally, as exemplified in
As exemplified in
As exemplified in
As exemplified in
Similar to as described previously with respect to the front end wall 162 of the air treatment member 122 being a front door 190, as exemplified in
Accordingly, in the example embodiments described herein, opening the rear door 194 of the air treatment member 122 concurrently opens first stage cyclone chamber 158 and dirt collection chamber(s) 184 for simultaneously emptying the dirt collection regions 182a, 182b therein. In this arrangement, a user may hold the hand vacuum 100 via the handle 120 with one hand and open the rear door 194 with the other hand to empty the dirt collection regions 182a, 182b.
As exemplified in
In any embodiment described herein, the suction motor 130, pre-motor filter 132, post-motor filter 134, energy storage member 142, and optional additional energy storage member 142, may have any position relative to the air treatment member 122 in accordance with embodiments described herein, such as one or more being forward of the air treatment member and/or in the handle.
The figures described in this section are exemplary of the air treatment member being rearwardly openable. It will be appreciated that other figures not discussed within this section may also show the air treatment member being rearwardly openable in accordance with this aspect.
Suction Motor Forward of the Air treatment Member
A hand vacuum cleaner using any one or more aspects discussed herein, including one or more of the other aspects set out herein including one or more of the suction motor nested in the handle, the energy storage member forward of the suction motor, the energy storage member nested in air treatment member, the suction motor nested in the air treatment member, the post-motor filter at least partially nested in the air treatment member, the rearwardly opening air treatment member, the suction motor below the handle, the energy storage member forward of the air treatment member, the suction motor nested in the handle and forward of the air treatment member, the suction motor nested in the first cleaning stage, the energy storage member in the finger guard, may have the suction motor forward of a rear end of the air treatment member and optionally at a front end of the hand vac, such as at a front end of the air treatment member.
In any of the body types of the example hand vacuums 100 described herein, such as any of the example embodiments wherein the air treatment member 122 is provided rearward of the main body 116, the suction motor 130 may be provided forward of the air treatment member 122. Each cleaning stage may comprise one or more cyclones or one or more non-cyclonic air treatment chambers Accordingly, the suction motor 130 may be provided forward of one or more of, and optionally all of, the air treatment chambers. In such examples, the air inlet conduit 144 may extend through the main body 116 to the air treatment member 122 as described previously herein, and the suction motor 130 may be provided at any position in the main body housing 118 around the air inlet conduit 144, such as above or below the air inlet conduit 144. Alternately, the air inlet conduit 144 may extend along the upper end 112 of the hand vacuum 100 across the main body 116 to the air treatment member 122 as described previously herein, and the suction motor 130 may be provided at any position in the main body housing 118, such as positioned centrally therein.
One or more of the optional pre-motor filter 132, the optional post-motor filter 134, and the optional energy storage member 142 may be provided in the main body housing 118 with the suction motor 130. In embodiments wherein the air inlet conduit 144 extends through the main body 116, the pre-motor filter 132, post-motor filter 134, and/or energy storage member 142 may be provided at any position in the main body housing 118 around the air inlet conduit 144, such as above, below, or beside the air inlet conduit 144, or annularly or semi-annularly about the air inlet conduit 144, for example. In embodiments wherein the air inlet conduit 144 does not extend through the main body 116, the pre-motor filter 132, post-motor filter 134, and/or energy storage member 142 may be provided at any position in the main body housing 118, such as above, below, beside, forward, or rearward of the suction motor 130, or annularly or semi-annularly about the suction motor 130, for example.
As exemplified in
As exemplified, the pre-motor filter 132 may be provided at any position in the main body housing 118 around the air inlet conduit 144, such as above (see e.g.,
As exemplified in
As exemplified, the pre-motor filter 132 may be provided at any position in the main body housing 118 upstream from the suction motor 130, such as above (see e.g.,
As exemplified in
As exemplified in
In any embodiment described herein, the pre-motor filter 132, post-motor filter 134, energy storage member 142, and optional additional energy storage member 142, may have any position within the hand vacuum 100 in accordance with any of the embodiments described herein.
The figures described in this section are exemplary of the suction motor forward of the air treatment member. It will be appreciated that other figures not discussed within this section may also show the suction motor forward of the air treatment member in accordance with this aspect.
A hand vacuum cleaner using any one or more aspects discussed herein, including one or more of the other aspects set out herein including one or more of the suction motor nested in the handle, the energy storage member forward of the suction motor, the energy storage member nested in air treatment member, the suction motor nested in the air treatment member, the post-motor filter at least partially nested in the air treatment member, the rearwardly opening air treatment member, the suction motor forward of the air treatment member, the energy storage member forward of the air treatment member, the suction motor nested in the handle and forward of the air treatment member, the suction motor nested in the first cleaning stage, the energy storage member in the finger guard, may have the suction motor at least partially below the handle.
Providing the suction motor 130 below or underlying the handle 120 or at least partially below the handle 120, such as at least partially below the lower end 208 of the hand grip portion 204 in the lower member 212 or underlying the lower end 208 of the hand grip portion 204 such as in the lower member 212, may provide a more compact hand vacuum 100. Providing the suction motor 130 in the lower member 212 may also position the center of gravity of the hand vacuum 100 closer to the hand of the user when gripping the hand grip portion 204. This may reduce the torque experienced by the user when using the surface cleaning apparatus 100 in an above-floor cleaning mode wherein the hand vacuum 100 extends from the user's hand in an unsupported cantilevered length. While the position of suction motor 130 with respect to other components is discussed separately with respect to each other component, and other possible positions of suction motor 130 are discussed separately, it will be appreciated that any embodiment of a hand vacuum 100 may utilize the positioning of suction motor 130 with respect to one or more of the other components discussed herein.
In any of the body types of the example hand vacuums 100 described herein, in any of the example embodiments having a pistol grip-style handle 120, the handle 120 may include the lower member 212 at the lower end 208 of the hand grip portion 204, and the suction motor 130 may be provided in the lower member 212. It will be appreciated that, as described previously, any one or more of the upper member 218 (if present), handle 120, lower member 212, and finger guard 214 (if present) may be hollow and form part of the airflow path therein. In some examples, the airflow path may travel through the handle 120 to the lower member 212. In other examples, the airflow path may travel through the finger guard 214 to the lower member 212.
It will further be appreciated that, in accordance with any of the example embodiments discussed herein, the optional pre-motor filter 132 may be at any position upstream from the suction motor 130, the optional post-motor filter 134 may be at any position downstream from the suction motor 130, and the optional energy storage member 142 (and optional additional energy storage member) may be at any position upstream or downstream from the suction motor 130 (e.g., for cooling the energy storage member by airflow around or through the energy storage member), or not in the airflow path. In accordance with any of the example embodiments discussed herein, the clean air outlet 126 may be provided at any location downstream from the suction motor 130, such as in the sidewall of the lower member 212, the handle 120, the finger guard 214, or the upper member 218. Nesting the suction motor 130 and other elements as described herein may provide a more compact hand vacuum 100 and/or permit a larger amount of the volume of the hand vacuum 100 to be dedicated to the air treatment member 122, which may improve quality of the air treatment and/or increase the dirt collection capacity.
As exemplified in
Optionally, as exemplified, in embodiments wherein the airflow path passes through the handle 120 to the suction motor 130 in the lower member 212, the pre-motor filter 132 may be at any position upstream from the suction motor 130, such as at least partially in the handle 120 (see e.g.,
As exemplified in
Optionally, as exemplified, if the airflow path passes through the finger guard 214 to the suction motor 130 in the lower member 212, the pre-motor filter 132 may be at any position upstream from the suction motor 130, such as at least partially in the finger guard 214 (see e.g.,
As exemplified in
Optionally, as exemplified, if the airflow path passes directly from the main body 116 to the suction motor 130 at the lower end 208 of the handle 120 and/or in the lower member 212 (i.e., without the airflow first passing through the handle or finger guard), the pre-motor filter 132 may be at any position upstream from the suction motor 130, such as at least partially in the main body housing 118 (see e.g.,
As exemplified in
As exemplified in
In any embodiment described herein, the pre-motor filter 132, post-motor filter 134, energy storage member 142, and optional additional energy storage member 142, may have any position within the hand vacuum 100 in accordance with any of the embodiments described herein.
The figures described in this section are exemplary of the suction motor below the handle. It will be appreciated that other figures not discussed within this section may also show the suction motor below the handle in accordance with this aspect.
A hand vacuum cleaner using any one or more aspects discussed herein, including one or more of the other aspects set out herein including one or more of the suction motor nested in the handle, the energy storage member forward of the suction motor, the energy storage member nested in air treatment member, the suction motor nested in the air treatment member, the post-motor filter at least partially nested in the air treatment member, the rearwardly opening air treatment member, the suction motor forward of the air treatment member, the suction motor below the handle, the suction motor nested in the handle and forward of the air treatment member, the suction motor nested in the first cleaning stage, the energy storage member in the finger guard, may have the energy storage member forward of the air treatment member.
In any of the body types of the example hand vacuums 100 described herein, in any of the example embodiments wherein the air treatment member 122 is provided rearward of the main body 116, the energy storage member 142 may be provided forward of the air treatment member 122. In such examples, the air treatment member 122 may include the first stage cyclone chamber 158, and the energy storage member 142 may be provided forward of the rear end wall 164 of the first stage cyclone chamber 158 or forward of the front end wall 162 of the first stage cyclone chamber 158. Optionally, the air treatment member 122 may include the second cyclonic stage 174 forward of the first stage cyclone chamber 158, and the energy storage member 142 may be provided forward of the front end wall 162 of the first stage cyclone chamber 158 (e.g., at least partially nested in the second stage cyclone chamber) or further forward of the forward end of the second cyclonic stage 174.
In such examples, as described previously herein, the air inlet conduit 144 may extend through the main body 116 to the air treatment member 122, and the energy storage member 142 may be provided at any position in the main body housing 118 around the air inlet conduit 144, such as above, below, beside, or in an annular or semi-annular ring around the air inlet conduit 144. Alternately, as described previously herein, the air inlet conduit 144 may extend along the upper end 112 of the hand vacuum 100 across the main body 116 to the air treatment member 122, and the energy storage member 142 may be provided at any position in the main body housing 118.
The energy storage member 142 may be provided in the main body housing 118 alone or, optionally, one or more of the pre-motor filter 132, post-motor filter 134, and suction motor 130 may be provided in the main body housing 118 with the energy storage member 142. The pre-motor filter 132, post-motor filter 134, suction motor 130, and/or additional energy storage member 142 may be provided at any other location in the hand vacuum 100 such as at least partially in the handle 120 or, if present, the finger guard 214, lower member 212, or upper member 218. The positioning of the pre-motor filter 132, post-motor filter 134, and/or additional energy storage member 142 may depend, for example, on the position of the suction motor 130, type of handle 120, and the direction of airflow through the air treatment member 122, main body 116, and optionally the handle 120. Such positioning is described elsewhere herein with respect to the suction motor 130 and omitted in this section for brevity.
As exemplified in
As exemplified, the air treatment member 122 may include the first stage cyclone chamber 158, and the energy storage member 142 may be provided forward of the front end wall 162 of the first stage cyclone chamber 158 (see e.g.,
As exemplified in
As exemplified, the air treatment member 122 may include the first stage cyclone chamber 158, and the energy storage member 142 may be provided forward of the rear end wall 164 of the first stage cyclone chamber 158 (see e.g.,
In any embodiment described herein, the suction motor 130, pre-motor filter 132, post-motor filter 134, and optional additional energy storage member 142, may have any position within the hand vacuum 100 in accordance with any of the embodiments described herein. The figures described in this section are exemplary of the energy storage member forward of the air treatment member. It will be appreciated that other figures not discussed within this section may also show the energy storage member forward of the air treatment member in accordance with this aspect.
Suction Motor Nested in Handle or Finger Guard and Forward of the Air treatment Member
A hand vacuum cleaner using any one or more aspects discussed herein, including one or more of the other aspects set out herein including one or more of the suction motor nested in the handle, the energy storage member forward of the suction motor, the energy storage member nested in air treatment member, the suction motor nested in the air treatment member, the post-motor filter at least partially nested in the air treatment member, the rearwardly opening air treatment member, the suction motor forward of the air treatment member, the suction motor below the handle, the energy storage member forward of the air treatment member, the suction motor nested in the first cleaning stage, the energy storage member in the finger guard, may have the suction motor nested in the handle or finger guard and forward of at least a rearward end of the air treatment member.
In any of the body types of the example hand vacuums 100 described herein, including any of the example embodiments wherein the air treatment member 122 is provided rearward of the main body 116, the suction motor 130 may be at least partially nested in the handle 120 or the finger guard. The handle 120 may be the pistol grip style handle 120 extending downwardly and rearwardly from the lower side of the main body 116 or air treatment member 122. It will be appreciated that the handle or finger guard may extend downwardly only, downwardly and forwardly or downwardly and rearwardly and need not be a pistol grip style handle.
In any embodiment, the air treatment member 122 may include the first stage cyclone chamber 158. In such examples, the upper end 206 of the handle 120 housing the suction motor 130 may be provided forward of the rear end wall 164 of the first stage air treatment chamber 158, e.g., a cyclone chamber, (e.g., below the main body 116 or the first stage cyclone chamber 158) or forward of the front end wall 162 of the first stage cyclone chamber 158 (e.g., below the main body 116). Optionally, the air treatment member 122 may include a second stage comprising one or more air treatment chambers such as the second cyclonic stage 174 which may be positioned forward of the first stage cyclone chamber 158. In such examples, the upper end 206 of the handle 120 housing the suction motor 130 may be provided forward of the rear end wall 164 of the first stage cyclone chamber 158 (e.g., below the main body 116, the first stage cyclone chamber 158, or the second cyclonic stage 174), forward of the front end wall 162 of the first stage cyclone chamber 158 only (e.g., below the main body 116 or the second cyclonic stage 174), or further forward of the forward end of the second cyclonic stage 174 (e.g., below the main body 116). The positioning of the handle 120 may depend, for example, on the location of the center of gravity of the hand vacuum 100. It may be desirable to position the handle 120 close to the center of gravity to minimize torque experienced by the user when holding the hand grip portion 204 of the handle 120.
As exemplified in
As exemplified in
As exemplified in
As described previously the suction motor 130 may positioned such that at least 10% of the motor length (e.g., more than 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or more) may be provided within the handle 120 (or, alternatively, finger guard 214). For example, the motor length of the suction motor 130 is exemplified as 50% nested in the handle 120 in
As exemplified the airflow may travel forwardly into the main body housing 118 and generally downwardly to the suction motor 130 in the handle 120 or, alternatively, the finger guard 214. The airflow may then travel to the clean air outlet 126, which may be provided at any location downstream from the suction motor 130 such as in the sidewall of the handle 120 (see e.g.,
Optionally, as described previously, a pre-motor filter 132 may be at any position upstream from the suction motor 130. For example, a pre-motor filter 132 may be at least partially in the handle 120, the finger guard 214, the lower member 212, or the main body housing 118 (see e.g.,
In any embodiment described herein, pre-motor filter 132, post-motor filter 134, energy storage member 142, and optional additional energy storage member 142, may have any position within the hand vacuum 100 in accordance with any of the embodiments described herein.
The figures described in this section are exemplary of the suction motor nested in the handle and forward of at least a rearward end of the air treatment member. It will be appreciated that other figures not discussed within this section may also show the suction motor nested in the handle and forward of at least a rearward end of the air treatment member in accordance with this aspect.
A hand vacuum cleaner using any one or more aspects discussed herein, including one or more of the other aspects set out herein including one or more of the suction motor nested in the handle, the energy storage member forward of the suction motor, the energy storage member nested in air treatment member, the suction motor nested in the air treatment member, the post-motor filter at least partially nested in the air treatment member, the rearwardly opening air treatment member, the suction motor forward of the air treatment member, the suction motor below the handle, the energy storage member forward of the air treatment member, the suction motor nested in the handle and forward of at least a rearward end of the air treatment member, the energy storage member in the finger guard, may have the suction motor nested in the first cleaning stage.
Providing the suction motor 130 at least partially in the air treatment member 122 may provide a more compact hand vacuum 100. While the position of suction motor 130 with respect to other components is discussed separately with respect to each other component, and other possible positions of suction motor 130 are discussed separately, it will be appreciated that any embodiment of a hand vacuum 100 may utilize the positioning of the suction motor 130 nested in the first cleaning stage with respect to one or more of the other components discussed herein.
In any of the body types of the example hand vacuums 100 described herein, the suction motor 130 may be provided partially nested or fully nested in the first cleaning stage of the air treatment member 122. The first cleaning stage may include the first stage cyclone chamber 158 or a non-cyclonic cleaning stage (e.g., a non-cyclonic air treatment chamber, pleated filter, filter bag, etc.). It will be appreciated that each cleaning stage may comprise one or more cyclones or one or more non-cyclonic air treatment chambers. In any embodiment, the air treatment member 122 may optionally include a second cleaning stage of any suitable cyclonic (e.g., single cyclone, plurality of cyclones) or non-cyclonic configuration (e.g., pre-motor filter and/or post-motor filter) described herein. The suction motor 130 may be provided fully nested in the first cleaning stage or, as described previously, partially nested in both the first and second cleaning stages.
The suction motor 130 may be fully nested (see e.g.,
As exemplified in
As exemplified in
As exemplified in
As exemplified in
As exemplified in
As described previously with respect to
In any embodiment, the energy storage member 142, and optionally an additional energy storage member 142, may be provided at any position in the hand vacuum 100 as described herein. For example, the energy storage member 142 and/or additional energy storage member 142 may be provided in the lower member 212 (see e.g.,
In any embodiment described herein, pre-motor filter 132, post-motor filter 134, energy storage member 142, and optional additional energy storage member 142, may have any position within the hand vacuum 100 in accordance with any of the embodiments described herein.
The figures described in this section are exemplary of the suction motor at least partially nested in the first cleaning stage. It will be appreciated that other figures not discussed within this section may also show the suction motor at least partially nested in the first cleaning stage in accordance with this aspect.
A hand vacuum cleaner using any one or more aspects discussed herein, including one or more of the other aspects set out herein including one or more of the suction motor nested in the handle, the energy storage member forward of the suction motor, the energy storage member nested in air treatment member, the suction motor nested in the air treatment member, the post-motor filter at least partially nested in the air treatment member, the rearwardly opening air treatment member, the suction motor forward of the air treatment member, the suction motor below the handle, the energy storage member forward of the air treatment member, the suction motor nested in the handle and forward of at least a rearward end of the air treatment member, the suction motor nested in the first cleaning stage, may have the energy storage member in the finger guard.
Providing the energy storage member 142 at least partially in the finger guard 214 may provide a more compact hand vacuum 100. While the position of the energy storage member 142 with respect to other components is discussed separately with respect to each other component, and other possible positions of energy storage member 142 are discussed separately, it will be appreciated that any embodiment of a hand vacuum 100 may utilize the positioning of the energy storage member 142 in the finger guard with respect to one or more of the other components discussed herein.
In any of the body types of the example hand vacuums 100 described herein, as exemplified in
In embodiments wherein the energy storage member 142 extends from the finger guard 214, the energy storage member 142 may extend generally upwardly from the upper end 248 of the finger guard 214 into the upper member 218, if present, and/or into the main body housing 118 (see e.g.,
In any embodiment wherein the energy storage member 142 is provided in the finger guard 214, an additional energy storage member 142 may optionally be provided at any other position in the hand vacuum 100 as described herein. For example, the additional energy storage member 142 may be provided at least partially in the main body 116 at the upper end 248 of the finger guard 214 (see e.g.,
Additionally, or in the alternative to providing a separate additional energy storage member 142, the energy storage member 142 may be non-linear such that a one piece energy storage member 142 may be provided in more than one of the finger guard 214, the main body 116, the lower member 212, and the handle 120. For example, in the example shown in
The energy storage member 142, and any additional energy storage members 142, may be rechargeable in place within the hand vacuum 100. For example, the hand vacuum 100 may include a charging port to which the electrical cord 140 may be removably connected to provide power, such as from an electrical wall socket (household mains), to the energy storage member(s) 142 within the hand vacuum 100. Additionally, or alternatively, the energy storage member 142, and any additional energy storage members 142, may be removable for recharging and/or replacement. The energy storage member(s) 142 may be held in place by a latch, openable door, or other suitable means that are actuatable by a user to release and/or expose the energy storage member 142 for removal.
Each energy storage member 142 may be removable in any suitable direction, such as generally forwardly, rearwardly, upwardly, downwardly, or laterally, which may depend, for example, on the position of the energy storage member 142 within the hand vacuum 100. For example, the energy storage member 142 positioned within the finger guard 214 may be forwardly removable (see, e.g.,
In any example, the energy storage member 142 may form a portion of the component from which it is removably contained. For example, in the example shown in
In any example, the energy storage member 142 may form all or part of the component from which it is removable. For example, the energy storage member 142 may form all or part of the finger guard 214, the lower member 212, and/or the handle 120. In such examples, the energy storage member 142 may be held in place by a latch or other suitable means that are actuatable by a user to release the energy storage member 142 for recharging and/or replacement. Removal of the energy storage member 142 may therefore concurrently remove all or part of the component(s) that the energy storage member 142 forms (e.g., the finger guard 214, the lower member 212, and/or the handle 120). For example, in the example shown in
Alternately, the finger guard may be openable (it may have an openable door) that reveals the energy storage member 142 when the door is opened.
In any embodiment described herein, if the energy storage member 142 is positioned within the handle 120, then the energy storage member 142 may be rearwardly removable, downwardly removable or laterally removable (see e.g.,
Similarly, in any embodiment, if the energy storage member 142 is positioned within the main body 116, then the energy storage member 142 may be laterally removable or rearwardly removable (see e.g.,
In any embodiment described herein, the suction motor 130, pre-motor filter 132, and post-motor filter 134 may have any position within the hand vacuum 100 in accordance with any of the embodiments described herein. The figures described in this section are exemplary of the energy storage member in the finger guard. It will be appreciated that other figures not discussed within this section may also show the energy storage member in the finger guard in accordance with this aspect.
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.
This specification also includes the subject matter of the following clause sets:
1. A hand vacuum cleaner comprising:
2. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the longitudinal axis and the motor axis of rotation extend in a common direction.
3. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 2 wherein the longitudinal axis extends through the energy storage member housing.
4. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the longitudinal axis extends through the energy storage member housing.
5. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a pre-motor filter housing positioned downstream of the air treatment member and the longitudinal axis extends through the pre-motor filter housing.
6. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 5 wherein the pre-motor filter housing is positioned forward of the energy storage member housing.
7. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 5 wherein, when a pre-motor filter is located in the pre-motor filter housing, the motor and fan assembly is at least partially positioned forward interior of the pre-motor filter.
8. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a post-motor filter housing positioned downstream of the motor and fan assembly and the longitudinal axis extends through the post-motor filter housing.
9. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 8 wherein the post-motor filter housing is positioned rearward of the energy storage member housing.
10. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 8 wherein the post-motor filter housing is positioned rearward of the motor and fan assembly.
11. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 8 wherein, when a port-motor filter is located in the post-motor filter housing, the motor and fan assembly is at least partially positioned interior of the post-motor filter.
12. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a rearwardly removable post-motor filter.
13. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a radially removable post-motor filter.
14. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein air flows over the energy storage member housing at a location upstream of the clean air outlet.
15. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein air flows through the energy storage member housing at a location upstream of the clean air outlet.
16. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising an information display on a rear panel of the hand vacuum cleaner.
17. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising an information display on a sidewall at a rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner.
18. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the air treatment member comprises a cyclone chamber.
19. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the air treatment member comprises a first stage cyclone chamber and the hand vacuum cleaner further comprises at least one second stage cyclone chamber.
20. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a handle that extends generally axially and positioned rearward of the energy storage member housing.
1. A hand vacuum cleaner comprising:
2. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the air treatment member comprises an air treatment member air inlet and an air treatment member air outlet, the air treatment member air outlet comprises a passage located interior the air treatment member and the energy storage member housing is positioned at least partially internal of the passage.
3. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 2 wherein the air treatment member air outlet comprises a porous member located internal of the air treatment member and the energy storage member housing is positioned at least partially internal of the porous member.
4. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the air treatment member comprises a cyclone chamber.
5. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the air treatment member comprises a first stage cyclone chamber, the hand vacuum cleaner further comprises a second stage cyclone chamber having a dirt outlet and a dirt collection chamber that is in communication with the second stage cyclone chamber through the dirt outlet wherein a plane that is transverse to the longitudinal axis extends through the dirt collection chamber and the energy storage member housing.
6. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the air treatment member comprises a first stage cyclone chamber, the hand vacuum cleaner further comprises a second stage cyclone chamber having a dirt outlet and a dirt collection chamber that is in communication with the second stage cyclone chamber through the dirt outlet wherein a plane that is transverse to the longitudinal axis extends through the second stage cyclone chamber and the energy storage member housing.
7. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a pre-motor filter positioned rearward of the energy storage member housing.
8. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the motor and fan assembly is positioned rearward of the energy storage member housing.
9. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the motor axis of rotation extends through the energy storage member housing.
10. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 9 wherein the motor and fan assembly is positioned rearward of the energy storage member housing.
11. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 8 further comprising a handle that extends generally axially and positioned rearward of the energy storage member housing.
12. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a pistol grip handle, the motor and fan assembly having a volume and at least 50% of the volume is positioned in the pistol grip handle.
13. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 12 wherein the motor and fan assembly has a first end, an axially opposed send end and a length between the first and second ends and at least 50% of the length is positioned in the pistol grip handle.
14. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 13 wherein at least 75% of the length is positioned in the pistol grip handle.
15. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 12 further comprising a generally axially extending stand provided at a lower end of the pistol grip handle.
16. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein air flows over the energy storage member housing.
17. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein air flows through the energy storage member housing outlet.
18. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a post-motor filter housing positioned downstream of the motor and fan assembly and the longitudinal axis extends through the post-motor filter housing.
19. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a rearwardly removable post-motor filter.
1. A hand vacuum cleaner comprising:
2. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the second air treatment stage comprises a plurality of air treatment members in parallel.
3. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 2 wherein the plurality of air treatment members are arranged around a central volume and the energy storage member housing is positioned at least partially internal of the central volume.
4. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the second air treatment stage comprises an annular array of a plurality of cyclone chambers in parallel and the energy storage member housing is positioned at least partially internal of the annular array.
5. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a pre-motor filter housing positioned rearward of the second air treatment stage.
6. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a pre-motor filter housing positioned downstream of the second air treatment stage and the energy storage member housing is positioned at least partially internal of the pre-motor filter housing.
7. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 6 wherein the pre-motor filter housing is positioned rearward of the second air treatment stage.
8. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a rearwardly removable pre-motor filter.
9. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a radially removable pre-motor filter.
10. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a pistol grip handle, the motor and fan assembly having a volume and at least 50% of the volume is positioned in the pistol grip handle.
11. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 10 further comprising a generally axially extending stand provided at a lower end of the pistol grip handle.
12. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a pistol grip handle and the motor and fan assembly is positioned at a lower end of the pistol grip handle.
13. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 12 further comprising a generally axially extending stand provided at a lower end of the pistol grip handle and the motor and fan assembly is provided in the stand.
14. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a pistol grip handle and, when the hand vacuum cleaner is oriented with the dirty air inlet above the pistol grip handle, the motor and fan assembly is positioned below the energy storage member and the motor axis of rotation extends through the energy storage member housing.
15. A hand vacuum cleaner comprising:
16. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 15 wherein the second air treatment stage comprises an annular array of a plurality of cyclone chambers in parallel and the energy storage member housing is positioned at least partially internal of the annular array.
17. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 15 further comprising a filter housing positioned rearward of the second air treatment stage.
18. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 15 further comprising a filter housing positioned downstream of the second air treatment stage and the energy storage member housing is positioned at least partially internal of the filter housing.
19. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 18 wherein the filter housing is positioned rearward of the second air treatment stage.
20. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 15 further comprising a pistol grip handle and, when the hand vacuum cleaner is oriented with the dirty air inlet above the pistol grip handle, the motor and fan assembly is positioned below the energy storage member.
1. A hand vacuum cleaner comprising:
2. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the second air treatment stage comprises a plurality of air treatment members in parallel.
3. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 2 wherein the plurality of air treatment members are arranged around a central volume and the motor and fan assembly is positioned at least partially internal of the central volume.
4. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the second air treatment stage comprises an annular array of a plurality of cyclone chambers in parallel and the motor and fan assembly is positioned at least partially internal of the annular array.
5. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a pre-motor filter housing positioned rearward of the second air treatment stage.
6. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a pre-motor filter housing positioned downstream of the second air treatment stage and the motor and fan assembly is positioned at least partially internal of the pre-motor filter housing.
7. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 6 wherein the pre-motor filter housing is positioned rearward of the second air treatment stage.
8. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a rearwardly removable pre-motor filter.
9. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a radially removable pre-motor filter.
10. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein air flows forwardly from the second stage air treatment member to the motor and fan assembly.
11. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the longitudinal axis and the motor axis of rotation extend in a common direction.
12. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a pistol grip handle which houses an energy storage member.
13. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a pistol grip handle and an energy storage member housing is positioned at a lower end of the pistol grip handle.
14. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a pistol grip handle and, when the hand vacuum cleaner is oriented with the dirty air inlet above the pistol grip handle, the pistol grip handle extends downwardly from a lower surface of the hand vacuum cleaner.
15. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein, when a post-motor filter is positioned in a post-motor filter housing, the motor and fan assembly is at least partially positioned interior of the post-motor filter.
16. A hand vacuum cleaner comprising:
17. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 16 wherein the second air treatment stage comprises an annular array of a plurality of cyclone chambers in parallel and the motor and fan assembly is positioned at least partially internal of the annular array.
18. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 16 further comprising a filter housing positioned rearward of the second air treatment stage.
19. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 16 further comprising a filter housing positioned downstream of the second air treatment stage and the motor and fan assembly is positioned at least partially internal of the filter housing.
20. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 16 further comprising a pistol grip handle and, when the hand vacuum cleaner is oriented with the dirty air inlet above the pistol grip handle, the pistol grip handle extends downwardly from a lower surface of the hand vacuum cleaner.
1. A hand vacuum cleaner comprising:
2. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the second air treatment stage comprises a plurality of air treatment members in parallel.
3. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 2 wherein the plurality of air treatment members are arranged around a central volume and the post-motor filter housing is positioned at least partially internal of the central volume.
4. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the second air treatment stage comprises an annular array of a plurality of cyclone chambers in parallel and the post-motor filter housing is positioned at least partially internal of the annular array.
5. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the motor and fan assembly is positioned rearward of the second air treatment stage.
6. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the motor and fan assembly is positioned at least partially internal of the pre-motor filter housing.
7. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 6 wherein the pre-motor filter housing is positioned rearward of the second air treatment stage.
8. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a rearwardly removable pre-motor filter.
9. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a radially removable pre-motor filter.
10. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein air flows forwardly from the second stage air treatment member to the motor and fan assembly.
11. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the longitudinal axis and the motor axis of rotation extend in a common direction.
12. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a pistol grip handle which houses an energy storage member.
13. he hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a pistol grip handle and an energy storage member housing is positioned at a lower end of the pistol grip handle.
14. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a pistol grip handle and, when the hand vacuum cleaner is oriented with the dirty air inlet above the pistol grip handle, the pistol grip handle extends downwardly from a lower surface of the hand vacuum cleaner.
15. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein a post-motor filter, which is positioned in the post-motor filter housing, is rearwardly removable.
16. A hand vacuum cleaner comprising:
17. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 16 wherein the second air treatment stage comprises an annular array of a plurality of cyclone chambers in parallel and the post-motor filter housing is positioned at least partially internal of the annular array.
18. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 16 wherein the motor and fan assembly is positioned rearward of the second air treatment stage.
19. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 16 wherein the motor and fan assembly is positioned at least partially internal of a pre-motor filter housing.
20. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 16 further comprising a pistol grip handle and, when the hand vacuum cleaner is oriented with the dirty air inlet above the pistol grip handle, the pistol grip handle extends downwardly from a lower surface of the hand vacuum cleaner.
1. A hand vacuum cleaner comprising:
2. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the motor and fan assembly is positioned forward of the first stage air treatment member.
3. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a pre-motor filter that is positioned forward of a rear end of the first stage air treatment member.
4. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 3 wherein the pre-motor filter is annular and a plane that is transverse to the longitudinal axis extends through the motor and fan assembly and the pre-motor filter.
5. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the inlet passage has an inlet axis and the motor axis of rotation and the inlet axis extend in a common direction.
6. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the rear end of the first stage air treatment member is openable.
7. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 6 wherein an information display is provided on the rear openable door.
8. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein an information display is provided on a rear panel of the hand vacuum cleaner.
9. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the first stage air treatment member air outlet is provided at the front end of the first stage air treatment member.
10. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a second air treatment stage comprising a second stage air treatment member and the second air treatment stage is openable concurrently with the first air treatment stage.
11. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 10 wherein the rear end of the first stage air treatment member is openable.
12. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a second air treatment stage comprising a second stage air treatment member and a plane that is transverse to the longitudinal axis extends through the second air treatment stage and the first air treatment stage.
13. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising an energy storage member housing provided at a lower end of the pistol grip handle.
14. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a post-motor filter that is positioned forward of a rear end of the first stage air treatment member.
15. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 14 wherein the post-motor filter is annular and a plane that is transverse to the longitudinal axis extends through the motor and fan assembly and the pre-motor filter.
16. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a filter that is removable forwardly.
17. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a filter that is removable radially.
18. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a second air treatment stage comprising a plurality of cyclones in parallel and the first stage air treatment member comprises a first stage cyclone.
19. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a main body that houses the motor and fan assembly and the pistol grip handle extends downwardly from a lower surface of the main body.
20. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 19 wherein the first stage air treatment member is provided rearwardly of the main body.
21. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the motor and fan assembly is positioned forward of the first stage air treatment member.
1. A hand vacuum cleaner comprising:
2. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the motor and fan assembly is positioned forward of the first stage air treatment member.
3. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a pre-motor filter that is positioned forward of a rear end of the first stage air treatment member.
4. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 3 wherein the pre-motor filter is annular and a plane that is transverse to the longitudinal axis extends through the motor and fan assembly and the pre-motor filter.
5. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the inlet passage has an inlet axis and the motor axis of rotation and the inlet axis extend in a common direction.
6. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein an information display is provided on the rear openable door.
7. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein an information display is provided on a rear panel of the hand vacuum cleaner.
8. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the first stage air treatment member air outlet is provided at the front end of the first stage air treatment member.
9. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a second air treatment stage comprising a second stage air treatment member and the second air treatment stage is openable concurrently with the first air treatment stage.
10. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 9 wherein the rear end of the first stage air treatment member is openable.
11. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a second air treatment stage comprising a second stage air treatment member and a plane that is transverse to the longitudinal axis extends through the second air treatment stage and the first air treatment stage.
12. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising an energy storage member housing provided in the pistol grip handle.
13. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a post-motor filter that is positioned forward of a rear end of the first stage air treatment member.
14. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 13 wherein the post-motor filter is annular and a plane that is transverse to the longitudinal axis extends through the motor and fan assembly and the pre-motor filter.
15. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a filter that is removable forwardly.
16. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a filter that is removable radially.
17. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a second air treatment stage comprising a plurality of cyclones in parallel and the first stage air treatment member comprises a first stage cyclone.
18. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a main body that houses the motor and fan assembly and the pistol grip handle is mounted to the main body.
19. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 18 wherein the first stage air treatment member is provided rearwardly of the main body.
20. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the motor and fan assembly is positioned forward of the first stage air treatment member.
1. A hand vacuum cleaner comprising:
2. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the plane extends through the first stage air treatment member.
3. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the main body houses at least one of a pre-motor filter and a second stage air treatment member.
4. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the motor and fan assembly is provided at the lower end of the handle.
5. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the handle extends downwardly from a lower surface of one of the main body and the air treatment member.
6. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising an energy storage member housing provided in the handle.
7. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a finger guard positioned forward of the finger grip area.
8. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 7 wherein the finger guard comprises an air flow conduit.
9. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 8 wherein the air flow conduit is positioned upstream of the motor and fan assembly.
A hand vacuum cleaner comprising:
11. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 10 wherein the finger guard comprises an air flow conduit.
12. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 11 wherein the air flow conduit is positioned upstream of the motor and fan assembly.
13. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 10 wherein the plane extends through the first stage air treatment member.
14. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 10 further comprising a main body that houses at least one of a pre-motor filter and a second stage air treatment member.
15. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 14 wherein the plane extends through the main body.
16. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 10 wherein the motor and fan assembly is provided at the lower end of the handle.
17. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 14 wherein the handle extends downwardly from a lower surface of one of the main body and the air treatment member.
18. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 10 further comprising an energy storage member housing provided in the handle.
19. A hand vacuum cleaner comprising:
20. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 19 further comprising a finger guard positioned forward of the finger grip area.
1. A hand vacuum cleaner comprising:
2. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the motor and fan assembly is positioned rearward of the energy storage member housing, wherein the longitudinal axis extends through the motor and fan assembly.
3. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the longitudinal axis and the motor axis of rotation extend in a common direction.
4. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 3 wherein the longitudinal axis extends through the energy storage member housing.
5. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a pistol grip handle and the motor and fan assembly is at least partially positioned in the pistol grip handle.
6. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 5 wherein the motor and fan assembly have a volume, and at least 50% of the volume is positioned in the pistol grip handle.
7. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a pistol grip handle and the motor and fan assembly is positioned at a lower end of the pistol grip handle.
8. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a main body that houses at least one of a pre-motor filter, the energy storage member housing and a post motor filter housing, and the handle extends downwardly from a lower surface of one of the main body and the air treatment member.
9. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the energy storage member housing is annular.
10. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 9 further comprising an inlet conduit located downstream of the dirty air inlet and upstream of the air treatment member and energy storage member housing surrounds at least 50% of the inlet conduit.
11. A hand vacuum cleaner comprising:
12. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 11 wherein the motor and fan assembly is at least partially positioned in the handle.
13. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 12 wherein the motor and fan assembly have a volume, and at least 50% of the volume is positioned in the handle.
14. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 12 wherein the motor and fan assembly is positioned at a lower end of the handle.
15. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 11 further comprising a finger guard positioned forward of the handle wherein a finger grip area is provided between the handle and the finger guard.
16. A hand vacuum cleaner comprising:
17. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 16 wherein the motor and fan assembly have a volume, and at least 50% of the volume is positioned in the handle.
18. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 16 wherein the motor and fan assembly is positioned at a lower end of the handle.
19. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 16 further comprising a finger guard positioned forward of the handle wherein a finger grip area is provided between the handle and the finger guard.
1. A hand vacuum cleaner comprising:
2. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the motor and fan assembly has a first end, an axially opposed send end and a length between the first and second ends and at least 50% of the length is positioned in the pistol grip handle.
3. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 2 wherein at least 75% of the length is positioned in the pistol grip handle.
4. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein an upper end of the handle is positioned forward of the first stage air treatment member.
5. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the pre-motor filter is positioned forward of a rear end of the first stage air treatment member.
6. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the rear end of the first stage air treatment member is openable.
7. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 6 wherein an information display is provided on the rear openable door.
8. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein an information display is provided on a rear panel of the hand vacuum cleaner.
9. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the first stage air treatment member air outlet is provided at the front end of the first stage air treatment member.
10. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the second air treatment stage comprises a second stage air treatment member and the second air treatment stage is openable concurrently with the first air treatment stage.
11. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 10 wherein the rear end of the first stage air treatment member is openable.
12. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the second air treatment stage comprises a second stage air treatment member and a plane that is transverse to the longitudinal axis extends through the second air treatment stage and the first air treatment stage.
13. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising an energy storage member housing provided at a lower end of the pistol grip handle.
14. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the post-motor filter is positioned forward of a rear end of the first stage air treatment member.
15. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising at least one of the pre-motor filter and the post-motor filter and the at least one of the pre-motor filter and the post-motor filter is removable forwardly.
16. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising at least one of the pre-motor filter and the post-motor filter and the at least one of the pre-motor filter and the post-motor filter is removable radially.
17. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising the second air treatment stage, the second air treatment stage comprises a plurality of cyclones in parallel and the first stage air treatment member comprises a first stage cyclone.
1. A hand vacuum cleaner comprising:
2. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the first air treatment stage comprises a single air treatment member.
3. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 2 wherein the longitudinal axis extends through the motor and fan assembly.
4. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the air treatment member comprises an air treatment member air inlet and an air treatment member air outlet, the air treatment member air outlet comprises a passage located interior the air treatment member and the motor and fan assembly is positioned at least partially internal of the passage.
5. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 4 wherein the air treatment member air outlet comprises a porous member located internal of the air treatment member and the motor and fan assembly positioned at least partially internal of the porous member.
6. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a pre-motor filter housing positioned rearward of the first air treatment stage.
7. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a pre-motor filter housing positioned downstream of the first air treatment stage and the motor and fan assembly is positioned at least partially internal of the pre-motor filter housing.
8. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 7 wherein the pre-motor filter is annular.
9. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a rearwardly removable pre-motor filter.
10. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a radially removable pre-motor filter.
11. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein air flows forwardly from the first stage air treatment member to the motor and fan assembly.
12. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the longitudinal axis and the motor axis of rotation extend in a common direction.
13. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a pistol grip handle which houses an energy storage member.
14. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a pistol grip handle and an energy storage member housing is positioned at a lower end of the pistol grip handle.
15. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a pistol grip handle and, when the hand vacuum cleaner is oriented with the dirty air inlet above the pistol grip handle, the pistol grip handle extends downwardly from a lower surface of the hand vacuum cleaner.
16. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein, when a post-motor filter is positioned in a post-motor filter housing, the motor and fan assembly is at least partially positioned interior of the post-motor filter.
17. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the first stage air treatment member is a cyclone.
18. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 17 wherein the cyclone is the only cyclone of the hand vacuum cleaner.
19. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a second stage air treatment member.
20. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the dirty air inlet is centrally positioned on the front end of the first air treatment member.
1. A hand vacuum cleaner comprising:
2. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein at least a majority of an axial length of the motor and fan assembly is positioned in the handle.
3. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the handle comprises a pistol grip handle.
4. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the motor axis of rotation extends generally parallel to the handle axis.
5. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein at least a portion of an energy storage member is also positioned in the handle.
6. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the first end of the handle is positioned on a main body of the hand vacuum cleaner, the handle extends away from the main body and an energy storage member is positioned at the first end of the handle.
7. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the first end of the handle is positioned on a main body of the hand vacuum cleaner, the handle extends away from the main body and an energy storage member is positioned in the main body.
8. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the first end of the handle is positioned on a main body of the hand vacuum cleaner, the handle extends away from the main body and pre-motor filter is positioned in the main body.
9. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 8 wherein at least a portion of the pre-motor filter is positioned forward of the hand grip portion.
10. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 9 wherein at least a portion of an energy storage member is positioned rearward of the first end of the handle.
11. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the air treatment chamber comprises a cyclone and the central longitudinal axis is a cyclone axis of rotation.
12. A hand vacuum cleaner comprising:
13. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 12 wherein the handle comprises a pistol grip handle.
14. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 12 wherein the motor axis of rotation
extends generally parallel to the handle axis.
15. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 12 wherein the motor and fan assembly is positioned forward of the hand grip portion.
16. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 12 wherein at least a portion of the motor and fan assembly extends forward of the second end of the handle.
17. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 12 wherein the motor and fan assembly is positioned rearward of the hand grip portion.
18. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 12 wherein at least a portion of the motor and fan assembly extends rearward of the second end of the handle.
19. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 12 wherein the motor axis of rotation is generally parallel to the central longitudinal axis.
20. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 12 wherein the air treatment chamber comprises a cyclone and the central longitudinal axis is a cyclone axis of rotation.
This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18/381,576, filed on Oct. 18, 2023, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | 18381576 | Oct 2023 | US |
| Child | 18590937 | US |
