SURFACE CLEANING APPARATUS

Abstract

A hand vacuum cleaner has an air flow path from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. A suction motor is positioned in the air flow path and a non-cyclonic air treatment chamber is in the air flow path downstream from the dirty air inlet and upstream from the suction motor. The air treatment chamber has a front end having a chamber air inlet, a rear end having a chamber air outlet. A non-return valve flap closes an inlet port of the chamber air inlet. The non-return valve flap has an upper end that is mounted to the air treatment chamber and a lower end. The non-return valve flap is moveable from a closed position in which it closes the inlet port to an open position in which the lower end of the non-return valve flap rotates inwardly and upwardly whereby the inlet port is opened.

Claims

1. A hand vacuum cleaner comprising: (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet provided at a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a clean air outlet that is positioned rearward of the dirty air inlet, wherein a suction motor is positioned in the air flow path; (b) a handle provided on a lower side of the hand vacuum cleaner; (c) a non-cyclonic air treatment chamber in the air flow path downstream from the dirty air inlet and upstream from the suction motor, the air treatment chamber having a front end having a chamber air inlet, a rear end having a chamber air outlet and a longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends of the air treatment chamber; and, (d) a non-return valve flap that closes an inlet port of the chamber air inlet, the non-return valve flap having an upper end that is mounted to the air treatment chamber and a lower end, wherein the non-return valve flap is moveable from a closed position in which it closes the inlet port to an open position in which the lower end of the non-return valve flap rotates inwardly and upwardly whereby the inlet port is opened.

2. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein, in the open position, the non-return valve flap rotates open less than 90, whereby air exiting the inlet port is directed in a non-cyclonic flow towards a lower side of the air treatment chamber.

3. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein the air treatment chamber comprises a sidewall extending between the front and rear ends of the air treatment chamber, the sidewall has an axially extending rib provided on an inner surface of the sidewall.

4. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein the inlet port is provided on an uppermost end of the air treatment chamber.

5. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 4 wherein, in the open position, the non-return valve flap rotates open less than 90, whereby air exiting the inlet port is directed towards a lower side of the air treatment chamber.

6. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein the chamber air inlet has an inlet axis that extends rearwardly, the hand vacuum cleaner further comprises a baffle plate positioned in the air treatment chamber rearward of the non-return valve flap when the non-return valve flap is in the open position and the inlet axis intersects the baffle plate.

7. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein the chamber air outlet comprises a rigid screen which has a generally frusto-conical section.

8. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein the air treatment chamber comprises a sidewall extending between the front and rear ends of the air treatment chamber, the rear end of the air treatment chamber comprises a rear wall, the chamber air outlet comprises a rigid screen which is provided on the rear wall spaced radially inwardly from the sidewall.

9. A hand vacuum cleaner comprising: (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet provided at a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a clean air outlet that is positioned rearward of the dirty air inlet, wherein a suction motor is positioned in the air flow path and the dirty air inlet is provided at an upper end of the hand vacuum cleaner; (b) a non-cyclonic air treatment chamber in the air flow path downstream from the dirty air inlet and upstream from the suction motor, the air treatment chamber having a front end having a chamber air inlet, a rear end having a chamber air outlet and a longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends of the air treatment chamber; and, (c) a non-return valve flap that closes an inlet port of the chamber air inlet, the non-return valve flap having an upper end that is mounted to the air treatment chamber and a lower end, wherein the non-return valve flap is moveable from a closed position in which it closes the inlet port to an open position in which the lower end of the non-return valve flap rotates inwardly and upwardly whereby the inlet port is opened.

10. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 9 wherein, in the open position, the non-return valve flap rotates open less than 90, whereby air exiting the inlet port is directed towards a lower side of the air treatment chamber.

11. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 9 wherein the air treatment chamber comprises a sidewall extending between the front and rear ends of the air treatment chamber, the sidewall has an axially extending rib provided on an inner surface of the sidewall.

12. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 9 wherein the inlet port is provided on an uppermost end of the air treatment chamber.

13. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 12 wherein, in the open position, the non-return valve flap rotates open less than 90, whereby air exiting the inlet port is directed towards a lower side of the air treatment chamber.

14. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 9 wherein the chamber air inlet has an inlet axis that extends rearwardly, the hand vacuum cleaner further comprises a baffle plate positioned in the air treatment chamber rearward of the non-return valve flap when the non-return valve flap is in the open position and the inlet axis intersects the baffle plate.

15. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 14 wherein the chamber air outlet comprises a rigid screen which has a generally frusto-conical section.

16. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 14 wherein the air treatment chamber comprises a sidewall extending between the front and rear ends of the air treatment chamber, the rear end of the air treatment chamber comprises a rear wall, the chamber air outlet comprises a rigid screen which is provided on the rear wall spaced radially inwardly from the sidewall.

17. A hand vacuum cleaner comprising: (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet provided at a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a clean air outlet that is positioned rearward of the dirty air inlet, wherein a suction motor is positioned in the air flow path; (b) a non-cyclonic air treatment chamber in the air flow path downstream from the dirty air inlet and upstream from the suction motor, the air treatment chamber having a front end having a chamber air inlet, a rear end having a chamber air outlet, a sidewall extending between the front and rear ends of the air treatment chamber and a longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends of the air treatment chamber; and, (c) a non-return valve flap that closes an inlet port of the chamber air inlet, the non-return valve flap having a first end that is mounted to the air treatment chamber at a location adjacent a first portion of an inner surface of the sidewall and an opposed end, wherein the non-return valve flap is moveable from a closed position in which it closes the inlet port to an open position in which the opposed end of the non-return valve flap rotates inwardly and towards the sidewall whereby the inlet port is opened and air exiting the inlet port is directed across a volume of the non-cyclonic air treatment chamber towards a second portion of the sidewall that is opposed to the first portion in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal axis.

18. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 17 wherein, in the open position, the non-return valve flap rotates open less than 90, whereby air exiting the inlet port is directed towards the second portion of the sidewall.

19. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 17 wherein the sidewall has an axially extending rib provided on an inner surface of the sidewall.

20. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 17 wherein the chamber air inlet has an inlet axis that extends rearwardly, the hand vacuum cleaner further comprises a baffle plate positioned in the air treatment chamber rearward of the non-return valve flap when the non-return valve flap is in the open position and the inlet axis intersects the baffle plate.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] 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:

[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum cleaner attached to a wand and surface cleaning head;

[0019] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 removed from the wand and surface cleaning head;

[0020] FIG. 3 is a side view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

[0021] FIG. 4 is a top view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

[0022] FIG. 5 is a front view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

[0023] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view taken through the lateral centre of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

[0024] FIG. 7 is a side view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 with an openable portion in an open position;

[0025] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 with the openable portion in the open position;

[0026] FIG. 9A is a perspective view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 docked at a docking station;

[0027] FIG. 9B is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 when docked at the docking station and having an openable door in a closed position;

[0028] FIG. 9C is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 when docked at the docking station during an evacuation operation with an openable door in an open position;

[0029] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an example dome-shaped porous separator for use with the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

[0030] FIG. 10B is a top perspective partially cut away view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 having the dome-shaped porous separator of FIG. 10A;

[0031] FIG. 10C is a side perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 having the dome-shaped porous separator of FIG. 10A;

[0032] FIG. 11A is a perspective view of an example flat porous separator for use with the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

[0033] FIG. 11B is a top perspective partially cut away view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 having the flat porous separator of FIG. 11A;

[0034] FIG. 11C is a side perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 having the flat porous separator of FIG. 11A;

[0035] FIG. 12A is a perspective view of an example conical porous separator for use with the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

[0036] FIG. 12B is a top perspective partially cut away view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 having the conical porous separator;

[0037] FIG. 12C is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 having the conical porous separator having the conical porous separator of FIG. 12A;

[0038] FIG. 13A is a side cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 having a non-return valve in a closed position having the conical porous separator of FIG. 12A;

[0039] FIG. 13B is a side cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 having the non-return valve in an open position;

[0040] FIG. 14 is a front cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 having the non-return valve in the closed position;

[0041] FIG. 15 is a top cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 having the non-return valve in the open position;

[0042] FIG. 16A is a front cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 with a baffle plate that has a planar free edge;

[0043] FIG. 16B is a front cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 with a baffle plate that has two recesses in the free edge;

[0044] FIG. 16C is a front cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 with a baffle plate that has a central protrusion extending from the free edge;

[0045] FIG. 17A is a top cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 with a baffle plate that has a protrusion extending from a front side;

[0046] FIG. 17B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 with a baffle plate that has a protrusion extending from the front side;

[0047] FIG. 18A is a side cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 having a baffle plate with a planar rear side;

[0048] FIG. 18B is a side cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 having a baffle plate with a curved rear side;

[0049] FIG. 18C is a side cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 having a baffle plate with an angled rear side;

[0050] FIG. 19A is a side cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 having an axially extending rib along a sidewall of an air treatment chamber;

[0051] FIG. 19B is a side cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 having the axially extending rib along a portion of the sidewall of the air treatment chamber;

[0052] FIG. 20A is a top perspective partially cut away view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 having an air impervious cover;

[0053] FIG. 20B is a side perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 20A showing the air impervious cover overlying a vertical porous separator;

[0054] FIG. 20C is a side cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 20A having the air impervious cover overlying the vertical porous separator;

[0055] FIG. 20D is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 20A having the air impervious cover overlying a horizontal porous separator;

[0056] FIG. 20E is a cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 20A having the air impervious cover overlying the horizontal porous separator;

[0057] FIG. 21A is a top perspective partially cut away view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 having an alternate air impervious cover;

[0058] FIG. 21B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 21A with the air impervious cover overlying another horizontal porous separator; and,

[0059] FIG. 21C is a side cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 21A with the air impervious cover overlying the horizontal porous separator.

[0060] 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 VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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.

[0063] 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.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] 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).

[0069] 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.

General Description of a Hand Vacuum Cleaner

[0070] FIGS. 1 to 9 show an example embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus 100. The following is a general discussion of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 which provides a basis for understanding several of the features that are discussed herein. As discussed in detail subsequently, each of the features may be used in other embodiments.

[0071] 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.

[0072] In alternate embodiments, the features of the air treatment chamber discussed herein may be used in any other type of surface cleaning apparatus such as an upright surface cleaning apparatus, a canister surface cleaning apparatus, wet-dry vacuum cleaner, an extractor or the like.

[0073] Optionally, as exemplified in FIG. 1, the hand vacuum 100 can be removably mounted to a base, such as base 102 (either removably or in a fixed manner) 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. In the illustrated example, the base 102 of the surface cleaning apparatus 100 includes a surface cleaning head 104 and an elongated rigid wand 106. In this configuration, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 can be used to clean a floor or other surface in a manner analogous to a conventional upright-style vacuum cleaner. In alternate configurations, the surface cleaning apparatus 100 can be used alone (without wand 106 or with an accessory cleaning tool), such as to clean above-floor surfaces, or with the wand 106, such as to clean hard-to-reach and/or above-floor surfaces, for example.

[0074] Referring to FIGS. 2 to 6, as exemplified, 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, a handle 118 extending from the main body 116, an air treatment chamber 120 connected to the main body 116 (e.g., fixed, removably, pivotably, or semi-pivotably connected), a dirty air inlet 122, a clean air outlet 124, an airflow path 126 extending between the inlet 122 and outlet 124, and a suction motor 128 to generate vacuum suction through the airflow path 126. The suction motor 128 may be positioned in a suction motor housing 130 within the main body 116. Optionally, the hand vacuum 100 may include a pre-motor filter 132 and/or a post-motor filter 134. The pre-motor filter 132 and post-motor filter 134 may respectively be positioned in the main body 116 within a pre-motor filter housing 136 and a post-motor filter housing 138, which may be integrally formed as part of the main body housing 118 or removably positioned therein.

[0075] In the illustrated example, the dirty air inlet 122 is provided at the front end 108 and, as exemplified, may be positioned proximate the upper end 112. The hand vacuum 100 includes an air inlet conduit 140, which may be a generally linear member having a conduit axis 142 that is oriented in a longitudinal forward/rearward direction. As exemplified, the conduit axis 142 is generally horizontal when the hand vacuum 100 is oriented with the upper end 108 above the lower end 110.

[0076] Referring to FIG. 6, the air inlet conduit 140 includes a sidewall 144 extending between axially opposed ends, and the dirty air inlet 122 is provided at one of the axially opposed ends and a dirty air outlet 146 is provided at the other of the axially opposed ends. As exemplified, the dirty air inlet 122 and the dirty air outlet 146 are ports at the front and rear ends of the air inlet conduit 140. As exemplified, the dirty air inlet 122 and, optionally, the dirty air outlet 146 may be positioned forward of the air treatment chamber 120. Optionally, the end of the air inlet conduit 140 having the dirty air inlet 122 can be used as a nozzle to directly clean a surface. In use, the dirty air outlet 146 introduces dirty air into the air treatment chamber 120. It will be appreciated that the air inlet conduit 140, dirty air inlet 122, and/or dirty air outlet 146 may be provided in different locations than those exemplified.

[0077] As exemplified in FIG. 6, the air treatment chamber 120 may be provided at the front end 108 of the hand vacuum 100, such as forward of the suction motor 128 and the main body. The air treatment chamber 120 has a front end 148, an opposed rear end 150, a sidewall 152 extending between the front and rear ends 148, 150, a lower end 154, and an upper end 156. The air treatment chamber 120 may further have a central longitudinal axis 158 extending between the front and rear ends 148, 150. As used herein, central may mean the axis is centrally located with respect to the lateral direction of the hand vacuum 100 and/or centrally located with respect to the vertical direction when the hand vacuum 100 is oriented with the upper end 112 above the lower end 114. Accordingly, the axis 158 may be radially located centrally inwardly of the sidewall 152. The longitudinal axis 158 may be parallel to the conduit axis 142 of the air inlet conduit 140. As exemplified in FIG. 6, when the hand vacuum 100 is oriented with the upper end 112 above the lower end 114, the longitudinal axis 158 of the air treatment chamber 120 and, in some embodiments, the conduit axis 142 of the air inlet conduit 140, may be oriented horizontally.

[0078] As exemplified, dirty air enters the air treatment chamber 120 through a chamber air inlet 160 provided at the front end 148 and exits through a chamber air outlet 162 provided at the rear end 150. The chamber air inlet 160 may be provided in a front end wall 166 of the air treatment chamber 120 and define an inlet port 164, which may be fluidly connected to the dirty air outlet 146 of the air inlet conduit 140. As exemplified, the inlet port 164 is also the outlet port of the air inlet conduit 140.

[0079] The chamber air outlet 162 may be provided in a rear end wall 168 of the air treatment chamber 120 and may comprise a port in the rear end wall 168 of the air treatment chamber 120. As exemplified, the chamber air outlet 162 also comprises a porous separator 170, such as a screen or mesh, which may be positioned over the port of the chamber air outlet 162. As exemplified, porous separator 170 optionally extends axially inwardly into the air treatment chamber 120 from the rear end wall 168. The airflow path 126 may pass through the inlet port 164 into the air treatment chamber 120 and through the porous separator 170 to separate at least some particulate matter from the air as it travels to the chamber air outlet 162.

[0080] The air treatment chamber 120 may be a non-cyclonic treatment chamber and may be a turbulent flow treatment chamber, which may include one or more elements for inducing turbulent flow in the airflow path 126 between the chamber air inlet 160 and the chamber air outlet 162. Due to the changes in speed and/or direction of air undergoing turbulent flow, particulate matter will be disentranced from the air flow but will still move within the air treatment chamber 120. Optionally, some or all of air may be directed to flow over or past part or all of the porous separator 170 thereby removing particulate matter from the outer surface of the porous separator 170 and preventing or reducing the buildup of particulate matter on the porous separator 170. By preventing or reducing the buildup of particulate matter on the porous separator 170, the openings in the porous separator will not become clogged thereby enabling the volume of air passing through the air treatment chamber 120 to remain relatively constant during a cleaning operation.

[0081] As discussed subsequently herein, a non-cyclonic air treatment chamber 120 includes one or more of a non-return valve 172 provided at the chamber air inlet 160, which directs air entering the air treatment chamber towards a sidewall (see e.g., FIG. 6), a baffle plate 174 positioned rearward of the chamber air inlet 160 (see e.g., FIG. 6), an air impervious cover 176 positioned at the rear end 150 of the air treatment chamber 120 (see e.g., FIGS. 20A to 20C) and an axially extending rib provided on an inner surface of the sidewall 152 of the air treatment chamber 120 (see e.g., FIGS. 19A and 19B). Each of the non-return valve 172, the baffle plate 174, the air impervious cover 176, and the axially extending rib 178 may function to direct, deflect, divide, and/or disrupt the airflow through the air treatment chamber 120 to induce, e.g., turbulent flow therein.

[0082] Referring again to FIG. 6, as exemplified, the air treatment chamber 120 comprises a volume 180 defined by the sidewall 152 of the air treatment chamber 120. As discussed in more detail subsequently, in use, the airflow in the volume 180 will result in particulate matter continually moving in the volume during a cleaning operation such that the particulate matter will settle onto a surface of the volume 180 only when the suction motor is deenergized. This differs to a cyclone chamber wherein particulate matter is distrained from the air flow and collected in a dirt collection chamber while cyclonic flow continues in the cyclone chamber. When a cleaning operation is terminated (i.e., the suction motor is deactivated), then the air flow through the air treatment chamber 120 will terminate and particulate matter will settle onto a surface defining the volume 180 of the air treatment chamber 120.

[0083] At least a portion of the air treatment chamber 120 can be openable for emptying the volume 180. For example, as exemplified in FIGS. 7 and 8, the sidewall 152 of the air treatment chamber 120 has an openable portion 182 (the lower portion as exemplified) and a stationary portion (the upper portion of the air treatment chamber 120 as exemplified). As exemplified, the openable portion 182 may be movably connected to the main body 116, e.g., at the rear end 150 of the air treatment chamber 120, such as by being pivotably connected, using any suitable mechanism including a hinge or other suitable device. The openable portion 182 may be movable between a closed position, in which the air treatment chamber 120 is closed (see e.g., FIGS. 2 and 3), and an open position, in which the air treatment chamber 120 is open and the volume 180 is emptiable (see e.g., FIGS. 7 and 8). It will be appreciated that any other opening design may be used. For example, as discussed subsequently, the air treatment chamber 120 may have a front and/or rear openable wall.

[0084] Optionally, as exemplified in FIGS. 7 and 8, the rear end wall 168 and the porous separator 170 may move with the openable portion 182 between the open and closed positions. The rear end wall 168 and the porous separator 170 moving with the openable portion 182 may advantageously allow enhanced access to the porous separator 170 to remove any buildup of particulate matter thereon.

[0085] Optionally, once opened, the openable portion together with the rear end wall 168 and the porous separator 170 may be removed (e . . . , slid forwardly) to provide access to the pre-motor filter 132 in the pre-motor filter housing 136, which may be located rearward of the air treatment chamber 120, for removal and inspection, cleaning, or replacement of the pre-motor filter 132.

[0086] Optionally, the openable portion 182 can be secured in the closed position using any suitable type of locking mechanism, including a latch mechanism that can be released by a user. The actuator for opening/releasing the openable portion 182 can be provided on the air treatment chamber 120 itself, on the main body 116, or on any other portion of the hand vacuum 100. This may enable the hand vacuum 100 to be manually emptied by the user.

[0087] As another example, as exemplified in FIGS. 2 and 5, the front end wall 166 of the air treatment chamber 120 may have an openable door 184 below the air inlet conduit 140. The openable door 184 may be movably connected, such as pivotably connected, to the front end wall 166 of the air treatment chamber 120 using any suitable mechanism, including a hinge or other suitable device. The openable door 184 may be movable between a closed position, in which the air treatment chamber 120 is closed (see e.g., FIGS. 2, 5, and 9B), and an open position, in which the air treatment chamber 120 is open and the volume 180 therein is emptiable (see e.g., FIG. 9C).

[0088] Optionally, the openable door 184 can be secured in the closed position using any suitable type of locking mechanism, including a latch mechanism that can be released by a user (e.g., as described with respect to the openable portion 182). Alternatively, the openable door 184 may be opened automatically. For example, FIG. 9A shows the hand vacuum 100 docked at a docking station 186. As exemplified, the docking station 186 includes a station base 188 and an upright conduit 190 extending upwardly from the station base 188. The hand vacuum 100 is docked to a vacuum mount 192 of the docking station 186 at an upper end of the upright conduit 190. The upright conduit 190 may extend to an elevation such that, as shown, the hand vacuum 100 may dock at the docking station 186 while attached to the wand 106 and surface cleaning head 104. Once docked or as the hand vacuum 100 is docked, the openable door 184 may automatically move from the closed position (see e.g., FIG. 9B) to the open position (see e.g., FIG. 9C), placing the air treatment chamber 120 in fluid communication with the upright conduit 190. Subsequently, a suction motor (not shown) in the station base 188 may generate suction to draw the contents of the air treatment chamber 120 through the opening of the openable door 184, through the upright conduit 190, and into a collection chamber (not shown) within the station base 188. This may enable the hand vacuum 100 to be automatically emptied by the docking station 186.

[0089] Referring again to FIG. 6, after exiting the air treatment chamber 120 through the chamber air outlet 162, the airflow path 126 may extend downstream to the suction motor 128 through any intervening elements, such as the pre-motor filter 132. Optionally, the air treatment chamber 120 may be a first stage air treatment chamber, and the hand vacuum cleaner 100 may further include a second treatment stage (not shown) downstream of the first stage air treatment chamber (e.g., in series with each other such that air exiting the first stage air treatment chamber flows into the second stage air treatment chamber) and upstream of the suction motor 128. In such embodiments, the second treatment stage may include a single cyclone chamber, a plurality of cyclones arranged in parallel, or may be non-cyclonic, such as a filter bag or a turbulent flow chamber as described with respect to the air treatment chamber 120, for example.

[0090] The suction motor 128 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 128 may include a fan and/or impeller (i.e., a motor and fan assembly), which rotates about a motor axis 194 of rotation, to help generate the desired airflow. As exemplified, when the hand vacuum 100 is oriented with the upper end 112 above the lower end 114 in the orientation of FIG. 6, the motor axis of rotation 194 of the suction motor 128 may be oriented horizontally. The motor axis 194 may extend in the same direction as the longitudinal axis 158 of the air treatment chamber 120 and/or the conduit axis 142 of the air inlet conduit 140 and, in some embodiments, one or both of the longitudinal axis 158 and the conduit axis 142 may be coaxial with the longitudinal axis 158.

[0091] As exemplified in FIGS. 2 to 4, the clean air outlet 124 includes a grill 196, which may be oriented such that air exiting the clean air outlet 124 travels generally upwardly, generally laterally outwardly, and/or at an inclined angle generally rearwardly from the hand vacuum 100. Such directional airflow exiting the clean air outlet 124 may beneficially avoid the exhaust airflow impacting the user or the surface to be cleaned. The clean air outlet 124 may be at any position rearward of the dirty air inlet 122 such as proximate the rear end 110, as shown, or at any other position intermediate the front and rear ends 108, 110. The clean air outlet 124 may further be at any position between the upper and lower ends 112, 114, such as proximate the upper end 112 as shown. Any other position of the clean air outlet 124 may be possible, such as in or below handle 118.

[0092] Optionally, one or more pre-motor filters 132 may be provided in the hand vacuum 100 at any position in the airflow path 126 upstream from the suction motor 128, such as in the pre-motor filter housing 136 in the main body 116. 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 a donut filter with a filter media defining a sidewall and an open internal volume defining a downstream filter side wherein the filter may be cylindrical, conical, frusto-conical, or a generally flat, slab-like filter. An optional felt filter layer can be provided on one side of the pre-motor filter 132 (i.e., on the upstream side or, preferably, adjacent the downstream side).

[0093] 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 126 downstream from the suction motor 128, such as in the post-motor filter housing 138 in the main body 116 or in the handle 118 (e.g., if the clean air outlet 124 is provided in the handle 118). 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.

[0094] 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 in FIGS. 2 to 6, the handle 118 may be located proximate the rear end 110 of the hand vacuum 100. The handle 118 may be a pistol-grip style handle having an elongate hand grip portion 198 extending downwardly and rearwardly along a hand grip axis 200 (see e.g., FIG. 6) between an upper end 202, which is coupled to the sidewall of the main body 116, and a lower end 204. When the hand vacuum 100 is oriented so that the upper end 112 is disposed above the lower end 114, the hand grip axis 200 may form an acute angle, relative to the vertical direction. The angle can be any suitable angle, and preferably is between about 5-85, and may be between about 10-40.

[0095] As exemplified, the lower end 204 of the handle 118 may include a lower member 206, which may function as a stand and/or housing for various elements of the hand vacuum 100. For example, power may be supplied to the hand vacuum 100 by one or more onboard energy storage members 208 (see e.g., FIG. 6), which may be housed, for example, in the lower member 206. Additionally, or alternatively, the energy storage members 208 may be housed in the hand grip portion 198 of the handle 118 and/or in the main body 116. Positioning energy storage members 208 at two or more locations may help distribute the weight of the energy storage members 208 and may affect the hand feel and/or perceived balance of the hand vacuum 100.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 1, energy storage members 208 may optionally also be provided within the wand 106, the surface cleaning head 104, and/or other auxiliary tools. Providing energy storage members 208 in the wand 106 and/or the surface cleaning head 104 may help provide some additional power 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 208 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 128. If the energy storage members 208 housed in or on the wand 106 and/or the surface cleaning head 104, the additional mass of those energy storage members 208 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, the energy storage members 208 housed in or on the wand 106 and/or the surface cleaning head 104, together with the energy storage members provide in the hand vacuum 100 can provide at least some power to the suction motor 128 when the hand vacuum 100 is mounted to the wand 106 and one or both may optionally 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.

[0097] The energy storage members 208 may include, for example, one or more batteries and/or battery packs, which may be any type including, for example, solid state batteries, or one or more capacitors, super capacitors or ultra capacitors. If the energy storage member(s) 208 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.

[0098] Optionally, the batteries and battery packs may be rechargeable or may be replaceable, non-rechargeable batteries. For example, if the batteries and battery packs are rechargeable, the docking station 186 exemplified in FIG. 9A may be configured to charge the energy storage members 208 when the hand vacuum 100 is docked to the vacuum mount 192. As another example, the hand vacuum 100 may optionally include an electrical cord (not shown) that can be connected to a standard wall electrical outlet. In such examples, power for the hand vacuum 100 may be supplied via the electrical cord from a wall socket, and the suction motor 128 may run on AC power supplied from the wall socket. Optionally, the electrical cord may charge the energy storage members 208 and be detachable from the hand vacuum 100, allowing for both corded and cordless operation of the hand vacuum 100. Optionally, in alternate embodiments, the energy storage members 208 may be omitted and the power source for the hand vacuum 100 may be solely provided via the electrical cord.

[0099] In addition to functioning as a nozzle, the air inlet conduit 140 can be 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 210 (see e.g., FIG. 2), which may be provided proximate the front end 108, such as on the air inlet conduit 140. The downstream end of the accessory, such as the wand 106, can include another electrical connector (not shown), which may be detachably matingly connectable to the electrical connector 210 of the hand vacuum 100. The electrical connectors 210 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.

[0100] For example, FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a stickvac cleaning apparatus (e.g., a stickvac) that incorporates hand vacuum 100 and is configured so that the air inlet conduit 140 is directly mechanically, and optionally electrically, connected to an upper end 212 of the wand 106. A lower end 214 of the wand 106 is pivotally, and optionally pivotally and steeringly, connected to the surface cleaning head 104. In this arrangement, the handle 118 can be used to manipulate the hand vacuum 100 when detached from the wand 106, and can be used to manipulate the combination of the hand vacuum 100 and the wand 106, or the combination of the hand vacuum 100, wand 106, and surface cleaning head 104 (i.e. the stickvac), depending on the mode or configuration in which the hand vacuum 100 is used.

[0101] The wand 106 may be any suitable member that can provide the desired structural connection and airflow communication between the hand vacuum 100 and the surface cleaning head 104. Preferably, the wand 106 is a rigid air flow conduit that provides the fluid communication between the surface cleaning head 104 and the hand vacuum 100. The wand 106 may be made from metal, plastic and/or any other suitable material.

[0102] In the illustrated example, the surface cleaning head 104 includes a body 216, a pair of rear wheels (not shown) connected to the body 216 to rollingly support the surface cleaning head 104 above a surface to be cleaned, and a cleaning head dirty air inlet 218 in the downward facing lower body surface. The surface cleaning head 104 also includes an upflow duct 220 that is pivotally connected to the body 216. The lower end 214 of the wand 106 can be connected to the upflow duct 220, whereby the wand 106 is movable relative to the surface cleaning head 104. In the illustrated example, the upflow duct 220 is in fluid communication with the cleaning head dirty air inlet 218. The upflow duct 220 is configured to receive the lower end 214 of the wand 106 (or optionally vice versa) and to fluidly connect the surface cleaning head 104 to the hand vacuum 100. Optionally, the lower end 214 of the wand 106 can be detachably connected to the upflow duct 220, 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 separated from the surface cleaning head 104 for maintenance and/or for use in above floor cleaning. In such a configuration, the lower end 214 of the wand 106 can function as an auxiliary dirty air inlet, and the wand 106 as an extension of the air inlet conduit 140. It will be appreciated that any surface cleaning head may be sued.

[0103] Preferably, as previously discussed, the hand vacuum 100 can be detachably connected to the opposing upper end 212 of the wand 106, for example using 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).

[0104] Optionally, the hand vacuum 100 may include one or more information display devices, such as one or more lights, to provide information to a user. For example, as shown in FIG. 1, the information display device of the hand vacuum 100 is a display screen 222, which may be an LCD screen, an LED screen, an OLED screen and the like. While the display screen 222 is provided on the rear end 110 of the hand vacuum 100, it will be appreciated that other the display screen 222 may be provided on the upper end 112 of the hand vacuum 100 or any other suitable location allowing the user to monitor the information displayed on the screen 222. The information displayed on the screen 222 or other suitable information display device(s) may indicate status information of the hand vacuum 100 (e.g., power mode, operation mode), the suction motor 128 (e.g., on/off, current power level, overheating), the energy storage members 208 (e.g., charge level) and/or other electrical elements of the hand vacuum 100.

[0105] Optionally, the information display device may also provide information related to an accessory tool of the like that is connected to the hand vacuum 100, such as a tool or the wand 106 and/or surface cleaning head 104. The information displayed may be customized for each type of accessory tool or apparatus that can be connected to the hand vacuum 100. For example, the screen 222 of FIG. 1 can optionally be configured to show information about the accessory tool or apparatus is connected to the hand vacuum 100 (e.g., via the electrical connector 210), 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.

[0106] Optionally, as exemplified in FIG. 1, a power switch 224 that controls operation of the suction motor 128 (on/off, variable power levels, or both) can be provided on the rear end 110 of the hand vacuum 100, for example by establishing a power connection between the energy storage members 208 and the suction motor 128 (or other portion of the hand vacuum). The power switch 224 can be provided in any suitable configuration, including as a button (as shown), a rotary switch, or a sliding switch, for example. The display screen 222 may also be a touch screen, and the power switch 224 can be provided as a touch button in the display screen 222. The power switch 224 may be provided at any other suitable location, such as on or near the handle 118 (e.g., a trigger-type actuator on a forward side at upper end 202 of handle 118) such that it can be actuated by a finger (e.g., thumb or index finger) of the user on the same hand as is gripping the hand grip portion 198 of the handle 118, allowing true one-handed operation of the hand vacuum 100.

[0107] The power switch 224 may also be configured to control other aspects of the hand vacuum 100 (e.g., 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 128. Optionally, the power switch 224, 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 224 may be used to select different power profiles (high power vs. low power), or other device functions. Optionally, the function of the power switch 224 may be displayed on a suitable display device, such as the display screen 222 described herein. For example, the power switch 224 may be operable to control both the suction motor 128 and a 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.

[0108] 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 128 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. For example, the apparatus may be operable to automatically change power modes based on the detected presence and/or amount of dirt on the surface to be cleaned. The hand vacuum 100 may also include a manual option for a user to override the automatic changes.

Porous Separator Positioned at the Chamber Air Outlet

[0109] 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 non-return valve flap that closes an inlet port of the chamber air inlet, the baffle plate positioned in the air treatment chamber rearward of the chamber air inlet, the air impervious cover positioned at the rear end of the air treatment chamber and overlying the porous separator, the axially extending rib provided on an inner surface of the sidewall of the air treatment chamber, and the bleed air inlet port provided through the sidewall of the air treatment chamber, may have the porous separator positioned at the chamber air outlet.

[0110] As described previously, the porous separator 170 may be provided as part of the chamber air outlet 162 and may separate at least some particulate matter from the airflow as the airflow passes through the porous separator 170 while travelling to the outlet port of the chamber air outlet 162. The porous separator 170 may be any shape, such as frusto-conical (see e.g., FIG. 6), domed or semi-spherical (see e.g., FIG. 10A), generally planar (see e.g., FIG. 11A), or conical (see e.g., FIG. 12A), for example. As shown in FIGS. 6 and 10A to 10C, the porous separator 170 may include a rigid screen 226 through which the airflow passes. The rigid screen 226 may have a plurality of pores, and the pores may have any size suitable for permitting the passage of air therethrough while restricting the passage of particulate matter. The rigid screen 226 may be self-supporting or, as shown, supported by a plurality of frame members 227 which extend from a base 228.

[0111] Optionally, as exemplified, the porous separator 170 may include a ring 229 to which the base 228 may be removably connected (e.g., threadedly, snap-fit, etc.). As exemplified, the ring 229 has an axially or generally axially extending sidewall that is air impervious. The ring 229 may be connected to the rear end wall 168 of the air treatment chamber 120 over the chamber air outlet 162. In such examples, the screened portion of the porous separator 170 (i.e., the rigid screen 226, frame members 227, and base 228) may advantageously be removed from the ring 229 for inspection, cleaning, and/or replacement. Further, porous separators 170 of various shapes may advantageously be interchangeably connected to the ring 229 to change the airflow dynamics and/or collection capacity of the air treatment chamber 120. For example, porous separators 170 having differently sized openings may be interchangeable connected to the ring 229. In alternate embodiments, the ring 229 may be omitted and the base 228 may be directly removably connected to the rear end wall 168 or the base 228 may be integrally formed with the ring 229, which may itself be directly removably connected to the rear end wall 168.

[0112] In some embodiments, such as exemplified in FIGS. 6, 10B to 10C, and 12B to 12C, the porous separator 170 may extend forwardly from the rear end wall 168 into the air treatment chamber 120. Optionally, the porous separator 170 may extend forwardly from the rear end wall 168 along the longitudinal axis 158 of the air treatment chamber 120. In some embodiments, such as exemplified in FIGS. 11B to 11C, if the porous separator 170 is generally planar, it may extend in a plane that is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 158 of the air treatment chamber 120.

[0113] In some embodiments, the ring 229 (or base 228, if the ring 229 is omitted) of the porous separator 170 may have a smaller outer diameter than the rear end wall 168. In such embodiments, the porous separator 170 is spaced radially inwardly from the sidewall 152 of the air treatment chamber 120. In alternate embodiments, the base 228 or ring 229 of the porous separator 170 may have substantially the same outer diameter as the rear end wall 168 such that the rear end wall 168 is substantially covered by the porous separator 170. This may depend, for example, on the size of the chamber air outlet 162 and/or the desired size of the porous separator 170, such as for the desired amount of filtering surface area of the rigid screen 226.

Non-Return Valve Flap that Closes an Inlet Port of the Chamber Air Inlet

[0114] 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 porous separator positioned at the chamber air outlet, the baffle plate positioned in the air treatment chamber rearward of the chamber air inlet, the air impervious cover positioned at the rear end of the air treatment chamber and overlying the porous separator, the axially extending rib provided on an inner surface of the sidewall of the air treatment chamber, and the bleed air inlet port provided through the sidewall of the air treatment chamber, may have the non-return valve flap that closes an inlet port of the chamber air inlet.

[0115] The non-return valve 172 in the hand vacuum 100 as described herein may close the inlet port 164 of the air treatment chamber 120 when the hand vacuum 100 is turned off. This may advantageously prevent particulate matter collected within the volume 180 from escaping the air treatment chamber 120 through the inlet port 164 and falling from the hand vacuum 100 through the air inlet conduit 140 (and wand 106, if attached), such as when the hand vacuum 100 is oriented with the rear end 110 above the front end 108.

[0116] In accordance with this aspect and as exemplified in FIG. 15, the non-return valve 172 is configured or operable to direct (deflect) incoming dirty air exiting the inlet port 164 to flow generally linearly in the direction of the longitudinal axis towards the porous separator 170, to then reverse flow and travel past the porous separator 170 so as to wash the porous separator 170 (e.g., as the air travels forwardly). Subsequently, the air again reverses direction and creates a flow, which may be turbulent, towards and then through the porous separator 170. Accordingly, the opening created by a non-return valve flap 230 of the non-return valve 172 (i.e., the opening between the inlet port 164 and the side of the non-return valve flap 230 which faces the inlet port 164 in the closed position) directs the incoming air towards a desired portion of the sidewall 152 of the air treatment chamber 120 (see for example the airflow indicated in FIG. 13B. As exemplified, and in the orientation of FIG. 13B, the incoming air is directed downwardly to a portion of the sidewall 152 that is rearward of the inlet port 164. The air is then redirected by the wall to travel generally rearwardly towards the porous separator 170. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the airflow in the volume 180 will result in particulate matter continually moving in the volume during a cleaning operation and that the particulate matter will settle onto a surface of the volume 180 only when the suction motor is deenergized.

[0117] It will be appreciated that, in the embodiment of FIG. 6, if the non-return valve flap 230 is thin and planer as exemplified and if the non-return valve flap 230 were to rotate open 90 or more, then air exiting the air inlet conduit 140 would travel generally linearly (rearwardly) to the porous separator 170. In such a case, the air flow would directly impinge upon the porous separator 170 resulting in some particulate matter being lodged in the opening of the porous separator 170 and additional particulate matter collecting on the outer surface of the porous separator 170.

[0118] Referring now to FIGS. 13A to 14, the non-return valve 172 of the hand vacuum 100 includes a non-return valve flap 230 having a first end 232 (shown as the upper end) and an opposed end 234 (shown as the lower end). The first end 232 may be mounted to the air treatment chamber 120 at any location suitable for positioning the non-return valve flap 230 such that it may close the inlet port 164 of the chamber air inlet 160 when the suction motor is deenergized. For example, the first end 232 (e.g., the upper end in the orientation of FIG. 13B) may be movably mounted, such as pivotably or rotatably, proximate the inlet port 164. Optionally, if the inlet conduit 140 is a provided adjacent the sidewall 152 (e.g., at the upper end of the volume 180 as exemplified in FIG. 6, then the non-return valve flap 230 may be moveably mounted at a location adjacent a portion of an inner surface of the sidewall 152. In such examples, the first end 232 may optionally be mounted to the inner surface of the sidewall 152 of the air treatment chamber 120 (e.g., at the upper end 156) or to the front end wall 166 of the air treatment chamber 120 (e.g., above the inlet port 164) proximate the dirty air outlet 146.

[0119] As described subsequently, the mounting location of the first end 232 may depend, for example, on the desired direction of the non-return valve flap 230 to direct/deflect the airflow entering the air treatment chamber 120. In the illustrated example, the first end 232 is pivotably mounted to the air treatment chamber 120 adjacent the inner surface of the sidewall 152 at the upper end 156 of the air treatment chamber 120.

[0120] It will be appreciated that, in alternate embodiments, the non-return valve flap 230 may be mounted at the lower end of the volume 180 (in the orientation of FIG. 6) or the inlet conduit 140 may be centrally located such that conduit axis 142 is adjacent or coaxial with the longitudinal axis 158.

[0121] As exemplified, the non-return valve flap 230 may be moveable from a closed position (see e.g., FIG. 13A), in which it closes the inlet port 164, to an open position (see e.g., FIG. 13B), in which the opposed end 234 of the non-return valve flap 230 rotates inwardly and towards the sidewall 152 (i.e., upwardly, in the illustrated example) whereby the inlet port 164 is opened.

[0122] In any embodiment, the non-return valve flap 230 may be biased to the closed position by a biasing member such as, for example, a torsion spring or any other suitable biasing means. For example, if the non-return valve flap 230 is made of a resilient material, the non-return valve flap 230 may bias itself to the closed position. In use, when the hand vacuum 100 is switched on, the suction force generated by the suction motor 128 may overcome the force of gravity and/or the biasing force of the biasing member and cause the non-return valve flap 230 to move from the closed position to the open position. Conversely, when the suction motor 128 is turned off such that suction force is removed, the non-return valve flap 230 may return to the closed position under the force of gravity or the biasing force from a biasing member.

[0123] The non-return valve flap 230 may be dimensioned such that, in the closed position, it fully covers the inlet port 164. For example, the non-return valve flap 230 may have a greater diameter than that of the inlet port 164.

[0124] Optionally, a forward facing surface of the non-return valve flap 230 may include a resiliently compressible material which, under force of the biasing member, contacts and compresses against the front end wall 166 of the air treatment chamber 120 around the inlet port 164 and/or the sidewall 144 at the end of the air inlet conduit 140 having the dirty air outlet 146. In this way, the resiliently compressible material may form an improved seal, preventing escape of any collected particulate matter from the air treatment chamber 120 when the non-return valve flap 230 is in the closed position. Alternatively, the resiliently compressible material may be provided on the front end wall 166 around the inlet port 164 and/or sidewall 144 at the end of the air inlet conduit 140 having the dirty air outlet 146.

[0125] The open position of the non-return valve flap 230 may be any rotational angle from the closed position. For example, as exemplified in FIG. 13B, the non-return valve flap 230 may rotate open less than 90 (e.g., less than 90, 80, 70, 60, 50 or less than 45) to the open position. In any embodiment, the rotational angle may be regulated by a physical stop, such as a physical stop extending inwardly from the inner surface of the sidewall 152 of the air treatment chamber 120 (e.g., from the upper end, in the illustrated example). In such embodiments, the physical stop may contact a rearward facing surface of the non-return valve flap 230 and prevent any further rotation. In alternate embodiments, the rotational angle may be regulated by the biasing member. In such embodiments, the suction force generated by the suction motor 128 may be sufficient to overcome the biasing force of the biasing member to move the non-return valve flap 230 from the closed position, and the suction force and biasing force may reach an equilibrium at a predetermined rotational angle defining the open position.

[0126] It will also be appreciated that the forward facing surface of the non-return valve flap 230 need not be planar as exemplified. For example, the forward facing surface of the non-return valve flap 230 may be shaped to direct air downwardly (in the orientation of FIG. 6) even if the non-return valve flap 230 opens 90. Accordingly, the extent to which the non-return valve flap 230 opens may be determined based on the desired location on the sidewall 152 that the air is to be directed to and the shape of the forward facing surface of the non-return valve flap 230.

[0127] In the open position, air exiting the inlet port 164 is directed in a non-tangential manner across the volume of the chamber towards a portion of the sidewall 152 that is opposed to the location of the first end 232 of the non-return valve flap 230 (e.g., the portion adjacent which the first end 232 of the non-return valve flap 230 is mounted) in a direction that is generally transverse to the longitudinal axis 158. Referring to FIG. 13B, in the example shown, air exiting the inlet port 164 is directed towards the inner surface of the sidewall 152 at the lower end 154 of the air treatment chamber 120. It will be appreciated that the mounting location of the first end 232, and thus the rotational direction of the second end 234 during opening, may dictate the direction that the non-return valve flap 230 directs/deflects the airflow entering the air treatment chamber 120.

Baffle Plate Positioned in the Air Treatment Chamber Rearward of the Chamber Air Inlet

[0128] 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 porous separator positioned at the chamber air outlet, the non-return valve flap that closes an inlet port of the chamber air inlet, the air impervious cover positioned at the rear end of the air treatment chamber and overlying the porous separator, the axially extending rib provided on an inner surface of the sidewall of the air treatment chamber, and the bleed air inlet port provided through the sidewall of the air treatment chamber, may have the baffle plate positioned in the air treatment chamber rearward of the chamber air inlet.

[0129] Similar to the non-return valve 172, a baffle plate 174 provided in the hand vacuum 100 as described herein may advantageously block incoming dirty air exiting the inlet port 164 from travelling directly from the chamber air inlet 160 to the chamber air outlet 162, which may otherwise result in particulate matter clogging or building up on the porous separator 170.

[0130] If a non-return valve 172 is provided, then the baffle plate may be provided as a backup or to supplement the non-return valve 172 in preventing or inhibiting incoming dirty air exiting the inlet port 164 from travelling directly from the chamber air inlet 160 to the chamber air outlet 162. Alternately if a non-return valve 172 is not provided, then the baffle plate may induce a similar airflow as discussed with respect to the non-return valve 170 and as exemplified in FIG. 15.

[0131] The baffle plate 174 is positioned in the air treatment chamber 120 rearward of the chamber air inlet 160. In the position shown, the baffle plate 174 is spaced from and overlies the inlet port 164 of the air treatment chamber 120 such that the conduit axis 142 of the air inlet conduit 140 intersects the baffle plate 174. The spacing of the baffle plate 174 from the inlet port 164 may be at least enough for the non-return valve flap 230, if provided, to rotate from the closed position to the open position. In some embodiments, the baffle plate 174 may function as the physical stop defining the open position for the non-return valve flap 230. In such embodiments, the baffle plate 174 may be spaced from the inlet port 164 such that the non-return valve flap 230 may rotate to the desired rotational angle defining the open position, at which angle the second end 234 of the non-return valve flap 230 may contact the front side 236 of the baffle plate 174, preventing further rotation.

[0132] As exemplified in FIG. 6, the hand vacuum 100 includes the baffle plate 174 having a front side 236, a rear side 238, a radial outer edge 240, and a radial inner free edge 242.

[0133] The baffle plate 174 is shaped and positioned such that the baffle plate 174 overlies the inlet port 164. As exemplified, the radial outer edge 240 of the baffle plate 174 is provided on the inner surface of the sidewall 152 such that the baffle plate 174 follows the shape of the air treatment chamber 120. The baffle plate 174 may extend from the sidewall 152 in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal axis 158 of the air treatment chamber 120 to the free edge 242 such that, as exemplified, the baffle plate 174 may be generally semi-circular in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis 158. In this embodiment, the baffle plate 174 has a transverse length sufficient for the baffle plate 174 to overlie the inlet port 164 and the free edge 242 to be spaced from the lower side of the inlet port 164 (in the orientation of FIG. 6). It will be appreciated that any other shape may be possible. For example, the radial outer edge 240 need not be at the inner surface of the sidewall 152 but may be located partially or filly radially inward thereof.

[0134] The baffle plate 174 may be sized such that the free edge 242 may be positioned at any elevation within air treatment chamber 120. The transverse or vertical positioning of the free edge 242 may influence the degree of directional change in the airflow path 126 as air diverts around the baffle plate 174 while travelling from the chamber air inlet 160 to the chamber air outlet 162. For example, when the hand vacuum 100 is oriented with the upper end 112 above the lower end 114, the free edge 242 may be below or aligned with a lower end of the chamber air inlet 160 and may also be below or aligned with an upper end of the chamber air outlet 162. Optionally, the free edge 242 may further be below or aligned with a lower end of the chamber air outlet 162. In the illustrated example, the free edge 242 is below the lower end of the chamber air inlet 160 and below the upper end of the chamber air outlet 162.

[0135] Referring now to FIGS. 16A to 16C, shown therein are various alternate baffle plates 174. As shown, the free edge 242 of the baffle plate 174 has a first lateral end 244a and a second lateral end 244b and the free edge 242 is unattached to any portion of the sidewall 152 between the first and second lateral ends 244a, 244b. The free edge 242 may have any shape between the first and second ends 244a, 244b. For example, the free edge 242 may be linear such as shown in FIG. 16A. In any embodiment, the free edge 242 may be shaped to further influence the airflow path 126 as it diverts around the baffle plate 174.

[0136] For example, the free edge 242 may have one or more recesses 246 that extend radially outwardly (i.e., toward the upper end 156 of the air treatment chamber 120), such as two spaced apart recesses 246 as exemplified in FIG. 16B. As another example, the free edge 242 may have one or more protrusions that extend radially inwardly (i.e., toward the lower end 154 of the air treatment chamber 120), such as one protrusion 248 as exemplified in

[0137] FIG. 16C. The inclusion of one or more recesses or protrusions may split the airflow path 126 into two or more airflow paths 126 as it passes through the recess(es) or around the protrusion(s). In the examples shown in FIGS. 16B and 16C, the recesses 246 and the protrusion 248 may split the airflow path 126 into two airflow paths 126 as it passes through the recesses 246 or around the protrusion 248, such that the airflow path 126 may continue as exemplified and previously described with respect to the non-return valve flap 230 with reference to FIG. 15.

[0138] Alternatively, or in addition to the inclusions of recesses 246 and/or protrusions 248 provided on the free edge 242 of the baffle plate 174, the front side 236 of the baffle plate 174 may include one or more forwardly extending portions to split the airflow as it impacts on the front side 236. For example, as exemplified in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the front side 236 of the baffle plate 174 has one forwardly extending portion 250 that is centrally located between the first and second laterally spaced apart sides 244a, 244b of the free edge 242 and that extends axially forwardly from the front side 236 toward the inlet port 164. In the illustrated example, the forwardly extending portion 250 has a triangular cross-section in a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis 158 of the air treatment chamber 120. Any other cross-sectional shape suitable for splitting an incoming airflow may be possible. As exemplified, a tip of the forwardly extending portion 250 is centrally positioned proximate the inlet port 164 such that the conduit axis 142 of the air inlet conduit 140 extends through the tip. In the position shown, air entering the air treatment chamber 120 may be divided into two airflow paths 126 over the forwardly extending portion 250 before contacting the front side 236 of the baffle plate 174.

[0139] It will be appreciated that, in other embodiments, the forwardly extending portion 250 may alternately or in addition be shaped to direct airflow downwardly (in the orientation of FIG. 6) such that air exiting the inlet port 164 is directed to the sidewall as exemplified in FIG. 15.

[0140] In embodiments wherein sidewall 152 of the air treatment chamber 120 includes the openable portion 182, the free edge 242 of the baffle plate 174 may be positioned at an elevation above (e.g., adjacent) an upper end of the openable portion 182. Similarly, in embodiments wherein front end wall 166 of the air treatment chamber 120 includes the openable door 184, the free edge 242 of the baffle plate 174 may be positioned at an elevation above or aligned with an upper end of the openable door 184.

[0141] In the examples shown in FIGS. 18A to 18C, the free edge 242 of each baffle plate 174 is above the upper end of both the openable portion 182 and the openable door 184. Accordingly, as shown, the baffle plates 174 are sized to retain particulate matter rearward thereof while providing an unobstructed path for emptying the volume 180 of the air treatment chamber 120.

[0142] Optionally, the baffle plate 174 may further be shaped to assist in emptying the volume 180 of the air treatment chamber 120. For example, as shown in FIGS. 18B and 18C, the rear side 238 of the baffle plate 174 may be curved (see e.g., FIG. 18B) or linearly sloped (see e.g., FIG. 18C) such that the radial outer edge 240 on the rear side 238 is located further axially inwardly than the free edge 242 on the rear side 238. In this way, the baffle plate 174 is shaped such that, when the dirty air inlet 122 faces downwardly, the rear side 238 of the baffle plate 174 directs dirt retained rearward of the baffle plate 174 towards the openable portion 182 (and/or openable door 184, where provided).

Axially Extending Rib Provided on An Inner Surface of the Sidewall of the Air Treatment Chamber

[0143] 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 porous separator positioned at the chamber air outlet, the non-return valve flap that closes an inlet port of the chamber air inlet, the baffle plate positioned in the air treatment chamber rearward of the chamber air inlet, the air impervious cover positioned at the rear end of the air treatment chamber and overlying the porous separator, and the bleed air inlet port provided through the sidewall of the air treatment chamber, may have the axially extending rib provided on an inner surface of the sidewall of the air treatment chamber.

[0144] Providing an axially extending rib on the inner surface of the sidewall 152 of the air treatment chamber 120 may provide several advantages. For example, if a non-return valve flap 230 is provided to direct the incoming airflow towards an opposed portion of the inner surface of the sidewall 152 having the axially extending rib, the rib may assist in splitting the airflow into two airflow paths 126 as it contacts the rib and deflects off of the sidewall 152, improving the production of the linear rearward airflow through the air treatment chamber 120.

[0145] In the example shown in FIG. 19A, the sidewall 152 of the air treatment chamber 120 has an axially extending rib 178 provided on the inner surface of thereof and extending between the front end 148 and the rear end 150 of the air treatment chamber 120. If the air treatment chamber 120 includes the baffle plate 174, then as exemplified in FIG. 19B, the axially extending rib 178 may extend along the inner surface of the sidewall 152 from a location rearward of the baffle plate 174 to the rear end 150 of the air treatment chamber 120.

[0146] While only one axially extending rib 178 is provided at the lower end 154 of the air treatment chamber 120 as shown in the illustrated examples, it will be appreciated that any number of axially extending ribs 178 may be provided at any location along the inner surface of the sidewall 152.

[0147] It will be appreciated that any rib 178 may extend continually along part or all of the sidewall or it may be discontinuous (e.g., axially extending gaps may be provided between axially extending rib segments).

Air Impervious Cover Positioned at the Rear End of the Air Treatment Chamber and Overlying the Porous separator

[0148] 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 porous separator positioned at the chamber air outlet, the non-return valve flap that closes an inlet port of the chamber air inlet, the baffle plate positioned in the air treatment chamber rearward of the chamber air inlet, the axially extending rib provided on an inner surface of the sidewall of the air treatment chamber, and the bleed air inlet port provided through the sidewall of the air treatment chamber, may have the air impervious cover positioned at the rear end of the air treatment chamber and overlying the porous separator.

[0149] An air impervious cover 176 provided in the hand vacuum 100 as described herein is positioned and/or shaped to reduce or inhibit incoming dirty air exiting the inlet port 164 from travelling directly from the chamber air inlet 160 to the chamber air outlet 162, which may otherwise result in particulate matter clogging or building up on the porous separator 170.

[0150] The air impervious cover 176 may induce directional changes in the airflow as it deflects off of the air impervious cover 176 and optionally the sidewall 152 of the air treatment chamber 120 as the air travels to the chamber air outlet 162. Accordingly, turbulence in the airflow may be created which may result in improved disentrainment of particulate matter. For example, the air impervious cover 176 may cause the formation of eddies in the airflow as it passes by (e.g., under) the air impervious cover 176.

[0151] Referring now to FIGS. 20A to 20C, the hand vacuum 100 includes an air impervious cover 176 positioned at the rear end 150 of the air treatment chamber 120. As shown, the air impervious cover 176 is spaced from the chamber air outlet 162 and overlies the chamber air outlet 162. Accordingly, the conduit axis 142 of the air inlet conduit 140 intersects the air impervious cover 176.

[0152] As shown, the air impervious cover 176 has a front side 252, a rear side 254, a radial outer edge 256, and a free edge 258. As exemplified, the radial outer edge 256 of the air impervious cover 176 is provided on the inner surface of the sidewall 152 such that the air impervious cover 176 follows the shape of the air treatment chamber 120. The free edge 258 of air impervious cover 176 has a first lateral end 260a and a second lateral end 260b and is unattached to any portion of the sidewall 152 between the first and second ends 260a, 260b. The air impervious cover 176 may extend from the sidewall 152 in a direction generally transverse to the longitudinal axis 158 of the air treatment chamber 120 and, as exemplified, may be generally semi-circular in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis 158.

[0153] It will be appreciated that, similar to baffle 174, any other shape may be possible. Accordingly, the radial outer edge 256 of the air impervious cover 176 may be partially or fully spaced from the inner surface of the sidewall 152.

[0154] Further, similar to the baffle 174, the free edge 258 may have any shape between the first and second lateral ends 260a, 260b. For example, the free edge 258 may be linear such as shown or may be shaped to further influence the airflow path 126 as it diverts around the air impervious cover 176. For example, the air impervious cover 176 may have one or more recesses that extend radially outwardly and/or one or more protrusions that extend radially inwardly, which may split the airflow path 126 into two or more airflow paths 126 as described previously with respect to the baffle plate 174. Alternatively, or in addition to the recesses and/or protrusions provided on the free edge 258 of the air impervious cover 176, the front side 252 of the air impervious cover 176 may include one or more forwardly extending portions to split the airflow as it impacts on the front side 252 as described previously with respect to the baffle plate 174.

[0155] The free edge 258 of the air impervious cover 176 may be positioned at any elevation within air treatment chamber 120 from a facing portion of the sidewall 152. The positioning of the free edge 258 may influence the degree of directional change in the airflow path 126 as it diverts around the air impervious cover 176 while travelling from the chamber air inlet 160 to the chamber air outlet 162, which may influence the amount of turbulence induced in the airflow as described previously. For example, when the hand vacuum 100 is oriented with the upper end 112 above the lower end 114, the free edge 258 may be below or aligned with a lower end of the chamber air inlet 160 and/or below or aligned with an upper end of the chamber air outlet 162. Optionally, the free edge 258 may be below or aligned with a lower end of the chamber air outlet 162. In the illustrated example, the free edge 242 is below the lower end of the chamber air inlet 160 and the lower end of the chamber air outlet 162. Accordingly, in use as exemplified in FIG. 21C, the airflow path 126 through the air treatment chamber 120 includes a portion that extends upwardly from below the air impervious cover 176 (e.g., generally radially inwardly) at a location rearward of the air impervious cover 176 to travel from below the air impervious cover 176 to the chamber air outlet 162.

[0156] In embodiments wherein sidewall 152 of the air treatment chamber 120 includes the openable portion 182, the free edge 258 of the air impervious cover 176 may be positioned at an elevation above (e.g., adjacent) an upper end of the openable portion 182. Similarly, in embodiments wherein front end wall 166 of the air treatment chamber 120 includes the openable door 184, the free edge 258 of the air impervious cover 176 may be positioned at an elevation above or aligned with an upper end of the openable door 184. In such embodiments, the described positioning of the air impervious cover 176 may provide an unobstructed path for emptying the volume 180 of the air treatment chamber 120.

[0157] It will be appreciated that, if the chamber air outlet includes a porous separator 170, then the air impervious cover 176 may be positioned overlying part or all of the porous separator 170 and may be axially located at the axial inner end of the porous separator 170 or axially inward thereof. For example, the air impervious cover 176 may be positioned adjacent the porous separator 170 of FIGS. 6, 10A, 11A, or 12A. In the example illustrated in FIGS. 20B and 20C, the air impervious cover 176 is positioned overlying a flat porous separator 170, similar to that of FIG. 11A, which is vertically oriented over to chamber air outlet 162. In this embodiment, the flat porous separator 170 has a vertical extent that is about equal to the radius of the volume 180 and the air impervious cover 176 overlies all of the porous separator 170.

[0158] In alternate embodiments, the air impervious cover 176 may be integrated with the porous separator 170. For example, as shown in FIGS. 20D and 20E, a flat porous separator 170 extends rearwardly (horizontally as exemplified) from a lower end of the air impervious cover 176. In the illustrated example, the porous separator 170 extends from the rear end wall 168 of the air treatment chamber 120 below the chamber air outlet 162 to the rear side 254 of the air impervious cover 176 proximate the free edge 258.

[0159] As exemplified in FIGS. 21A to 21C, the air impervious cover 176 may be positioned closer to the chamber air inlet 160 to function more similarly to the baffle plate 174 as described herein. In such embodiments, the porous separator 170 may extend a greater distance from the rear end wall 168 of the air treatment chamber 120 to the rear side 254 of the air impervious cover 176, providing more surface area for the rigid screen 226.

Bleed Air Inlet Port Provided Through the Sidewall of the Air Treatment Chamber

[0160] 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 porous separator positioned at the chamber air outlet, the non-return valve flap that closes an inlet port of the chamber air inlet, the baffle plate positioned in the air treatment chamber rearward of the chamber air inlet, the air impervious cover positioned at the rear end of the air treatment chamber and overlying the porous separator, and the axially extending rib provided on an inner surface of the sidewall of the air treatment chamber, may have the bleed air inlet port provided through the sidewall of the air treatment chamber.

[0161] Referring back to FIGS. 9A to 9C, in the illustrated example, the sidewall 152 of the air treatment chamber 120 has an openable bleed air inlet 262 provided through a portion of the sidewall 152, which may be the openable portion 182 of the sidewall 152 if an openable portion 182 is provided. While the bleed air inlet 262 is shown through the sidewall 152 at the lower end 154 of the air treatment chamber 120, it will be appreciated that the bleed air inlet 262 may be provided at any other location suitable for providing relief/assisting airflow. The relief/assisting airflow provided through the bleed air inlet 262 may advantageously enable the use of a smaller suction motor in the docking station 186 and/or prevent burnout of the suction motor therein.

[0162] The bleed air inlet 262 may include a moveable seal 264, which may be movable (e.g., slidably or rotatably) between a closed position in which the bleed air inlet 262 is closed (see e.g., FIG. 9B) and an open position (see e.g., FIG. 9A) in which the bleed air inlet 262 is open. The moveable seal 264 may be provided on the inner surface of the sidewall 152 or provided on the outer surface of the sidewall 152. In the illustrated example, the moveable seal 264 is slidably provided on the external surface of the sidewall 152. The moveable seal 264 may be lockable in the closed position, such as by a latch or other suitable mechanism. It will be appreciated that the moveable seal 264 may move in any direction to open the bleed air inlet 262 and may be secured in the closed position in any manner.

[0163] As described previously, when the hand vacuum 100 is docked to the docking station 186 (see e.g., FIG. 9A), the openable door 184 may, manually or automatically, move from the closed position (see e.g., FIG. 9B) to the open position (see e.g., FIG. 9C). When in the openable door 184 is in open position and the hand vacuum 100 is docked to the docking station 186, the volume 180 may be in fluid communication with the suction motor (not shown) of the station base 188 via the upright conduit 190. Similarly, the moveable seal 264 of the bleed air inlet 262 may, manually or automatically, move from the closed position (see e.g.,

[0164] FIG. 9B) to the open position (see e.g., FIG. 9C) upon or subsequent to docking with the docking station 186 or, in some embodiments, upon detection of the need for relief airflow to the suction motor of the base station 188. When in the moveable seal 264 is in the open position and the hand vacuum 100 is docked to the docking station 186, the suction motor of the station base 188 may draw air inwardly through the bleed air inlet 262 to assist in emptying the volume 180 of the air treatment chamber 120. For example, once the openable door 184 and moveable seal 264 are in their respective open positions, the suction motor in the station base 188 may, during an emptying cycle, manually or automatically, activate and generate suction to draw the contents of the volume 180 within the air treatment chamber 120 through the opening of the openable door 184, through the upright conduit 190, and into a collection chamber (not shown) within the station base 188. It will accordingly be appreciated that, when the hand vacuum 100 is docked, the bleed air inlet 262 is in communication with the ambient and, as such, is optionally exterior to a docking cradle of the docking station.

[0165] It will be appreciated that, during an emptying cycle, air may be drawn in a revise flow from the clean air outlet 124, through a post-motor filter if provided, past the suction motor, through a pre-motor filter if provided and through the chamber air outlet 162 into the volume 180. Accordingly, providing a bleed air inlet 262 may enhance the air flow through the volume 180 during an emptying cycle.

[0166] It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the non-return valve 172 may be opened to enable air to enter the volume 180 during an emptying cycle. In such a case, the suction motor of the station base 188 may need to generate sufficient suction to move the non-return valve flap 230 from the closed position to the open position, whereby air may then be drawn through the air inlet conduit 140 and, if attached, through the wand 106 and surface cleaning head 104. Accordingly, without the bleed air inlet 262, a larger, higher power suction motor may therefore be required to generate sufficient suction force to open the non-return valve 172 and to draw air through the cumulative distance of the path through the upright conduit 190, the air treatment chamber 120, the air inlet conduit 140 and, if attached, the wand 106 and surface cleaning head 104.

[0167] When the hand vacuum 100 is docked to the docking station 186, collected particulate matter that has fallen toward the front end 148 of the air treatment chamber 120 may prevent or inhibit the non-return valve flap 230 from opening enough to provide sufficient airflow to the suction motor of the station base 188. Accordingly, in some embodiments, if the bleed air inlet 262 is provided, then the moveable seal 264 may automatically move to the open position to open the bleed air inlet 262 and provide relief airflow to the suction motor if there is insufficient airflow. In such embodiments, the bleed air inlet 262 may thus help prevent burnout of the suction motor in the station base 188.

[0168] In alternate embodiments, the bleed air inlet 262 may serve as the primary source or a source of airflow to the suction motor of the station base 188. Using the bleed air inlet 262 may reduce the total distance from which the suction motor must draw in air, and thus reduce the power requirements of the suction motor of the station base 188. Optionally, this may also eliminate the suction force requirement for opening the non-return valve 172.

[0169] 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.

[0170] This specification also includes the subject matter of the following clause sets:

Clause Set A

[0171] 1. A hand vacuum cleaner comprising: [0172] (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet provided at a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a clean air outlet that is positioned rearward of the dirty air inlet, wherein a suction motor is positioned in the air flow path; [0173] (b) a non-cyclonic air treatment chamber in the air flow path downstream from the dirty air inlet and upstream from the suction motor, the air treatment chamber having a front end having a chamber air inlet, a rear end having a chamber air outlet, a sidewall extending between the front and rear ends of the air treatment chamber and a longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends of the air treatment chamber, wherein the chamber air inlet has an inlet axis that extends rearwardly; and, [0174] (c) a baffle plate positioned in the air treatment chamber rearward of the chamber air inlet and the inlet axis intersects the baffle plate.

[0175] 2. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the baffle plate is generally semi-circular in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0176] 3. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the baffle plate is located along a portion of an inner surface of the sidewall.

[0177] 4. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein a radial outer edge of the baffle plate is provided on the inner surface of the sidewall and the baffle plate has a free edge and the free edge is planar.

[0178] 5. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein a radial outer edge of the baffle plate is provided on the inner surface of the sidewall and the baffle plate has a free edge having a recess that extends radially outwardly.

[0179] 6. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein a radial outer edge of the baffle plate is provided on the inner surface of the sidewall and the baffle plate has a free edge having two spaced apart recesses that extends radially outwardly.

[0180] 7. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein a radial outer edge of the baffle plate is provided on the inner surface of the sidewall and the baffle plate has a free edge having a protrusion that extends radially inwardly.

[0181] 8. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the sidewall has an axially extending rib provided on an inner surface of the sidewall rearward of the baffle plate.

[0182] 9. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the baffle plate extends generally transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0183] 10. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the sidewall has an openable portion, a rear side of the baffle plate has a radial outer end and a radial inner end, the radial inner end is located closer to the openable portion than the radial outer end and the radial outer end is located further axially inwardly than the radial inner end.

[0184] 11. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the sidewall has an openable portion and a rear side of the baffle plate is shaped such that, when the dirty air inlet faces downwardly, the rear side directs dirt towards the openable portion.

[0185] 12. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 further comprising a non-return valve flap associated with the chamber air inlet.

[0186] 13. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein a radial outer edge of the baffle plate is provided at or adjacent an inner surface of the sidewall, the baffle plate has a free edge having first and second laterally spaced apart sides and a front side of the baffle plate has a portion centrally located between the first and second laterally spaced apart sides that extends axially forwardly.

[0187] 14. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the sidewall has an openable portion and the openable portion has an openable inlet.

[0188] 15. A hand vacuum cleaner comprising: [0189] (d) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet provided at a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a clean air outlet that is positioned rearward of the dirty air inlet, wherein a suction motor is positioned in the air flow path; [0190] (e) a non-cyclonic air treatment chamber in the air flow path downstream from the dirty air inlet and upstream from the suction motor, the air treatment chamber having a front end having a chamber air inlet, a rear end having a chamber air outlet and a longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends of the air treatment chamber; and, [0191] (f) a baffle plate positioned in the air treatment chamber rearward of the chamber air inlet overlying an outlet port of the chamber air inlet.

[0192] 16. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 15 wherein the baffle plate is generally semi-circular in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis and is located along a portion of an inner surface of the sidewall.

[0193] 17. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 15 wherein the baffle plate extends generally transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0194] 18. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 15 wherein the sidewall has an openable portion and a rear side of the baffle plate is shaped such that, when the dirty air inlet faces downwardly, the rear side directs dirt towards the openable portion.

[0195] 19. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 15 further comprising a non-return valve flap associated with the chamber air inlet.

[0196] 20. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 15 wherein a radial outer edge of the baffle plate is provided at or adjacent an inner surface of the sidewall, the baffle plate has a free edge having first and second laterally spaced apart sides and a front side of the baffle plate has a portion centrally located between the first and second laterally spaced apart sides that extends axially forwardly.

Clause Set B

[0197] 1. A hand vacuum cleaner comprising: [0198] (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet provided at a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a clean air outlet that is positioned rearward of the dirty air inlet, wherein a suction motor is positioned in the air flow path; [0199] (b) a non-cyclonic air treatment chamber in the air flow path downstream from the dirty air inlet and upstream from the suction motor, the air treatment chamber having a front end having a chamber air inlet, a rear end having a chamber air outlet, a sidewall extending between the front and rear ends of the air treatment chamber and a longitudinal axis extending between the front and rear ends of the air treatment chamber, wherein the chamber air outlet comprises a porous separator; and, [0200] (c) an air impervious cover positioned at the rear end of the air treatment chamber and overlying the porous separator whereby, an air flow path through the air treatment chamber comprises a portion that extends generally radially inwardly at a location rearward of the air impervious cover.

[0201] 2. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the air impervious cover is positioned adjacent the porous separator.

[0202] 3. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the air impervious cover is generally semi-circular in a plane transverse to the longitudinal axis.

[0203] 4. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the air impervious cover is located along a portion of an inner surface of the sidewall.

[0204] 5. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein a radial outer edge of the air impervious cover is provided on an inner surface of the sidewall and the air impervious cover has a free edge.

[0205] 6. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the porous separator comprises a rigid screen.

[0206] 7. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the porous separator is generally planar.

[0207] 8. The hand vacuum cleaner of clause 1 wherein the porous separator is generally planar and extends generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis.