HANDHELD SURFACE CLEANING APPARATUS

Abstract

A hand vacuum cleaner has an information display device provided on a rear wall of the rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner.

Claims

1. A hand vacuum cleaner having a front end, a rear end, an upper end and a lower end, the hand vacuum cleaner comprising: (a) an air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, the dirty air inlet provided at the front end; (b) an air treatment assembly comprising an air treatment chamber positioned in the air flow path, the air treatment assembly having an air treatment assembly air inlet, an air treatment assembly air outlet and an openable front end; (c) a suction motor positioned in the air flow path downstream of the air treatment assembly and upstream of the clean air outlet; and, (d) an information display device provided on a rear wall of the rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner.

2. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein the information display device comprises a first portion that provides a first information and a second portion that provides a second information of a different type than the first portion.

3. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 2 wherein the first information is whether a brush roll of a surface cleaning head that is upstream of the dirty air inlet is operating and the second information is an operating power mode of the hand vacuum cleaner.

4. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein the rear end further comprises a power switch.

5. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein the rear end is generally planar.

6. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein a first axis that extends between the front end of the hand vacuum cleaner and the rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner extends through the suction motor and the information display device.

7. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 6 further comprising a pre-motor filter housing defining a volume and the first axis also extends through the volume.

8. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 6 wherein the suction motor has a suction motor axis of rotation and the first axis is the suction motor axis of rotation.

9. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 8 further comprising a pre-motor filter housing defining a volume and the first axis also extends through the volume.

10. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 6 wherein air treatment member comprises a cyclone chamber having a cyclone axis of rotation, wherein the cyclone axis of rotation extends generally parallel to the first axis.

11. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein the suction motor is located at the rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner, the rear end has a sidewall the extends to the rear face and the clean air outlet is provided in the sidewall.

12. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein the suction motor is located at the rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner, the hand vacuum cleaner comprises a pistol grip handle which extends downwardly from the rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner.

13. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 12 further comprising a removable energy storage member pack wherein, when the energy storage member pack is positioned in the hand vacuum cleaner, the energy storage member pack extends generally parallel to the pistol grip handle.

14. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 12 further comprising a removable energy storage member pack wherein, when the energy storage member pack is positioned in the hand vacuum cleaner, a finger gap is positioned between the pistol grip handle and the energy storage member pack.

15. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 14 wherein the lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner has an opening for removably receiving the energy storage member pack.

16. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 14 wherein an air treatment member axis that extends between the front end of the hand vacuum cleaner and the rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner extends through the energy storage member pack and the pistol grip handle.

17. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 16 wherein the suction motor has a suction motor axis of rotation and the air treatment member axis is generally parallel to the suction motor axis of rotation.

18. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein the information display device is positioned above the air treatment member.

19. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 1 further comprising an energy storage member pack and the air flow path comprises a portion that extends rearward above the energy storage member pack.

20. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein the air treatment member has an openable front end comprising a front wall and, when the openable front end is in a closed position, the openable front wall is generally parallel to the rear wall.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0188] 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:

[0189] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a hand vacuum cleaner in accordance with one embodiment;

[0190] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

[0191] FIG. 3 is a side perspective view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

[0192] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

[0193] FIG. 5 is a front end view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

[0194] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1, with a front door or lid in an open position;

[0195] FIG. 7 is a front end view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1, with a front door or lid in an open position;

[0196] FIG. 8 is a perspective sectional view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1, taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 1;

[0197] FIG. 9 is a perspective sectional view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1, taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 5;

[0198] FIG. 10 is a cross-section view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1, taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 5;

[0199] FIG. 11 is an enlarged view of the upper left portion of FIG. 10;

[0200] FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of the upper left portion of FIG. 10, with a pre-motor filter assembly removed;

[0201] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of the upper left portion of FIG. 10, with a pre-motor filter assembly and an openable door removed;

[0202] FIG. 14 is a top perspective view of the upper front portion of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1, with an openable door removed to expose a pre-motor filter assembly;

[0203] FIG. 15 is a top perspective view of the upper front portion of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1, with a pre-motor filter assembly and an openable door removed;

[0204] FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the upper front portion of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1, with a pre-motor filter assembly and an openable door removed;

[0205] FIG. 17 is a top perspective view of the upper portion of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1, with a pre-motor filter assembly and an openable door removed;

[0206] FIG. 18 is a bottom perspective view of an openable door of a pre-motor filter chamber of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

[0207] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a removable pre-motor filter assembly of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

[0208] FIG. 20 is an end perspective view from the outlet end of the removable pre-motor filter assembly of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 19;

[0209] FIG. 21 is a perspective section view of the removable pre-motor filter assembly of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 19, taken along line 21-21 in FIG. 19;

[0210] FIG. 22 is a cross section view of the removable pre-motor filter assembly of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 19, taken along line 21-21 in FIG. 19;

[0211] FIG. 23 is a bottom perspective view of the lower rear portion of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

[0212] FIG. 24 is a bottom perspective view of the lower rear portion of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1, with a post-motor filter and a post-motor filter support removed;

[0213] FIG. 25 is a rear perspective view of a post-motor filter support of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

[0214] FIG. 26 is a front perspective view of the post-motor filter support of FIG. 25;

[0215] FIG. 27 is a front perspective view of the post-motor filter support of FIG. 26 and a post-motor filter;

[0216] FIG. 28 is a side view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1, with an energy storage member partially removed;

[0217] FIG. 29 is a bottom perspective view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1, with an energy storage member partially removed;

[0218] FIG. 30 is a side view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1, with an energy storage member removed;

[0219] FIG. 31 is a cross-section view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1, taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 5, with an energy storage member removed;

[0220] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of an energy storage member of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

[0221] FIG. 33 is a front perspective view of the energy storage member of FIG. 32;

[0222] FIG. 34 is a cross-section view of the energy storage member of FIG. 32, taken along line 34-34 in FIG. 32;

[0223] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a hand vacuum cleaner in accordance with another embodiment;

[0224] FIG. 36 is a cross-section view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 35, taken along line 36-36 in FIG. 35;

[0225] FIG. 37 is a cross-section view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 35, taken along line 36-36 in FIG. 35, with an energy storage member partially removed;

[0226] FIG. 38 is a perspective section view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 35, taken along line 36-36 in FIG. 35, with a post-motor filter removed;

[0227] FIG. 39 is a perspective view of a hand vacuum cleaner in accordance with another embodiment;

[0228] FIG. 40 is a cross-section view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 39, taken along line 40-40 in FIG. 39;

[0229] FIG. 41 is a perspective section view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 39, taken along line 40-40 in FIG. 39, with a post-motor filter removed;

[0230] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of a hand vacuum cleaner in accordance with another embodiment;

[0231] FIG. 43 is a cross-section view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 42, taken along line 43-43 in FIG. 42;

[0232] FIG. 44 is a perspective section view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 42, taken along line 43-43 in FIG. 42;

[0233] FIG. 45 is a perspective section view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 42, taken along line 43-43 in FIG. 42, with an energy storage member removed;

[0234] FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a hand vacuum cleaner in accordance with another embodiment;

[0235] FIG. 47 is a cross-section view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 46, taken along line 47-47 in FIG. 46;

[0236] FIG. 48 is a perspective section view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 46, taken along line 47-47 in FIG. 46;

[0237] FIG. 49 is a perspective section view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 46, taken along line 47-47 in FIG. 46, with an energy storage member removed; and

[0238] FIG. 50 is a perspective view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 46, with a front door or lid in an open position.

[0239] The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples of articles, methods, and apparatuses of the teaching of the present specification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0240] Various apparatuses, methods and compositions are described below to provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover apparatuses and methods that differ from those described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses, methods and compositions having all of the features of any one apparatus, method or composition described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses, methods or compositions described below. It is possible that an apparatus, method or composition described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus, method or composition described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicant(s), inventor(s) and/or owner(s) do not intend to abandon, disclaim, or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.

[0241] 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.

[0242] 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.

[0243] 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.

[0244] 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.

[0245] General Description of a Hand Vacuum Cleaner

[0246] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 34, an exemplary embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus is shown generally as 1000. The following is a general discussion of this embodiment which provides a basis for understanding several of the features which are discussed herein. As discussed subsequently, each of the features may be used individually or in any particular combination or sub-combination in this or in other embodiments disclosed herein.

[0247] In the illustrated embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus is a hand vacuum cleaner, which may also be referred to also as a “handvac” or “hand-held vacuum cleaner”. As used herein, a hand vacuum cleaner is a vacuum cleaner that can be operated to clean a surface generally one-handedly. That is, the entire weight of the vacuum may be held by the same one hand used to direct a dirty air inlet of the vacuum cleaner with respect to a surface to be cleaned. For example, the handle and a clean air inlet may be rigidly coupled to each other (directly or indirectly) so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. This is to be contrasted with canister and upright vacuum cleaners, whose weight is typically supported by a surface (e.g. a floor) during use.

[0248] As exemplified in FIGS. 1 to 7, surface cleaning apparatus 1000 includes a main body 1010 having a housing 1011 and a handle 1020, an air treatment member 1100 connected to the main body 1010, a dirty air inlet 1030, a clean air outlet 1040, and an air flow path extending between the dirty air inlet and the clean air outlet.

[0249] Surface cleaning apparatus 1000 has a front end 1002, a rear end 1004, an upper end or top 1006, and a lower end or bottom 1008. In the embodiment shown, dirty air inlet 1030 is at an upper portion of the front end 1102 and clean air outlet 1040 is at rearward portion of the lower end 1008. It will be appreciated that the dirty air inlet 1030 and the clean air outlet 1040 may be provided in different locations.

[0250] A suction motor 1200 (see e.g. FIG. 10) is provided to generate vacuum suction through the air flow path, and is positioned within a motor housing 1210. In the illustrated embodiment, the suction motor is positioned downstream from the air treatment member, although it may be positioned upstream of the air treatment member (e.g., a dirty air motor) in alternative embodiments.

[0251] Air treatment member 1100 is configured to remove particles of dirt and other debris from the air flow and/or otherwise treat the air flow. In the illustrated example, air treatment member 1100 includes a cyclone assembly having a single cyclonic cleaning stage with a single cyclone chamber 1110 and a dirt collection region 1122 external to the cyclone chamber. The cyclone chamber 1110 and dirt collection region 1122 may be of any configuration suitable for separating dirt from an air stream and collecting the separated dirt, respectively.

[0252] The cyclone chamber 1110 may be oriented in any direction. For example, when surface cleaning apparatus 1000 is oriented with the upper end 1106 above the lower end 1108, e.g. positioned generally parallel to a horizontal surface, a central axis or axis of rotation 1115 of the cyclone chamber 1110 may be oriented horizontally, as exemplified in FIG. 10. In alternative embodiments, the cyclone chamber may be oriented vertically, or at any angle between horizontal and vertical.

[0253] In alternative embodiments, the cyclone assembly may include two or more cyclonic cleaning stages arranged in series with each other. Each cyclonic cleaning stage may include one or more cyclone chambers (arranged in parallel or series with each other) and one or more dirt collection chambers, of any suitable configuration. The dirt collection chamber or chambers may be external to the cyclone chambers, or may be internal the cyclone chamber and configured as a dirt collection area or region within the cyclone chamber. Alternatively, the air treatment member need not include a cyclonic cleaning stage, and can incorporate a bag, a porous physical filter media (such as foam or felt), or other air treating means.

[0254] As exemplified in FIG. 10, hand vacuum cleaner 1000 may include a pre-motor filter housing 1310 provided in the air flow path downstream of the air treatment member 1100 and upstream of the suction motor 1200. Pre-motor filter housing 1310 may be of any suitable construction, including any of those exemplified herein. A pre-motor filter 1320 is positioned within the pre-motor filter housing 1310. Pre-motor filter 1320 may be formed from any suitable physical, porous filter media and having any suitable shape, including the examples disclosed herein with respect to a removable pre-motor filter assembly. For example, the pre-motor filter may be one or more of a foam filter, felt filter, HEPA filter, other physical filter media, electrostatic filter, and the like.

[0255] Optionally, the pre-motor filter housing 1310 may be openable (as described herein), and at least a portion of the sidewall 1316 (e.g. removable or otherwise openable door 1330) and/or one of the end walls 1312 or 1314 may be removable, openable, or otherwise re-configurable to provide access to the interior of the pre-motor filter housing 1310.

[0256] Positioning the pre-motor filter housing 1310 toward the top 1006 of the main body 1010 may help facilitate access to the pre-motor filter 1320 while the hand vacuum is resting on its base. For example, if the hand vacuum cleaner 1000 is rested upon a table or other such surface, an openable door 1330 of the pre-motor filter housing 1310 is provided at the upper end of the housing and is accessible to a user. A user could then open the pre-motor filter housing 1310 by removing or otherwise opening door 1330 while the hand vacuum 1000 rests on the table, to inspect or replace the pre-motor filter 1320, without having to use one hand to grasp the handle 1020 or otherwise support the hand vacuum.

[0257] As exemplified, hand vacuum cleaner 1000 may also include a post-motor filter 1420 provided in the air flow path downstream of the suction motor 1200 and upstream of the clean air outlet 1040. Post-motor filter 1420 may be formed from any suitable physical, porous filter media and having any suitable shape, including the examples disclosed herein. In alternative embodiments, the post-motor filter may be any suitable type of filter such as one or more of a foam filter, felt filter, HEPA filter, other physical filter media, electrostatic filter, and the like.

[0258] In the illustrated embodiment, the dirty air inlet 1030 of the hand vacuum cleaner 1000 is the inlet end 1032 of an inlet conduit 1036. Optionally, inlet end 1032 of the conduit 1036 can be used as a nozzle to directly clean a surface. The air inlet conduit 1036 is, in this example, a generally linear hollow member that extends along an inlet conduit axis 1035 that is oriented in a longitudinal forward/backward direction and is generally horizontal when hand vacuum cleaner 1000 is oriented with the upper end 1006 above the lower end 1008. Alternatively, or in addition to functioning as a nozzle, inlet conduit 1036 may be connected or directly connected to the downstream end of any suitable accessory tool such as a rigid air flow conduit (e.g., an above floor cleaning wand), a crevice tool, a mini brush, and the like. As shown, dirty air inlet 1030 is positioned forward of the air treatment member 1100, although this need not be the case. As exemplified, the dirty air inlet 1030 is positioned above the cyclone chamber. Optionally, the dirty air inlet 1030 may be provided at an alternate location, such as in the front end wall 1160.

[0259] As exemplified in FIGS. 1, 2, 5, 6, and 7, an optional accessory power coupler 1050 may be provided adjacent to the inlet conduit 1036. Accessory power coupler 1050 includes a set of electrical connectors 1056 that can inter-engage with compatible electrical connectors on an accessory tool in order to provide an electrical connection between e.g. a power source of the hand vacuum and a motor or other electrical device of an accessory tool (e.g. a powered brush roller, a light source, and the like). While the illustrated accessory power coupler 1050 is a male connector (i.e. projecting outwardly from the main body 1010 of the hand vacuum cleaner 1000), in alternative embodiments it may be a female connector (i.e. recessed inwardly) or any other shape suitable for cooperatively engaging with corresponding connectors on an accessory tool or other attachment. As exemplified, the accessory power coupler 1050 may be positioned laterally to one side of the inlet conduit 1036. In other examples, the accessory power coupler 1050 may be located above or below the inlet conduit 1036.

[0260] As exemplified, power may be supplied to the suction motor and other electrical components of the hand vacuum cleaner from an onboard energy storage member which may include, for example, one or more batteries or other energy storage device. In the illustrated embodiment, the hand vacuum cleaner 1000 includes a removable battery pack 1500 provided between the handle 1020 and the air treatment member 1100. Battery pack 1500 is described in further detail herein. In alternative embodiments, a battery pack may not be provided and power may be supplied to the hand vacuum cleaner by an electrical cord connected to the hand vacuum cleaner (not shown) that can be connected to a standard wall electrical outlet.

[0261] Optionally, a forward surface of the handle 1020 and a rearward surface of the battery pack 1500 may cooperatively define a finger gap 1028 therebetween (see e.g. FIG. 10). An advantage of this design is that the absence of an intervening portion of main housing 1010 between the handle and the energy storage member may facilitate a more compact overall size of hand vacuum 1000.

[0262] As exemplified, a power switch 1060 may be provided to selectively control the operation of the suction motor (e.g. either on/off or variable power levels or both), for example by establishing a power connection between the batteries and the suction motor. The power switch may be provided in any suitable configuration and location, including a button, rotary switch, sliding switch, trigger-type actuator and the like. As illustrated in FIG. 4, power switch 1060 is in the form of a button located toward upper end of the rear end 1004 of the hand vacuum cleaner, above a hand grip portion 1026 of the handle 1020. In this position, a user may be able to access the button 1060 while holding the hand vacuum via the hand grip, e.g. with the thumb of the hand holding the handle, and/or with a digit of their other hand.

[0263] The power switch or an alternate controller may also be configured to control other aspects of the hand vacuum (brush motor on/off, etc.). Optionally, instead of being provided at an upper end of the handle, the power switch may be provided on the main body (such as on the motor housing or other suitable location).

[0264] As exemplified in FIG. 4, an optional information display device 1070 may be provided to display one or more visual indications to a user. For example, the display device 1070 may provide a visual indication of: when suction motor is on; the current power level of the suction motor (if applicable); the current battery charge level; an estimated time until the battery charge will be depleted, and/or similar information. The display device 1070 may include one or more light sources (e.g. light emitting diodes (LEDs)), display screens (e.g. a liquid crystal, an LED screen, an organic light emitting diode (OLED) screen, and the like. The screen, and associated electronics, may be used to display status information of one or more electrical components of the hand vacuum cleaner.

[0265] In the illustrated embodiment, the information display device is in the form of a display screen 1070 that is provided at the upper end 1022 of the handle 1020. A first display portion 1072 is configured to display an indication of whether the hand vacuum cleaner is in a floor cleaning mode or in a carpet cleaning mode (e.g. where power is being supplied to a brush roller of an accessory tool via electrical connectors 1056), and a second portion 1074 is configured to display an indication of a power mode of the suction motor (e.g. a regular power mode, a higher power mode, and/or a higher power ‘burst’ mode).

[0266] Air flow Path Through a Hand Vacuum Cleaner

[0267] The following is a description of different features of an air flow path through a hand vacuum cleaner. These features may be used by themselves in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features described herein. For example, any of the airflow configurations described herein may be used with any of the pre-motor filter assemblies, relative positioning of the suction motor and energy storage members, inclined battery packs, battery pack configurations, airflow cooling configurations, and other features described

[0268] As exemplified, the air treatment member 1100 of the hand vacuum cleaner 1000 may optionally be a single cyclonic cleaning stage with unidirectional air flow or a ‘uniflow’ cyclone chamber 1110 (i.e. where the cyclone air inlet and cyclone air outlet are at opposite ends of the cyclone chamber). Referring primarily to FIGS. 9 and 10, hand vacuum cleaner 1000 includes a single cyclonic cleaning stage with a cyclone chamber 1110 that has a cyclone air inlet 1120 in fluid communication with the inlet conduit 1036, a cyclone air outlet 1130, and a dirt outlet 1140 that is in communication with a dirt collection chamber 1122.

[0269] Optionally, the cyclone chamber 1110 may be generally horizontally oriented so that the cyclone air inlet 1120 is located toward the front end 1002 of the hand vacuum cleaner 1000, and the cyclone air outlet 1130 is spaced rearwardly behind the cyclone air inlet 1120, at a rear end 1114 of the cyclone chamber 1110. From the cyclone air outlet 1130, an upflow duct or conduit 1230 directs the airflow upwards to a pre-motor filter chamber 1310 that is vertically spaced from the cyclone chamber 1110. After passing through the pre-motor filter 1320, air may travel generally rearwardly from the pre-motor filter 1320 to an inlet end 1202 of the suction motor 1200. An advantage of this arrangement is that, by promoting air to travel in this manner, the need for air flow direction changes between an air outlet of the pre-motor filter and the suction motor may be reduced or eliminated, thereby reducing backpressure and/or air flow losses through this portion of the hand vacuum cleaner. An additional, or alternative, advantage of providing a pre-motor filter chamber 1310 that is vertically spaced from the cyclone chamber 1110 is that the need for air flow direction changes between a cyclone air outlet and the suction motor may be reduced, thereby reducing backpressure and/or air flow losses through this portion of the hand vacuum cleaner. For example, any airflow in a forward direction may take place within the pre-motor filter chamber or header 1310, as opposed to taking place in a (typically narrower) conduit that directs airflow in a direction opposite to the airflow through the dirty air inlet. An additional, or alternative, advantage of providing a pre-motor filter chamber 1310 that is vertically spaced from the cyclone chamber 1110, and optionally above the cyclone chamber 1110, is that the length (front to back) of the hand vacuum cleaner may be reduced, providing a more compact configuration.

[0270] FIGS. 1 to 34 exemplify one embodiment of a hand vacuum cleaner 1000 having a cyclone unit that includes a uniflow cyclone chamber 1110 and a dirt collection chamber 1122 that is positioned exterior to the cyclone chamber 1110 and is in communication with the dirt outlet 1140 to receive dirt and debris dis-entrained from a dirty air flow by the cyclone chamber 1110. In the illustrated example, the cyclone air inlet 1120 and dirt outlet 1140 are positioned toward opposing ends of the cyclone chamber 1110, and the cyclone air outlet 1130 is provided toward the same end as the dirt outlet 1140 (the rear end as illustrated). In this configuration, dirty air can enter at the front end of the cyclone chamber, while cleaner air and the separated dirt particles both exit the cyclone chamber at the opposing rear end.

[0271] In this embodiment, the cyclone chamber 1110 has a front end wall 1160 and an opposing rear end wall 1170 that is spaced apart from the front end wall along the cyclone axis 1115 about which air circulates within the cyclone chamber 1110 during operation of the hand vacuum cleaner. A cyclone chamber sidewall 1180 extends between the front and rear end walls 1160, 1170. In the illustrated example, when the hand vacuum is oriented with the upper end above the lower end, the cyclone axis 1115 is generally horizontal, and is closer to horizontal than vertical, e.g., ±20°, ±15°, ±10°, or ±5° from the horizontal. As exemplified, the cyclone axis 1115 is substantially parallel to, e.g. within ±20°, ±15°, ±10°, or ±5°, and vertically offset below the conduit axis 1035 of the air inlet conduit 1036, and the cyclone chamber 1110 and dirt collection chamber 1122 are both below the inlet conduit axis 1035. As illustrated in FIG. 10, when the hand vacuum 1000 is horizontal (as illustrated), the pre-motor filter 1320 is vertically spaced from (e.g. above) the cyclone axis 1115, and the suction motor 1200 is positioned rearward of the pre-motor filter 1320, so that air travels generally rearwardly from the pre-motor filter to the suction motor.

[0272] In this embodiment, the cyclone air inlet 1120 is a tangential air inlet that, as exemplified, terminates at an aperture or port that is formed in cyclone sidewall 1180, optionally an upper portion 1182 of the cyclone sidewall 1180, adjacent the front end wall 1160. Optionally, the cyclone air inlet 1120 may be provided at an alternate location, such as in the front end wall 1160.

[0273] The cyclone air inlet 1120 is fluidly connected with the outlet end of the conduit 1036 via a corresponding air outlet aperture or port 1038 that may be provided in a lower portion of the air inlet conduit 1036. The cyclone air inlet 1120 may have any suitable arrangement and/or configuration, and in the illustrated example is configured as a tangential air inlet that is directly connected to the air outlet aperture 1038. Connecting the air inlet 1120 to the air outlet aperture 1038 in this manner may help reduce the need for additional conduits to fluidly connect the dirty air inlet 1030 to the cyclone chamber 1110, and may reduce or eliminate the need for additional bends or air flow direction changes between the dirty air inlet 1030 and the cyclone chamber 1110. Reducing the conduit length and number of bends may help reduce the backpressure and air flow losses within the air flow path.

[0274] Positioning the cyclone air inlet 1120 toward the front of the cyclone chamber 1110 may help facilitate a desired air flow configuration within the cyclone chamber 1110. For example, in this configuration the cyclone chamber 1110 itself functions as part of the air flow path that conveys air rearwardly from the front 1002 of the hand vacuum 1000, without the need for a separate fluid conduit.

[0275] In the illustrated example, cyclone air inlet 1120 is directly adjacent the front wall 1160. Alternatively, cyclone air inlet 1120 may be axially spaced from the front end wall 1160, and may be located at another location along the length of the cyclone chamber 1110. Preferably, cyclone air inlet 1120 is provided in the front half of the cyclone chamber 1110 (i.e. forward of the axial mid-point of the cyclone chamber sidewall 1080) in order to help reduce the distance between the dirty air inlet 1030 and the cyclone air inlet 1120.

[0276] As shown in FIG. 10, the cyclone air outlet 1130 is provided in the rear end wall 1170 of the cyclone chamber 1110, and an axially extending vortex finder conduit 1136 extends from the rear end wall 1170 and is aligned with the cyclone air outlet 1130. Optionally, a mesh screen (not shown) may be positioned over some or all of the inlet apertures 1138 of the vortex finder conduit 1136 to help inhibit lint, hair, and other such debris from entering the vortex finder conduit 1136. Positioning the air outlet 1130 toward the rear end (and optionally in the rear end wall 1170) may help facilitate the desired air flow through the cyclone chamber 1110, such that air, while swirling, travels generally axially though the cyclone chamber 1110 from the front end wall 1160 toward the rear end wall 1170.

[0277] Positioning the air outlet 1130 in the rear end wall 1170 of the cyclone chamber 1110 may also help facilitate the air flow connection between the cyclone chamber 1110 and other downstream components in the hand vacuum, such as the pre-motor filter housing 1310 and suction motor housing 1210 described herein. In the illustrated embodiment the air outlet 1130 is provided in the rear end wall 1170 and is connected to the pre-motor filter housing 1310 through an upflow duct or conduit 1230. This may help simplify the air flow path and construction of the hand vacuum. Alternatively, the air flow path may include one or more additional conduits connected downstream from the cyclone air outlet.

[0278] In this arrangement, air travelling through the hand vacuum 1000 will travel generally rearwardly along the air inlet conduit 1036 (i.e. parallel to the conduit axis 1035 and then enter a tangential air inlet which essentially changes the direction of the air to travel generally downwardly through the cyclone air inlet 1120 (i.e. generally orthogonal to the cyclone axis 1115). The air can then circulate within the cyclone chamber 1110, and travel generally rearwardly toward the cyclone air outlet 1130, and ultimately exit the cyclone chamber 1110 via the cyclone air outlet 1130 while travelling through the vortex finder conduit 1136 in a rearward direction (i.e. generally parallel to the cyclone axis 1115). In this configuration, the air flow changes direction only once (and by only approximately 90° which may be accomplished by a tangential air inlet), between entering the dirty air inlet 1030 and exiting the cyclone air outlet 1130.

[0279] The cyclone dirt outlet 1140 may be of any suitable configuration, and in the illustrated embodiment is a slot 1140 that is provided in the cyclone chamber side wall 1180, toward the rear end wall 1170. The slot 1140 may extend around at least a portion of the perimeter of the cyclone side wall 1180, and may have any suitable length 1186 in the axial direction (see e.g. FIG. 10). As exemplified, the slot may be provided only in a lower portion of the sidewall. Accordingly, when dirty air inlet 1030 faces downwardly during use, dirt will exit into an upper end of an external dirt collection chamber. Positioning the dirt collection chamber below the cyclone chamber, and not surrounding the cyclone chamber, reduces the width of the hand vacuum. While shown directly adjacent the rear end wall 1170, such that the slot 1140 is partially bounded by the cyclone side wall 1180 and the rear end wall 1170, the slot 1140 may be located at another location along the length of the cyclone side wall 1180, and need not be directly adjacent the rear end wall 1170. Alternatively, the dirt outlet 1140 may be provided toward the mid-point of the cyclone chamber sidewall 1180, or may be provided toward the front end wall 1160. While illustrated with a single dirt outlet 1140, the cyclone chamber 1110 may include two or more dirt outlets that are in communication with the same dirt collection chamber, or optionally with different dirt collection chambers.

[0280] Preferably, at least a portion of the air treatment member may be openable for emptying. For example, at least one end, and optionally both ends of the dirt collection chamber 1122 may be openable for emptying. Optionally, at least one end, and optionally both ends of the cyclone chamber 1110 may also be openable for emptying.

[0281] Referring primarily to FIGS. 9 and 10, the front end wall 1160 of the cyclone chamber 1110 and the front end wall 1126 of the dirt collection chamber 1122 are both provided by portions of an openable front door 1190 that covers the front end of the cyclone assembly. In this arrangement, opening the front door 1190 will concurrently open the front end walls 1160 and 1126 of the cyclone and dirt collection chambers 1110, 1122. In the illustrated example, a user may hold the hand vacuum 1000 via the handle 1020 with one hand and open the front door 1190 with the other hand. The front end wall 1160 of the cyclone chamber 1110 and the front end wall 1126 of the dirt collection chamber 1122 may be concurrently openable and may cover all of a substantial portion of the front end of the cyclone chamber and the dirt collection chamber. For example, the front end wall 1160 of the cyclone chamber 1110 and the front end wall 1126 of the dirt collection chamber 1122 may be a one piece assembly (i.e. they may be integrally formed).

[0282] The front door 1190 may be openably connected (e.g., pivotally openable or removably mounted) to the rest of the cyclone assembly using any suitable mechanism, including a hinge or other suitable device. Optionally, the front door 1190 may be secured in the closed position using any suitable type of locking mechanism, including a latch mechanism that may be released by a user. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 34, the front door 1190 may be opened by pivoting it about a hinge assembly 1192 from a closed position (e.g. as shown in FIG. 1) to an open position (e.g. as shown in FIG. 6). The front door 1190 may be secured in the closed position by a friction fit when connected as illustrated in FIG. 1, and/or by an assembly door lock 1194 or other suitable locking mechanism. Preferably, the assembly door lock may include at least one release actuator 1196 so that a user may unlock the assembly door lock, e.g. by depressing the actuator. The actuator for opening/releasing the openable portion of the cyclone assembly may be provided on the cyclone assembly 1100 or on any other portion of the hand vacuum 1000 (such as the handle 1020).

[0283] In the embodiments described herein, the surface cleaning apparatus includes a pre-motor filter housing 1310 positioned in the air flow path between the cyclone chamber and the suction motor. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, the pre-motor filter may be of any configuration and the direction of air flow through the pre-motor filter 1320 may be any particular direction.

[0284] Referring primarily to FIGS. 9 and 10, as exemplified, in some embodiments, the main body 1010 may be configured such that the suction motor housing 1210 is located rearward of the pre-motor filter housing 1310 and, preferably, axially aligned with the pre-motor filter housing 1310 such that air exiting the pre-motor filter may travel generally linearly to the suction motor. It will be appreciated that suction motor housing 1210 and pre-motor filter housing 1310 may be of any configuration

[0285] As exemplified herein, the pre-motor filter 1320 may be configured as a generally cylindrical foam filter with a hollow, open interior and is preferably part of a removable pre-motor filter assembly, as discussed elsewhere herein. The pre-motor filter 1320, which may be a foam filter, extends longitudinally along a filter axis 1325, which may be generally parallel with the suction motor axis of rotation and accordingly is exemplified as being generally horizontal in the illustrated embodiment. The interior, downstream surface of filter 1320 is in communication with the air outlet 1242 via an outlet conduit 1340 of the pre-motor filter assembly. An advantage of a cylindrical filter is that a relatively large upstream surface area may be provided in a small space. A further advantage of this configuration is that, if the suction motor housing 1210 is located rearward of, and generally axially aligned with, the pre-motor filter housing 1310, air exiting the pre-motor filter may travel rearwardly through the hollow interior and then travel rearwardly to the suction motor.

[0286] In the illustrated example, the pre-motor filter housing 1310 is positioned such that the pre-motor filter 1320 is vertically spaced from and mostly, and optionally entirely, located above the cyclone axis 1115 and also above the cyclone chamber. Put another way, pre-motor filter 1320 mostly, and optionally entirely, overlies the cyclone chamber. In other embodiments, only a portion of the pre-motor filter may be above the cyclone axis 1115 and optionally also above the cyclone chamber.

[0287] Referring to FIG. 10, in the illustrated example the pre-motor filter housing 1310 has forward and rear end walls 1312 and 1314, and a chamber sidewall 1316 defining a pre-motor filter chamber or plenum 1318. Optionally, the pre-motor filter is removable, such as proving a removable or otherwise openable door 1330. Door 1330 may extend between forward and rear end walls 1312 and 1314. The housing 1310 also has an air inlet 1234 that is connected downstream from the cyclone air outlet 1130 via upflow duct 1230, and an air outlet 1242 positioned in the rear end wall 1314. In the illustrated example, the housing air inlet 1234 is located toward the rear end of the housing 1310. To travel from the air inlet 1234 to the air outlet 1242, air passes through the pre-motor filter 1320 positioned within the chamber 1318.

[0288] As the pre-motor filter 1320 is positioned above the cyclone air outlet, air travels upwardly to the pre-motor filter chamber 1318. As exemplified herein, the pre-motor filter may be in the shape of a hollow cylinder which has a central axis that is generally parallel with the suction motor axis of rotation. An advantage of this configuration is that, after the air travels upwardly to the pre-motor filter chamber 1318, in order to try to balance the forces in the pre-motor filter chamber 1318, the air will tend to spread across the chamber. Therefore, without using a 90° bend to direct the air to the front part of the pre-motor filter, a plenum is used to distribute the air across the upstream surface of the pre-motor filter. In accordance with this configuration, air travels to the filter housing 1310 in a generally upward direction, where it disperses in the pre-motor filter chamber 1318 and circulates around and through the outer, upstream surface of filter 1320, and exits the housing air outlet 1242 in a generally rearward direction into the suction motor housing inlet end 1212.

[0289] In the illustrated example, the suction motor 1200 is generally horizontally oriented, such that the suction motor axis of rotation 1205 is generally horizontal (e.g., ±20°, ±15°, ±10°, or ±5° from horizontal) when the hand vacuum cleaner is positioned with the upper end above the lower end (as illustrated in FIG. 10). In this arrangement, the suction motor axis 1205 is generally parallel to the cyclone axis 1115 and the pre-motor filter axis 1325.

[0290] In the example configuration illustrated in FIG. 10, an inlet end 1202 of the suction motor 1200 faces towards a hollow interior of the pre-motor filter. In such a configuration, air may travel generally linearly from the pre-motor filter 1320 to the suction motor 1200. An absence of air flow direction changes between an air outlet of the pre-motor filter and the suction motor may reduce backpressure and/or air flow losses through this portion of the hand vacuum cleaner.

[0291] Also, positioning the suction motor at an upper end of a handle of the vacuum cleaner with the suction motor axis vertically displaced from the cyclone axis of rotation may facilitate the reduction of air flow conduit bends and/or air flow direction changes between a dirty air inlet and a clean air outlet, thereby reducing backpressure and/or air flow losses through the hand vacuum cleaner. Additionally, or alternatively, such a configuration may help provide a compact overall design of the hand vacuum cleaner without adversely affecting the hand feel and/or perceived balance of the hand vacuum.

[0292] It will be appreciated that the air may exit the hand vacuum cleaner via a grill located in an upper portion of the main body (e.g., via an air outlet provided in the rear end of the main body or a sidewall adjacent the rear end). Alternately, air may exit through a lower portion of the main body. This may be achieved by conveying the air downwardly through the handle of the hand vacuum cleaner. Accordingly, as exemplified, at least a portion of the air flow path between the dirty air inlet 1030 and the clean air outlet 1040 may flow through the handle 1020. This may help facilitate a variety of different air flow path configurations and clean air outlet 1040 locations. This may also allow at least some of the air being exhausted by the suction motor 1200 to flow over, and optionally help cool, operating components that are located in the handle. Examples of such components may include controllers, circuit boards, other internal electronics and the like. One example of such electronics can include a printed circuit board (PCB) provided to control optional information display device 1070 and/or power switch 1060.

[0293] In the illustrated embodiment, a handle air flow passage 1250 has an inlet end 1252 that is located toward the top 1022 of the handle downstream from the suction motor 1200, and an outlet end 1254 that is located toward the bottom 1024 of the handle. This may help channel the air through substantially the entire length of the hand grip portion 1026 of the handle 1020.

[0294] As exemplified, the air exhausted from the suction motor 1200 is routed through the handle, and the clean air outlet 1040 is provided in the form of a plurality of slots 1430 that are formed in the lower end 1024 of the handle. Air entering the inlet end 1252 is directed through the handle 1020 and exits via the slots 1430. In this example, the slots or grill 1430 are oriented such that air exiting the clear air outlet 1040 travels generally downwardly and rearwardly from the lower end 1024 of the handle 1020. It will be appreciated that the clean air outlet may be of any design and may be located anywhere in the lower portion of the hand vacuum cleaner.

[0295] Optionally, one or more post-motor filters may be placed in the air flow path between the suction motor 1200 and the clean air outlet 1040. The post-motor filter may be provided at the clean air outlet 1040. The post motor filter may be in an openable housing. For example, as exemplified, the clean air outlet 1040 may be an openable grill. Further, the openable access panel may support the post-motor filter. For example, in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 34, a post-motor filter 1420 is supported by a removable tray 1410 that covers the lower end of the post-motor filter housing 1400 and provides the clean air outlet 1040 in the form of a grill. The illustrated post-motor filter 1420 is a physical foam media filter, but optionally the post-motor filters may be any suitable type of filter and may include one or more of foam filters, felt filters, HEPA filters, other physical filter media, electrostatic filters, and the like.

[0296] With references to FIGS. 23-27, removable tray 1410 includes a pair of rigid engaging projections 1440 provided on a front end 1412, and a pair of movable engaging projections 1450 extending upwardly from a rear end 1414 and resiliently biased towards the rear end. To separate the tray from the main body 1010, actuating (e.g. depressing) button 1460 results in forward movement of the movable engaging projections 1450, resulting in their disengagement from corresponding recesses 1455 in the main body, allowing the rearward end 1414 of tray 1410 to be pivoted downwardly from handle 1020. Once tray 1410 has been so pivoted, it may be translated rearwardly to remove engaging projections 1440 from corresponding recesses 1445 in the main body. To connect the tray 1410 to the main body 1010, the process may be generally reversed. That is, projections 1440 may be inserted into recesses 1445, and tray 1410 subsequently pivoted upwardly until engaging projections 1450 are secured in recesses 1455. It will be appreciated that any other constructions may be used to removably secure tray 1410 in position on the main body.

[0297] While the figures exemplify positioning the pre-motor filter and suction motor vertically spaced above the cyclone axis, it will be appreciated that the pre-motor filter and suction motor vertically spaced below the cyclone axis.

[0298] Removable Pre-Motor Filter Assembly

[0299] The following is a description of different features of a removable pre-motor filter assembly for a surface cleaning apparatus. These features may be used by themselves in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features described herein. For example, any of the pre-motor filter configurations described herein may be used with any of the air flow paths, relative positioning of the suction motor and energy storage members, inclined battery packs, battery pack configurations, airflow cooling configurations, and other features described herein.

[0300] In accordance with this feature, the outlet conduit of the filter assembly may be inclined at an angle to the removal direction of the pre-motor filter assembly with the upper (or outermost portion of the outlet conduit in the removal direction) extending further in the downstream direction than the lower (or innermost portion of the outlet conduit in the removal direction). The mating downstream conduit may be similarly oriented. An advantage of this configuration is that the downstream face of the pre-motor filter assembly (which may have a sealing gasket) may be placed on the upstream face of the downstream conduit (which may have a sealing gasket) instead of one face sliding across the other, which could damage one or both gaskets.

[0301] In accordance with this feature, as exemplified, the pre-motor filter 1320 of the hand vacuum cleaner 1000 is optionally part of a removable pre-motor filter assembly 1300. FIGS. 19 to 22 exemplify one embodiment of a removable pre-motor filter assembly 1300 that includes a generally cylindrical filter 1320 supported by a filter support member 1340. Filter support member 1340 has an outlet conduit 1342 for directing an air flow after it has passed through the filter 1320. In use, air flows from an outer or upstream side 1322 of the filter 1320, through the filter media and to an inner or downstream side 1324 of the filter 1320, and to the outlet conduit 1342.

[0302] Optionally, the outlet conduit 1342 generally faces an inlet end 1202 of suction motor 1200. Therefore, as exemplified, the filter support member 1340 may be generally horizontally oriented so that the pre-motor filter axis 1325 extends in a generally forwards/rearwards direction (from front end 1321 to rear end 1323 of the pre-motor filter assembly) when the hand vacuum cleaner 1000 is oriented with the upper end above the lower end, and the outlet conduit 1342 faces generally rearwardly, and optionally directly faces an inlet end 1202 of suction motor 1200. From the outlet conduit 1342, a treated air conduit 1246 directs the airflow rearwards to an inlet end 1202 of suction motor 1200 that is horizontally spaced from the pre-motor filter 1320.

[0303] As illustrated in FIGS. 19 to 22, filter support member 1340 has a main body portion 1350 that is located in a hollow interior of the generally cylindrical filter 1320. In the illustrated embodiment, an outer surface of main body portion 1350 is flush with a downstream or inner surface 1324 of filter 1320, and the downstream surface 1324 is in air flow communication with an internal filter conduit 1356. More specifically, in the illustrated example a plurality of apertures 1351 define a porous portion of the filter support member 1340 between a first end 1352 and a second end 1354 of the main body portion 1350. It will be appreciated that more or fewer apertures may be provided in alternative embodiments. Accordingly, if filter 1320 is sealed to or seats securely on body portion 1350, air will be inhibited from travelling between the outer surface of main body portion 1350 and the inner surface 1324 of filter 1320 to thereby bypass the filter media.

[0304] The outlet conduit 1342 extends from the second end 1354 of the main body portion 1350. The second or opposed end 1352 of the main body portion 1350 may be sealed to or may seat securely on the second end 1354 of the main body portion 1350 to inhibit and preferably prevent air from exiting the internal filter conduit 1356 from the second end, so that substantially and preferably all of the air that exits the downstream side 1324 of the pre-motor filter 1320 is directed through outlet conduit 1342.

[0305] In order to inhibit or prevent air exiting through the front end of the internal filter conduit 1356, the front end of the main body portion 1350 may be closed. As exemplified, an end wall 1362 is provided to cap the opposed end 1352 of the main body portion 1350. Optionally, end wall 1362 has an outwardly projecting portion 1363 to facilitate positioning the pre-motor filter assembly 1300 in a surface cleaning apparatus, as discussed further below.

[0306] Optionally, flanges or other sealing members may be provided at one or both ends of the main body portion 1350 to inhibit or prevent airflow from flowing between pre-motor filter 1320 and filter support member 1340 and to the internal filter conduit 1356, e.g. effectively bypassing the pre-motor filter. In the illustrated example, a circumferential bypass flange 1358 is provided at the second end 1354 of the main body portion 1350.

[0307] The pre-motor filter assembly may be seated in position in the pre-motor filter housing by any means known in the art. As exemplified, one or more alignment or seating members may be provided on one or both of the front and rear ends 1321, 1323 of the pre-motor filter assembly.

[0308] In the illustrated example, a pair of alignment flanges 1370 extend from an axially longer (outermost) side of outlet conduit 1342. Flanges 1370 may facilitate in the seating and/or alignment of pre-motor filter assembly 1300 within a pre-motor filter chamber. For example, in the illustrated example the flanges 1370 may be configured to act as camming surfaces with one or more projections from an internal surface of the openable door 1330 of the pre-motor filter chamber. As shown in FIG. 18, openable door 1330 has an inwardly extending projection 1338 that has a width approximately equal to a radial distance between flanges 1370. In this arrangement, as openable door 1330 is closed, projection 1338 is configured to come into contact with both flanges 1370, thereby promoting a predetermined orientation of pre-motor filter assembly 1300 relative to the pre-motor filter housing 1310 as well as locating the outlet conduit to be aligned with the downstream air flow conduit.

[0309] Additionally, or alternatively, flanges 1370 may allow a user to grip and/or manipulate pre-motor filter assembly 1300 without having to come into contact with pre-motor filter 1320, which may become dirty during use.

[0310] Optionally, one or more support projections may be provided on one or both ends of pre-motor filter assembly 1300. In the illustrated example, a pair of support flanges 1372 extend from opposite lateral sides of outlet conduit 1342. Flanges 1372 may facilitate the support and/or alignment of pre-motor filter assembly 1300 within a pre-motor filter chamber. For example, in the illustrated example the flanges 1372 may be configured to rest on corresponding support surfaces provided at the rearward end of the pre-motor filter chamber. As shown in FIGS. 15-17, surfaces 1313 are formed in end wall 1344 of the pre-motor filter chamber 1310. Also, a surface 1311 is formed in the opposing end wall 1312. In this arrangement, as pre-motor filter assembly 1300 is lowered into the pre-motor filter chamber 1310, surfaces 1313 are configured to come into contact with and support flanges 1372, and surface 1311 is configured to come into contact with and support outwardly projecting portion 1363 of filter support member 1340, thereby promoting a predetermined vertical position and/or angle of pre-motor filter assembly 1300 relative to the pre-motor filter housing 1310.

[0311] In the illustrated embodiment, filter support member 1340 (including outlet conduit 1342, main body portion 1350, and end wall 1362) is a one piece assembly (e.g. integrally formed). In alternative embodiments, filter support member 1340 may be constructed from two or more parts.

[0312] While in the illustrated example the pre-motor filter 1320 and the filter support member 1340 are co-axial, this may not be the case in alternative embodiments.

[0313] As illustrated in FIG. 22, a downstream or terminal end 1344 of the outlet conduit 1342 is at an angle 1357 to a direction of air flow through the outlet conduit (e.g. generally parallel to a central pre-motor filter axis 1325 and/or a central filter support member axis 1355). Outlet conduit 1342 mates with air conduit 1246, which provides the air outlet 1242 from pre-motor filter chamber 1310. As discussed subsequently, the inlet end of outlet conduit 1342 may be similarly angled.

[0314] An advantage of the terminal end of the outlet conduit being at an angle of to a direction through the outlet conduit is that the removable filter assembly may be positioned substantially flush against a downstream air conduit (e.g. a conduit that leads to a suction motor) having a similarly angled terminal end without requiring lateral movement of the outlet conduit towards other conduit. For example, the filter assembly may be moved in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of airflow (e.g., vertically upwardly in the orientation of FIG. 11). Such an arrangement may, for example, facilitate the use of a gasket or other sealing member between the ends of the conduits to provide an improved seal between the conduits. For example, if the terminal end of the outlet conduit were perpendicular to a direction of airflow through the conduit, moving the filter assembly in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of airflow may shear or otherwise damage a flexible or otherwise deformable gasket (e.g. an elastomeric gasket or the like) provided at the end of the conduit to which the outlet conduit is to be aligned.

[0315] Alternatively, or additionally, such an arrangement may eliminate the need for a biasing or other retaining mechanism to exert a force on the filter assembly to maintain a seal between the conduits. For example, if the terminal end of the outlet conduit were perpendicular to a direction of airflow through the conduit, to avoid damaging a gasket or other sealing member between the conduit ends, at least the final motion to align the conduit ends may be in a direction parallel to a direction of airflow through the conduit. In such a situation, it may be necessary to maintain the application of an axial force to the pre-motor filter assembly in order to maintain an adequate seal.

[0316] As illustrated in FIGS. 11 to 17, a terminal end 1241 of the treated air conduit 1246 may also be optionally provided at an angle 1257 (see FIG. 11) to a direction of air flow through the treated air conduit 1246 that leads to the suction motor 1200. In the illustrated example, the angle 1257 is about the same as the angle 1357 between the direction of air flow through the outlet conduit 1342 of the pre-motor filter assembly and the terminal end 1344 of the outlet conduit 1342. This arrangement allows the outlet conduit 1342 and the treated air conduit 1246 to cooperatively define a generally linear air flow passage despite the angled terminal ends of the respective conduits.

[0317] Optionally, a gasket 1247 or other sealing member may be provided to help provide a substantially air tight seal between the terminal end 1344 of the outlet conduit 1342 and the terminal end 1241 of the treated air conduit 1246. In the illustrated example, the gasket 1247 has a generally consistent axial length about its perimeter, e.g. to facilitate a seal between the ends 1344, 1241 that are generally parallel to each other due to angles 1357, 1257 being about the same. Alternatively, gasket 1247 may have a variable axial length about its perimeter, e.g. to facilitate a seal where angles 1357, 1257 are different from each other (e.g. where ends 1344, 1241 are not parallel.

[0318] Another advantage of the terminal end of the outlet conduit and the inlet end of conduit 1246 being at an angle to a direction through the outlet conduit is that the outlet face of the pre-motor filter assembly may be placed onto the inlet or upstream face of conduit 1246 during insertion of the pre-motor filter assembly. Further, when door 1330 is placed in the closed position, the engagement of inwardly extending projection 1338 and flanges 1370 may apply sufficient pressure to seal the end face and inhibit leakage out of the air flow conduits.

[0319] Another advantage of the terminal end of the outlet conduit being at an angle of to a direction through the outlet conduit is that the removable filter assembly may only be positionable within the surface cleaning apparatus in a single pre-determined orientation. In other words, a user may only be able to mount to the pre-motor filter assembly in a single orientation relative to the surface cleaning apparatus. This may prevent, for example, the pre-motor filter from being installed e.g. upside-down from its designed orientation, or otherwise mis-aligned. Accordingly, an asymmetric pre-motor filter media may be provided without the risk of a user improperly positioning the filter within a surface cleaning apparatus.

[0320] It will be appreciated that some of the embodiments disclosed herein may not use any of the features of the pre-motor filter assembly disclosed herein and that, in those embodiments, a pre-motor filter of any kind known in the art may be used, or a pre-motor filter may not be provided.

[0321] Inclined Battery Pack

[0322] The following is a description of different features of a hand vacuum cleaner with an inclined battery pack. These features may be used by themselves in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features described herein. For example, any of the battery pack configurations described herein may be used with any of the air flow paths, pre-motor filter assemblies, relative positioning of the suction motor and energy storage members, battery pack configurations, airflow cooling configurations, and other features described herein.

[0323] In accordance with this feature, an upper end of the battery pack may be inclined in a forward direction. Accordingly, the lower end of the battery pack may extend further rearwardly. If the dirt collection region is located adjacent a forward face of the battery pack, then the dirt collection region may extend further rearwardly, thereby enabling a larger dirt collection region to be provided.

[0324] It will be appreciated that, in many embodiments, power may be supplied to the hand vacuum cleaner 1000 by an electrical cord connected to the hand vacuum (not shown) that can be connected to a standard wall electrical outlet. In such embodiments, the suction motor 1200 and other electronics may run on AC power supplied from a wall socket. In accordance with this feature, alternatively, or in addition to being powered by an electrical cord, the hand vacuum cleaner may include one or more onboard power sources. The power sources may be any suitable device, including, for example one or more batteries. Optionally, the batteries and battery packs may be rechargeable or may be replaceable, non-rechargeable batteries.

[0325] Battery pack 1500 may include any suitable number of cells 1510, and may include, for example, lithium ion battery cells. 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. Battery pack 1500 may be of any known design and may be electrically connected to the hand vacuum cleaner by any means known in the art.

[0326] FIGS. 32 to 34 exemplify a battery pack 1500. As exemplified, battery pack 1500 has an upper end 1506, a lower end 1508, a front face 1502, and a rear face 1504. In the illustrated example, battery pack 1500 is generally rectangular, but alternative embodiments may have any suitable shape.

[0327] In the illustrated examples, battery pack 1500 has a power coupling 1540 for supplying power (e.g. charging) the cells 1510. Any suitable power coupling may be used, for example, a female coupling configured to receive a male coupling of an electrical cord that is connectable to a source of AC or DC power, such as a household power socket. Optionally, power coupling 1540 is accessible when the battery pack 1500 is electrically connected to hand vacuum cleaner 1000. An advantage of such a configuration is that the battery pack may be charged without removing it from the hand vacuum cleaner 1000. Another advantage is that it may allow for corded operation of hand vacuum cleaner 1000 when the power cells 1510 are substantially or completely discharged, as power may be supplied to the suction motor via power coupling 1540 instead of (or while) charging the cells 1510.

[0328] Optionally, the battery pack 1500 may be removable from the rest of the hand vacuum using any mechanism known in the art. Referring to FIGS. 28 and 29, the illustrated example battery pack 1500 is configured to be removable by sliding the battery pack downward through an aperture 1590 (see FIG. 31) provided in the lower end 1008 of hand vacuum 1000. Optionally, one or more guiding features may be provided on one or both of the hand vacuum 1000 and the battery pack 1500. As illustrated in FIG. 33, a pair of longitudinal ridges 1520 is provided on the front face 1502 of battery pack 1500. Ridges 1520 are configured to be slidably received in corresponding grooves 1525 on an inner face of aperture 1590 (see FIG. 29). Ridges 1520 and grooves 1525 thus cooperatively assist in aligning the battery pack as is it moved upwardly into and/or downwardly out of aperture 1590.

[0329] In the illustrated embodiment, the upper end 1506 of the battery pack 1500 is provided with a plurality of electrical connectors 1530 that can inter-engage with compatible electrical connectors 1580 on the main body 1010 (see e.g. FIG. 29). Engagement between the electrical connectors 1530 and 1580 can provide an electrical connection between the batteries 1510 and the suction motor 1200, and optionally other electronics, such as display device 1070. In this arrangement, removing the battery pack 1500 interrupts the supply of power to the suction motor 1200, and the suction motor 1200 is not operable when the battery pack 1500 is detached. It will be appreciated that electrical connectors 1530 may be located elsewhere on the battery pack.

[0330] The battery pack 1500 can be secured to the rest of the main body 1010 using any suitable attachment mechanism, including mechanical latches, retention catches, or any other mechanism attachment structure capable of being released to disengage and remove the battery pack. Optionally, one or more actuators for releasing the attachment mechanism may be provided on the main body 1010 (and remain with the main body when the battery pack is removed), or alternatively may be provided on the battery pack 1500 such that the actuator is removable with the battery.

[0331] Referring to FIGS. 9 and 33, in the illustrated example battery pack 1500 is configured to be releasably secured to hand vacuum 1000 using a single latch at the lower end 1506. The latch can be released by pressing the release actuator that is provided in the form of button 1550. Pressing rearwardly on the button 1550 results in a disengagement of a tab 1552 from a corresponding retaining surface 1523 provided proximate to and facing towards aperture 1590. The button 1550 is mounted to the lower end 1506 of battery pack 1500, and is removable with the battery pack.

[0332] Alternatively, a release actuator may be provided on the main body 1010 of the hand vacuum cleaner, and a corresponding retaining surface may be provided on the battery pack 1500. For example, in the example illustrated in FIG. 36, a retaining surface 1523 is provided on a rear face 1504 of battery pack 1500, and is removable with the battery pack. A release actuator that is provided in the form of button 1550 is positioned on the main body 1010 of hand vacuum 1000. Pressing forwardly on the button 1550 results in a pivoting and disengagement of a tab 1552 from retaining surface 1523.

[0333] Optionally, the battery pack 1500 may be configured so that it can be connected to one or more other devices/apparatuses, in addition to the hand vacuum 1000. For example, the same battery pack 1500 that is used with the hand vacuum could be connectable to another vacuum, power tool, cleaning device (such as a mop, steam cleaner, carpet extractor, etc.) or any other suitable device to power the other device(s) that the battery pack can be connected to.

[0334] Optionally, the battery pack 1500 may have one or more output devices to e.g. provide an indication of a status of the battery pack and/or of one or more of the individual battery cells 1510. For example, one or more visual indicators such as LEDs and/or an audio output device such as a speaker may be provided. In the example illustrated in FIG. 32, a number of LEDs 1560 are provided along an edge between a rear face 1504 and a side face of the battery pack 1500. An advantage of positioning the output devices along an edge of the battery pack is that the indicators may be visible from a greater range of relative orientations than if they were positioned on a single face of the battery pack.

[0335] As illustrated in FIG. 4, another advantage of positioning the LEDs 1560a-1560c proximate a side edge of a rear face 1504 is that they may be more readily visible to a user holding the hand vacuum cleaner 1000 in front of them. Accordingly, a user may be able to see the LEDs 1560a-1560c while using the hand vacuum without having to re-orient the hand vacuum cleaner from a typical in-use position.

[0336] As discussed above, battery pack 1500 may include any suitable number of individual battery cells 1510. In example illustrated in FIG. 34, battery pack 1500 contains 7 cells 1510a-1510g. Each cell 1510 is generally cylindrical, and the cells are arranged in a generally linear configuration (in a column) along the height of battery pack 1500. More specifically, cells 1510a to 1510f are arranged with their central longitudinal axes positioned along a battery pack axis 1505 that in the illustrated example is parallel to a front wall 1501 of the battery pack 1500, and cell 1510g is positioned with its central longitudinal axis offset rearwardly from axis 1505.

[0337] As shown in FIG. 10, in the illustrated example battery pack 1500 extends upwardly and forwardly when the upper end of the hand vacuum cleaner is positioned above the lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner. For example, battery pack axis 1505 is at an angle 1507 to the horizontal when the inlet conduit axis 1035, cyclone axis 1115, filter axis 1325, and/or suction motor axis 1205 is generally horizontally oriented. For example, battery pack axis 1505 may be generally parallel to a handle axis 1025 (see FIG. 31).

[0338] Also, in the configuration shown in FIG. 10, a portion 1123 of the dirt collection chamber 1122 adjacent the rear end wall 1124 of the chamber 1122 is located below a portion of the battery pack 1500. An advantage of this design (i.e. providing at least some vertical overlap between an energy storage member and a dirt collection region) is that it may help provide a relatively larger dirt chamber capacity while helping to reduce the overall size of the hand vacuum 1000.

[0339] In the illustrated example, the rear end wall 1124 of the dirt collection chamber 1122 is at an angle to the vertical. As shown, rear end wall 1124 is generally parallel to the front wall 1501 of the battery pack 1500 and to the battery pack axis 1505, although in alternative embodiments they may not be parallel.

[0340] Also, when the inlet conduit axis 1035, cyclone axis 1115, filter axis 1325, and/or suction motor axis 1205 is generally horizontally oriented, a lower end of the front face 1502 is positioned rearward of an upper portion of the front face 1502.

[0341] It will be appreciated that the dirt collection region may be of various shapes which occupies some or all of the additional volume created by orienting the battery pack 1500 such that the lower end extends further rearwardly.

[0342] It will be appreciated that some of the embodiments disclosed herein may not use the inclined energy storage members as disclosed herein and that, in those embodiments, any suitable positioning of the energy storage members, if provided, may be used.

[0343] Positioning of Suction Motor and Energy Storage Member

[0344] The following is a description of different features of a hand vacuum cleaner with a suction motor positioned an upper end of a forwardly-inclined handle and rearward of at least some of the energy storage members. These features may be used by themselves in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features described herein. For example, any of the relative positioning of the suction motor and energy storage members described herein may be used with any of the air flow paths, pre-motor filter assemblies, inclined battery packs, battery pack configurations, airflow cooling configurations, and other features described herein.

[0345] In accordance with this feature, the batteries and the suction motor may be positioned so as to reduce the torque experienced by a user operating the hand vacuum cleaner. For example, by positioning a suction motor positioned at or rearward of an upper end of a forwardly-inclined handle and rearward of at least some of the energy storage members, the weight of the suction motor may partially counterbalance the weight of the batteries.

[0346] As previously discussed, in some embodiments, batteries used to power the hand vacuum cleaner 1000 may be provided at a single location, for example as one large battery pack 1500 that may include any suitable number of cells 1510, and may include, for example, lithium ion battery cells.

[0347] Optionally, a battery pack 1500 may be positioned such that some or all of the battery cells 1510 are positioned forward of a suction motor. In this configuration, the distribution of the weight of the battery pack 1500 and the weight of the suction motor 1200 may affect the hand feel and/or perceived balance of the hand vacuum 1000.

[0348] In the example illustrated in FIG. 10, suction motor 1200 is positioned rearward of cells 1510a, 1510b, 1510c, 1510d, and 1510e of battery pack 1500. In the example illustrated in FIG. 43, suction motor 1200 is positioned rearward of cells 1510a, 1510b, 1510d, 1510e, and 1510g of battery pack 1500. In the examples illustrated in FIGS. 36, 40, and 47, all of cells 1510a-1510f are positioned forward of the suction motor 1200.

[0349] Suction motor 1200 is preferably positioned at the upper end of a forwardly inclined handle 1020, as shown in the illustrated embodiments, although it may alternatively be positioned rearward of the upper end of the handle or at the lower end or at a mid-point of a handle. Additionally, or alternatively, the handle 1020 may be generally vertical or may be rearwardly inclined.

[0350] Optionally, a battery pack 1500 may be positioned such that a volume defined by the battery cells 1510 is positioned such that an axis of rotation 1115 of a cyclone chamber 1110 may intersect such a volume when the battery pack is secured to the main body 1010. For example, the cyclone chamber 1110 may be oriented horizontally, and the battery pack 1500 may be positioned rearward of the cyclone chamber. An advantage of such a configuration is that it may facilitate a more compact design of hand vacuum 1000.

[0351] It will be appreciated that some of the embodiments disclosed herein may not use the relative positioning of the suction motor, handle, and energy storage members as disclosed herein and that, in those embodiments, any suitable design may be used.

[0352] Nested Energy Storage Members

[0353] The following is a description of different features of a hand vacuum cleaner having an energy storage member (e.g. a battery pack that includes one or more battery cells) that is positioned rearward of a dirt collection region and at least partially underlies at least a portion of one or both of a cyclone chamber and a pre-motor filter. These features may be used by themselves in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features described herein. For example, any of the battery pack configurations described herein may be used with any of the air flow paths, pre-motor filter assemblies, relative positioning of the suction motor and energy storage members, inclined battery packs, airflow cooling configurations, and other features described herein.

[0354] In accordance with this feature, the some or all of a battery pack may be located beneath some or all of a cyclone chamber and/or a pre-motor filter. For example, the dirt collection region may be configured to enable the battery pack to nest or partially nest therein. Accordingly, the overall length of the hand vacuum cleaner (in the forward/rearward direction) may be reduced, thereby providing a more compact hand vacuum cleaner.

[0355] As previously discussed, in some embodiments, batteries used to power the hand vacuum cleaner 1000 may be provided at a single location, for example as one large battery pack 1500 that may include any suitable number of cells 1510, and may include, for example, lithium ion battery cells.

[0356] Optionally, a battery pack 1500 may be positioned such that at least a portion of the battery pack 1500 is nested vertically spaced from a dirt collection region 1122. For example, at least a portion of the battery pack 1500 may underlie at least a portion of one or both of a cyclone chamber 1110 and a pre-motor filter 1320. In such a configuration, the overall size or length of the hand vacuum 1000 may be reduced.

[0357] For example, as illustrated in the embodiment of FIGS. 36 and 40, as well as the embodiment of FIG. 43, a battery pack 1500 is positioned rearward of a dirt collection region 1122, and the entire battery pack 1500 is below a rearward portion of a pre-motor filter 1320.

[0358] In the example illustrated in FIGS. 47, a battery pack 1500 is positioned rearward of a dirt collection region 1122, and below a rearward portion of the cyclone chamber and below the pre-motor filter.

[0359] As discussed previously, battery pack 1500 may include any suitable number of individual battery cells, and the individual cells may be arranged in any suitable configuration. For example, some of the energy storage members (i.e. individual battery cells 1510) may be arranged one above another and some may be arranged one behind another, e.g. within a single battery pack 1500. For example, the energy storage members within a battery pack may be arranged in at least two columns in the forward/rearward direction. Accordingly, the battery pack may have a reduced height so as to assist in nesting the battery pack under a pre-motor filter and/or a cyclone chamber. An advantage of such configurations is that they may help provide a compact overall design without adversely affecting the hand feel and/or perceived balance of the hand vacuum.

[0360] As illustrated in FIG. 47, cells 1510a-1510g are arranged generally in two linear columns of cells. Specifically, cells 1510a, 1510c, 1510e, and 1510g are arranged in a first generally vertical column along a column axis 1505a that in the illustrated example is adjacent and generally parallel to a front wall 1501 of the battery pack 1500, and cells 1510b, 1510d, and 1510f are arranged in a second generally vertical column along a column axis 1505b that in the illustrated example is adjacent and generally parallel to a rear wall 1503 of the battery pack 1500.

[0361] As illustrated in FIG. 43, cells 1510a-1510g are arranged generally in three linear columns of cells. Specifically, cells 1510b and 1510e are arranged in a first generally vertical column along a column axis 1505a that in the illustrated example is adjacent and generally parallel to a front wall of the battery pack 1500, cells 1510a, 1510d, and 1510g are arranged in a second generally vertical column along a column axis 1505b positioned rearward of and generally parallel to column axis 1505a, and cells 1510c and 1510f are arranged in a third generally vertical column along a column axis 1505c positioned rearward of and generally parallel to column axis 1505b.

[0362] It will be appreciated that some of the embodiments disclosed herein may not use the nested energy storage members as disclosed herein and that, in those embodiments, any suitable positioning of the energy storage members, if provided, may be used.

[0363] Airflow Cooling of an Energy Storage Chamber

[0364] The following is a description of different features of a hand vacuum cleaner having an airflow path in which air exiting a cyclone chamber impinges on a wall of an energy storage chamber. These features may be used by themselves in any surface cleaning apparatus or in any combination or sub-combination with any other feature or features described herein. For example, any of the airflow configurations described herein may be used with any of the air flow paths, pre-motor filter assemblies, relative positioning of the suction motor and energy storage members, inclined battery packs, battery pack configurations, and other features described herein.

[0365] Optionally, at least a portion of an air flow path between the dirty air inlet 1030 and the clean air outlet 1040 may be directed against a wall of an energy storage chamber. For example, a cyclone air outlet may face a wall of an energy storage chamber, whereby air exiting the cyclone chamber impinges on the energy storage chamber wall. In such a configuration, an airflow generated by suction motor 1200 flowing against and/or over such a wall may help cool one or more energy storage members positioned within the energy storage chamber. For example, energy storage members may include chemical batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries, that produce heat while being discharged (e.g. while supplying power to the hand vacuum 1000). By directing a stream of air directly at, or at an angle to, a wall of a battery chamber, any boundary layer of air (which may act as an insulator) or laminar flow along a wall of a battery chamber is disrupted, thereby enabling enhanced cooling.

[0366] It will be appreciated that the battery pack may be provided in a chamber that receives a battery pack. Accordingly, there may be two walls between the impinging air stream and the batteries, i.e., a wall of the battery pack and a wall of the chamber in which the batter pack is received. Provided the walls contact each other or are adjacent, the impinging air stream will provide a cooling effect.

[0367] For example, in the examples illustrated in FIGS. 36 and 40, cyclone air outlet 1130 faces a rear wall 1236 of the upflow duct or conduit 1230 that directs air upwardly towards a pre-motor filter 1320. In these embodiments, rear wall 1236 is also a front wall of a recess in which battery pack 1500 is positioned. That is, rear wall 1236 is a wall of an energy storage chamber in which one or more energy storage members (e.g. individual cells 1510 and/or a battery pack 1500 containing a plurality of cells 1510) are positioned.

[0368] It will be appreciated that some of the embodiments disclosed herein may not use the airflow cooling of an energy storage member as disclosed herein and that, in those embodiments, any suitable airflow design may be used.

[0369] 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.

[0370] 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.