CN114554920A

CN114554920A - Hand-held surface cleaning device

Info

Publication number: CN114554920A
Application number: CN202080072352.1A
Authority: CN
Inventors: W·E·康拉德; D·英尼斯; A·D·布朗; J·索恩
Original assignee: Omachron Intellectual Property Inc
Current assignee: Omachron Intellectual Property Inc
Priority date: 2019-08-15
Filing date: 2020-08-05
Publication date: 2022-05-27
Anticipated expiration: 2040-08-05
Also published as: WO2021026637A1; CA3147798A1; EP4013278A1; EP4013278A4; CN114554920B

Abstract

A hand-held vacuum cleaner has an airflow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. An air treatment member and a suction motor are located in the airflow path. The handheld vacuum cleaner includes an on-board energy storage unit and has a pistol grip. The pistol grip is located at the rear end of the hand-held vacuum cleaner, the energy storage unit is located at the lower end of the hand-held vacuum cleaner, with the suction motor located above the front end of the energy storage unit, and the pistol grip is located above the rear end of the energy storage unit, when the hand-held vacuum cleaner is oriented with its upper end above its lower end. A finger grip area may be provided above the energy storage unit between the handle and the suction motor.

Description

Hand-held surface cleaning device

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to surface cleaning devices. In a preferred embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus comprises a portable surface cleaning apparatus, such as a hand-held vacuum cleaner.

Background

The following is not an admission that any of the following discussion is part of the prior art or part of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art.

Various types of surface cleaning devices are known, including upright surface cleaning devices, canister surface cleaning devices, wand surface cleaning devices, central vacuum systems, and hand-held surface cleaning devices such as hand-held vacuum cleaners. Furthermore, various designs for cyclonic hand-held vacuum cleaners, including battery-operated cyclonic hand-held vacuum cleaners, are known in the art.

Disclosure of Invention

The following introduction is provided to introduce the reader to the more detailed discussion that follows. The introduction is not intended to limit or define any claimed or as yet unclaimed invention. One or more inventions may reside in any combination or subcombination of elements or process steps disclosed in any portion of this document including claims and drawings hereof.

In accordance with one aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspect, a hand-held vacuum cleaner includes an energy storage unit at a lower end thereof. The handheld vacuum cleaner has a pistol grip over the rear end of the energy storage unit and a suction motor over the front end of the energy storage unit. This arrangement of the heavy components of the hand-held vacuum cleaner and the handle allows the user to easily manipulate the hand-held vacuum cleaner with one hand and provides a comfortable feel.

The energy storage unit may include a plurality of energy storage members arranged in rows extending in a forward/rearward direction. This may further enhance the weight distribution of the handheld vacuum cleaner by spreading the weight of the energy storage unit.

According to this broad aspect, there is provided a hand-held vacuum cleaner having an upper end, a lower end, a front end having a dirty air inlet, and a rear end, the hand-held vacuum cleaner comprising:

(a) an airflow path extending from the dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet;

(b) an air treatment member located in the airflow path, the air treatment member having a front end and a rear end and an axis extending between the front end and the rear end of the air treatment member;

(c) an energy storage unit having a front end and a rear end;

(d) a suction motor located in the airflow path; and the number of the first and second groups,

(e) a pistol-type handle is provided,

wherein when the handheld vacuum cleaner is oriented with the upper end above the lower end, the pistol grip is located at the rear end of the handheld vacuum cleaner, the energy storage unit is located at the lower end of the handheld vacuum cleaner, wherein the suction motor is located above the front end of the energy storage unit, and the pistol grip is located above the rear end of the energy storage unit.

In some embodiments, the handheld vacuum cleaner may include a finger grip area, wherein the finger grip area is located in front of the pistol grip and above the energy storage unit when the handheld vacuum cleaner is oriented with the upper end above the lower end.

In some embodiments, the finger grip region may be located between the front end and the rear end of the energy storage unit.

In some embodiments, the energy storage unit may comprise a plurality of energy storage members, and a line extending through at least some of the energy storage members may be substantially parallel to the air treatment member axis.

In some embodiments, the energy storage unit may include a plurality of energy storage members, the energy storage members may have a longitudinal axis, and the energy storage members may be oriented with the longitudinal energy storage member axis extending transverse to the air treatment member axis.

In some embodiments, the energy storage members may be arranged in a single extended row extending in a forward/rearward direction.

In some embodiments, the energy storage unit may comprise a plurality of energy storage members, and when the hand-held vacuum cleaner is oriented with the upper end above the lower end, at least one of the energy storage members may be below the suction motor and at least another one of the energy storage members may be below the pistol grip.

In some embodiments, the air treatment member may comprise a cyclonic separator and the air treatment member axis may be a cyclone separator axis of rotation.

In some embodiments, the suction motor may have an axis of rotation, and the suction motor axis of rotation may be substantially parallel to the air treatment member axis.

In some embodiments, the suction motor may be located behind a pre-motor filter and in front of the pistol grip.

In some embodiments, the handheld vacuum cleaner may include a finger grip area, wherein the finger grip area is located between the suction motor and the pistol grip.

In some embodiments, the handheld vacuum cleaner may comprise a second stage cyclonic separator downstream of the air treatment member, wherein the second stage cyclonic separator is located between the air treatment member and the suction motor.

In some embodiments, the handheld vacuum cleaner may comprise a pre-motor filter, wherein the pre-motor filter is located in front of the energy storage unit.

In some embodiments, the forward projection of the energy storage unit may intersect the pre-motor filter.

In some embodiments, the air treatment member and pre-motor filter may comprise a removable air treatment unit located in front of the energy storage unit.

In some embodiments, the air treatment member may have a front openable door.

In some embodiments, the air treatment member may be removably mounted at a location in front of the energy storage unit.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with any other aspect, a handheld vacuum cleaner may have a cyclonic separator chamber and a dirt collection chamber external to the cyclonic separator chamber. The rearward projection of the dirt collection chamber sidewall can surround or substantially surround the front motor filter, suction motor, energy storage unit and handle of the hand-held vacuum cleaner, and optionally a rear motor filter. The substantially linear arrangement of components within the hand-held vacuum cleaner may allow for a reduction in the height of the hand-held vacuum cleaner while reducing back pressure through the hand-held vacuum cleaner, which may improve maneuverability and cleanability and make difficult to reach areas easier to clean.

(a) an airflow path extending from the dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet;

(b) a cyclone separator located in the airflow path, the cyclone separator having a cyclone front end, a cyclone rear end, a cyclone air inlet, a cyclone air outlet, and a cyclone rotational axis extending between the cyclone front end and the cyclone rear end;

(c) a dirt collection chamber external to and surrounding at least 80% of the cyclonic separator; and

(d) a body comprising a suction motor located in the airflow path, a plurality of energy storage members, and a pistol grip having an upper end and a lower end,

wherein a line extending through the plurality of energy storage members is substantially parallel to the cyclone rotational axis, and

wherein when the handheld vacuum cleaner is oriented with the upper end above the lower end, the suction motor is located behind a front motor filter, the pistol grip is located at the rear end of the handheld vacuum cleaner, and the plurality of energy storage members are located at the lower end of the handheld vacuum cleaner, and

wherein the pre-motor filter, the suction motor, the energy storage unit and the pistol grip are located substantially within a volume defined by the projection of the dirt collection chamber sidewall.

In some embodiments, the energy storage member may be located below the pistol grip when the handheld vacuum cleaner is oriented with the upper end above the lower end.

In some embodiments, the energy storage unit may comprise a plurality of energy storage members, and the energy storage members may be located below the suction motor when the hand-held vacuum cleaner is oriented with the upper end above the lower end.

According to this broad aspect, there is also provided a handheld vacuum cleaner having an upper end, a lower end, a front end having a dirty air inlet, and a rear end, the handheld vacuum cleaner comprising:

(a) an airflow path extending from the dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet;

(b) a cyclone separator located in the airflow path, the cyclone separator having a cyclone separator first end, an opposing cyclone separator second end, a cyclone separator air inlet, a cyclone separator air outlet, a cyclone separator rotational axis extending between the cyclone separator first end and the cyclone separator second end, and an axially extending cyclone separator sidewall;

(c) a dirt collection chamber external to and surrounding the cyclonic separator; and

(d) a body comprising a suction motor, an energy storage unit, and a pistol grip in the airflow path, the pistol grip having an upper end and a lower end,

wherein when the handheld vacuum cleaner is oriented with the upper end above the lower end, the pistol grip is located behind the front end of the handheld vacuum cleaner and the suction motor is located behind a front motor filter, and

In some embodiments, an energy storage unit may be provided at the lower end of the hand-held vacuum cleaner.

In some embodiments, the energy storage unit may be located below the pistol grip when the handheld vacuum cleaner is oriented with the upper end above the lower end.

In some embodiments, the energy storage unit may comprise a plurality of energy storage members, and a line extending through at least some of the energy storage members may be substantially parallel to the cyclonic separator axis of rotation.

In some embodiments, the energy storage unit may comprise a plurality of energy storage members, and the suction motor may be located above at least some of the energy storage members when the hand-held vacuum cleaner is oriented with the upper end above the lower end.

In some embodiments, the pistol grip can be located at the rear end of the handheld vacuum cleaner.

In some embodiments, the hand-held vacuum cleaner may comprise an air inlet duct extending downstream of the dirt air inlet, the air inlet duct having an inlet duct axis, wherein the projection of the inlet duct intersects the upper end of the handle.

In some embodiments, the handheld vacuum cleaner may comprise a second cyclone stage downstream of the cyclonic separator, wherein the second cyclone stage is located within the volume defined by the projection of the dirt collection chamber sidewall.

(a) an airflow path extending from the dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet;

(b) a cyclone unit comprising a cyclone in the airflow path and a dirt collection chamber outside the cyclone chamber, the cyclone having a cyclone front end, a cyclone rear end, a cyclone air inlet, a cyclone air outlet, and a cyclone rotational axis extending between the cyclone front end and the cyclone rear end, the cyclone unit having an axially extending sidewall; and

(c) a body comprising a suction motor, an energy storage unit, and a pistol grip located in the airflow path,

wherein when the handheld vacuum cleaner is oriented with the upper end above the lower end, the suction motor is located behind the front motor filter, the pistol grip is located at the rear end of the handheld vacuum cleaner, and the energy storage unit is located at the lower end of the handheld vacuum cleaner, and

wherein the protrusions of the cyclone chamber and dirt collection chamber sidewalls substantially encompass the pre-motor filter, the suction motor, the energy storage unit, and the pistol grip.

In some embodiments, the hand-held vacuum cleaner may comprise an air inlet duct extending downstream of the dirt air inlet, the air inlet duct having an inlet duct axis, wherein the projection of the inlet duct may intersect the upper end of the handle.

In some embodiments, the handheld vacuum cleaner may comprise a second cyclone stage downstream of the cyclonic separator, wherein the second cyclone stage may be located within a volume defined by the cyclonic separator chamber and a projection of the dirt collection chamber sidewall.

In some embodiments, at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90% or 95% of the pre-motor filter, the suction motor, the energy storage unit and the pistol grip can be located within a volume defined by the protrusions of the cyclone chamber and dirt collection chamber sidewalls.

In some embodiments, the energy storage unit may comprise a plurality of energy storage members, and at least some of the energy storage members may be located below the suction motor when the hand-held vacuum cleaner is oriented with the upper end above the lower end.

One skilled in the art will appreciate that the devices or methods disclosed herein may embody any one or more of the features contained herein, and that these features may be used in any specific combination or sub-combination.

These and other aspects and features of various embodiments are described in more detail below.

Drawings

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:

FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of a hand-held vacuum cleaner according to one embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the hand-held vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the hand-held vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the hand-held vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 1 in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a front view of the hand-held vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 according to the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front perspective cross-sectional view of the hand-held vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 1 in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a top front perspective view of a hand-held vacuum cleaner according to another embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand-held vacuum cleaner of FIG. 7 taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 7 in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is an isolated perspective cross-sectional view of the hand-held vacuum cleaner of FIG. 7 taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 7 in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a top front perspective view of a hand-held vacuum cleaner according to another embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand-held vacuum cleaner of FIG. 10 taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10 in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is an isolated perspective cross-sectional view of the hand-held vacuum cleaner of FIG. 10 taken along line 12-12 of FIG. 10 in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a top front perspective view of a handheld vacuum cleaner according to another embodiment;

FIG. 14 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand-held vacuum cleaner of FIG. 13 taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 13 in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is a top front perspective view of a hand-held vacuum cleaner according to another embodiment; and

fig. 16 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand-held vacuum cleaner of fig. 15 taken along line 16-16 of fig. 15 in accordance with the embodiment of fig. 15.

The accompanying drawings, which are included to illustrate various examples of articles, methods, and apparatus as taught by the present specification, are not intended to limit the scope of the teachings in any way.

Detailed Description

Various apparatuses, methods, and compositions are described below to provide examples of embodiments of each claimed invention. The embodiments described below do not limit any claimed invention, and any claimed invention may cover apparatuses and methods different from those described below. The claimed invention is not limited to devices, methods, and compositions having all of the features of any one device, method, or composition described below, nor to features common to a plurality or all of the devices, methods, or compositions described below. The devices, methods, or compositions described below may not be embodiments of any of the claimed inventions. Any invention not claimed in this document that is disclosed in the apparatus, methods or compositions described below may be the subject of another protective device, e.g., a continuing patent application, and the applicant, inventor and/or owner do not intend to disclaim, disclaim or dedicate any such invention to the public by virtue of its disclosure in this document.

The terms "an 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 invention" unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms "include," "include," and variations thereof mean "including, but not limited to," unless expressly specified otherwise. The list of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms "a", "an" and "the" mean "one or more", unless expressly specified otherwise.

As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts are said to be "coupled," "connected," "attached," or "fastened" where the parts are joined or operate together, either directly or indirectly (i.e., through one or more intermediate parts), so long as the joint 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. The terms "coupled," "connected," "attached," and "fastened" do not distinguish the manner in which two or more portions are joined together.

Further, 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. Moreover, the description should not be considered as limiting the scope of the example embodiments described herein.

Referring to fig. 1-16, an exemplary embodiment of a surface cleaning apparatus is shown generally at 1000. In the illustrated embodiment, the surface cleaning apparatus is a hand-held vacuum cleaner, which may also be referred to as a "hand-held cleaner" or "hand-held vacuum cleaner". As used herein, a hand-held vacuum cleaner is a vacuum cleaner that can be operated to clean a surface, typically with one hand. That is, the entire weight of the vacuum cleaner can be maintained with the same hand as the dirty air inlet of the vacuum cleaner is directed relative to the surface to be cleaned. For example, the handle and the clean air inlet may be rigidly (directly or indirectly) coupled to each other so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. This is in contrast to canister and upright vacuum cleaners, whose weight is typically supported by a surface (e.g., a floor) during use.

Alternatively, the surface cleaning apparatus 1000 may be removably mounted on a base to form, for example, an upright vacuum cleaner, a canister vacuum cleaner, a wand vacuum cleaner or a wand vacuum cleaner, a wet dry vacuum cleaner, or the like. For example, the base of the surface cleaning apparatus may comprise a surface cleaning head and an elongate wand which is connectable to the hand-held vacuum cleaner 1000. In this configuration, the surface cleaning apparatus can be used to clean floors or other surfaces in a manner similar to a conventional upright vacuum cleaner.

As illustrated in fig. 1-6, the surface cleaning apparatus 1000 includes a main body 1010 having a housing 1011 and a handle 1020, an air treatment member 1100 connected to the main body 1010, a dirty air inlet 1030, a clean air outlet 1040, and an airflow path extending between the dirty air inlet 1030 and the clean air outlet 1040. The air treatment member 1100 is located in the airflow path.

Surface cleaning device 1000 has a front end 1002, a rear end 1004, an upper or top 1006, and a lower or bottom 1008. In the illustrated embodiment, the dirty air inlet 1030 is at an upper portion of the front end 1002 and the clean air outlet 1040 is at a rearward portion of the main body 1010, between the upper and

lower ends

1006, 1008. It should be appreciated that dirty air inlet 1030 and clean air outlet 1040 may be disposed at different locations.

A suction motor 1200 (see, e.g., fig. 4, 8, 11, 14, and 16) is located in the airflow path through which the vacuum suction is generated. The suction motor 1200 is located within a motor housing 1210. In the illustrated embodiment, the suction motor 1200 is located downstream of the air treatment member 1100. In an alternative embodiment, the suction motor 1200 may be located upstream of the air treatment member 1100 (e.g., a dirty air motor). The suction motor 1200 defines a motor axis 1205 (about which the rotor rotates).

The air treatment member 1100 is configured to remove dirt particles and other debris from the airflow and/or otherwise treat the airflow. As exemplified herein, the air treatment member may comprise one or more cyclone stages, each of which may comprise a single cyclone separator or a plurality of cyclone separators in parallel. Each cyclone stage may have a single dirt collection chamber or a plurality of dirt collection chambers. The dirt collection chamber may be external to the cyclonic separator chamber or may be internal to the cyclonic separator chamber and configured as a dirt collection area or region within the cyclonic separator chamber. Alternatively, the air treatment member 1100 need not include a cyclonic cleaning stage, and may contain a bag, porous physical filter media (e.g., foam or felt), or other air treatment device.

In fig. 1-12, the air treatment member is illustrated as a cyclonic separator assembly having two cyclonic cleaning stages arranged in series with one another. The first cyclone stage is illustrated as having a single cyclone separator and the second cyclone stage is illustrated as having a plurality of parallel cyclones (e.g. four cyclones). The dirt collection chamber is illustrated as being external to the cyclone chamber.

As exemplified in the embodiments shown in fig. 4, 6, 8 and 11, the air treatment component 1100 may comprise a two-stage cyclone assembly having a first stage cyclone 1130 and a second stage cyclone unit 1132 arranged in series downstream of the first stage cyclone 1130. In this embodiment, the cyclone assembly further comprises a first stage dirt collection chamber 1134 which receives dirt separated by the first stage cyclone 1130 and a second stage dirt collection chamber 1136 which receives dirt separated by the second stage cyclone unit 1132.

The first stage cyclone chamber 1130 has a cyclone air inlet 1120 in fluid communication with an inlet conduit 1036, a cyclone air outlet 1122, and a dirt outlet 1140 in communication with the dirt collection chamber 1134.

The second stage cyclone separator unit 1132 may include a plurality of cyclone chambers 1150 arranged in parallel. In the example shown, there are four second stage cyclone separator chambers 1150 (see, e.g., fig. 1), but a greater or lesser number of second stage cyclone separator chambers 1150 can be provided. Each cyclone chamber 1150 has a cyclone air inlet 1151 in fluid communication with a cyclone air outlet 1122, a cyclone air outlet 1152 and a dirt outlet 1155 in communication with a dirt collection chamber 1136.

Alternatively, as illustrated in fig. 4, 8 and 11, one or more of the second stage cyclone chambers 1150 can be arranged as a multi-inlet cyclone. The cyclone air inlet 1151 of each multi-inlet cyclone 1150 may include a plurality of air inlet ports 1153 and the plurality of air inlet ports may share a common airflow passageway leading upstream at the first stage cyclone air outlet 1122. Air entering each second stage cyclone air inlet 1151 passes through the common airflow path and then to the air inlet port 1153 before entering the cyclone chamber 1150.

One or both of the first stage cyclone 1130 and the second stage cyclone 1132 may optionally be a "single flow" cyclone chamber (i.e., wherein the cyclone air inlet and the cyclone air outlet are at opposite ends of the cyclone chamber). Alternatively or additionally, one or both of the first stage cyclone 1130 and the second stage cyclone 1132 may provide bi-directional airflow (i.e., where the cyclone air inlet and the cyclone air outlet are at the same end of the cyclone chamber). In the example shown in fig. 1-12, first stage cyclone 1130 and second stage cyclone 1132 use bi-directional airflow. Alternatively, the first stage cyclone 1130 and/or the second stage cyclone 1132 may be inverted cyclones.

The first stage cyclone 1130 defines a first cyclone axis 1115 about which air circulates when in the first stage cyclone 1130. Each cyclone chamber 1150 in the second stage cyclone unit 1132 may also define a corresponding second cyclone axis (not shown) about which air circulates when in the second stage cyclone chamber 1150. The cyclone axes of the first stage cyclone 1130 and the second stage cyclone 1150 may be substantially parallel as shown in the illustrated example. Alternatively, the cyclone separator axes may be parallel and coaxial with each other (e.g., where second stage cyclone separator unit 1132 includes a single cyclone separator chamber). In other arrangements, the cyclone axes need not be parallel or coaxial with each other.

The

cyclone chambers

1130 and 1150 and

dirt collection chambers

1134 and 1136 may have any configuration suitable for separating dirt from the airflow and collecting the separated dirt, respectively. The

cyclone chambers

1130 and 1150 can be oriented in any direction, including those described in more detail herein. For example, when the surface cleaning apparatus 1000 is oriented with the upper end 1006 above the lower end 1008, the cyclone axis may be oriented substantially horizontally or horizontally as illustrated, or alternatively may be oriented vertically, or at any angle between horizontal and vertical.

Alternatively, as shown in the example of fig. 13-16, the air treatment component 1100 may comprise a cyclonic separator assembly having a single cyclonic cleaning stage with a single cyclone chamber 1130 and a dirt collection region 1134 external to the cyclone chamber. The cyclone chamber 1130 and dirt collection region 1134 can have any configuration suitable for separating dirt from an airflow and collecting the separated dirt, respectively.

The cyclone chamber 1130 can be oriented in any direction. For example, when the surface cleaning apparatus 1000 is oriented such that the upper end 1006 is above the lower end 1008 (e.g., positioned substantially parallel to a horizontal surface), the central axis or axis of rotation 1115 of the cyclone chamber 1130 may be oriented horizontally, as illustrated in fig. 4. In alternative embodiments, the cyclone chamber may be oriented vertically or at any angle between horizontal and vertical.

The first stage dirt collection chamber 1136 may surround a portion of the entirety of the first stage cyclonic separator 1130. For example, as illustrated in fig. 6, 9, and 16, the first stage dirt collection chamber 1134 may surround only a portion (e.g., an upper portion) of the first stage cyclone 1130. Alternatively, as illustrated in fig. 12 and 14, the first stage dirt collection chamber 1134 may surround all of the first stage cyclone 1130.

Preferably, at least a portion of the air treatment member may be openable for evacuation. For example, at least one end (e.g., a front end in the illustrated orientation) and optionally both ends (e.g., a front end and a back end in the illustrated orientation) of the dirt collection chamber 1134 can be openable for evacuation. Optionally, at least one end, and optionally both ends, of the cyclone chamber 1130 may also be openable for emptying.

In the example shown, both the front end wall 1160 of the cyclone chamber 1130 and the front end wall 1126 of the dirt collection chamber 1134 are provided by a portion of the openable door 1190 that covers the front end of the cyclone assembly 1100. In this arrangement, opening the front door 1190 will open both the

front end walls

1160 and 1126 of the cyclonic separator and

dirt collection chambers

1130, 1134.

The second stage dirt collection chamber 1136 may extend forwardly through or adjacent the first stage dirt collection chamber 1134 and/or the first stage cyclonic separator 1130 to terminate at the forward end of the air treatment member 1100. Thus, opening the front door also opens the second stage dirt collection chamber 1136.

For example, one or more dirt collection chamber passages 1123 may extend forwardly through or adjacent the first stage dirt collection chamber 1134 and/or the first stage cyclone 1130, so that when the first stage dirt collection chamber 1134 is opened for emptying, the second stage dirt collection chamber 1136 may be emptied. As illustrated in FIG. 6, a single dirt collection channel 1123 extends below the first stage cyclone 1130. Thus, when the front door 1190 is open, both the first and second

dirt collection chambers

1134, 1136 can be emptied. Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 9, two

dirt collection channels

1123a and 1123b extend below the first stage cyclone 1130. As illustrated in FIG. 12, two

dirt collection channels

1123a and 1123b extend adjacent the outside of the sidewall 1133 of first stage dirt collection chamber 1134.

Thus, for example, in the embodiments of fig. 6, 9 and 12, opening the front door also opens the second stage dirt collection chamber 1136. In the example shown, a user can hold the handheld vacuum cleaner 1000 with one hand via the handle 1020 and open the front door 1190 with the other hand. The front end wall 1160 of the cyclone chamber 1130 and the front end wall 1126 of the dirt collection chamber 1134 (and the dirt collection chamber 1136 in the embodiment of fig. 4) may be openable at the same time and may cover all substantial portions of the front ends of the cyclone chamber and the dirt collection chamber. For example, the forward end wall 1160 of the cyclone chamber 1130 and the forward end wall 1126 of the dirt collection chamber 1134 (and optionally the forward end wall of the second stage dirt collection chamber) may be a unitary component (i.e., they may be integrally formed).

Alternatively, the front end wall 1126 of the dirt collection chamber 1134 (and optionally also the dirt collection chamber 1136) may be separate from the front end wall 1160. For example, as illustrated in fig. 4, the front end walls 1126 of the

dirt collection chambers

1134, 1136 may be defined by an openable door 1190, while the front end walls 1160 of the cyclone chambers are defined by a capture plate 1135 connected to the door 1190. Alternatively, as illustrated in fig. 8, the front end wall 1126 of the dirt collection chamber 1134 may be defined by an openable door 1190, while the front end wall of the cyclonic separator chamber 1160 is defined by a capture plate 1135 connected to the door 1190.

The front door 1190 may be openably connected (e.g., pivotably openably or removably mounted) to the remainder of the cyclone separator assembly using any suitable mechanism including a hinge or other suitable means. Alternatively, front door 1190 may be secured in the closed position using any suitable type of locking mechanism, including a latch mechanism that is releasable by a user.

Alternatively or additionally, the air treatment member 1100 may be removably mounted to the body 1010. For example, the air treatment member 1100 may be removably mounted to the body 1010 at a location in front of the energy storage unit 1500. Removal of the air treatment member 1100 may facilitate evacuation and/or cleaning. This may provide greater access to the rear of the air handling member 1100, for example, because the rear may be spaced from the front openable door 1190. This may also facilitate access to the second stage cyclone separator unit 1132 and/or the pre-motor filter house in the embodiment of fig. 8.

Optionally, one or more pre-motor filters may be placed in the airflow path between the air treatment member 1100 and the suction motor 1200. As shown in the example of fig. 7-16, the handheld vacuum cleaner 1000 can include a pre-motor filter housing 1310 disposed downstream of the air treatment member 1100 and upstream of the suction motor 1200 in the airflow path. The pre-motor filter housing 1310 may have any suitable configuration, including any of the configurations exemplified herein. One or more pre-motor filters 1320 may be located within the pre-motor filter housing 1310. The pre-motor filter 1320 may be formed of any suitable physical, porous filter media and have any suitable shape, including the examples disclosed herein with respect to the removable pre-motor filter assembly. For example, the pre-motor filter may be one or more of a foam filter, felt filter, HEPA filter, other physical filter media, electrostatic filter, and the like.

Optionally, a secondary pre-motor filter 1322 may also be provided. The pre-motor filter housing 1310 may house an upstream filter 1320 and a downstream filter 1322 (see, e.g., fig. 8, 14, and 16). For example, upstream filter 1320 may include a foam filter media, while downstream filter 1322 includes a felt filter media.

Optionally, the pre-motor filter 1320 (and optional filter 1322) may be removable. For example, the filter housing 1310 may include a removable or otherwise openable door to provide access to the interior of the front motor filter housing 1310.

Optionally, the pre-motor filter 1300 may be removed from the main body 1010 with the air treatment member 1100. For example, the pre-motor filter housing 1310 and the air treatment member 1100 may be removably mounted to the main body.

Optionally, the pre-motor filter 1300 may remain in place with the body 1010 when the air treatment member 1100 is removed. For example, the air treatment member 1100 may be separately detachably mounted to the main body.

The air treatment component 1100 and the optional pre-motor filter 1300 may together define a removable air treatment unit. As shown, the removable air handling unit may be located in front of the energy storage unit. Removal of the air treatment member 1100 and the pre-motor filter 1300 may facilitate cleaning and maintenance of the hand-held vacuum cleaner 1000, as these components are generally most likely to collect dirt and debris.

In the exemplified embodiment, the dirty air inlet 1030 of the hand-held vacuum cleaner 1000 is the inlet end 1032 of the inlet conduit 1036. Alternatively, the inlet end 1032 of the conduit 1036 can be used as a nozzle to directly clean a surface. In this example, the air inlet conduit 1036 is a generally linear hollow member that extends along an inlet conduit axis 1035 oriented in a longitudinal forward/rearward direction and is generally horizontal when the handheld vacuum cleaner 1000 is oriented with the upper end 1006 above the lower end 1008. Alternatively, or in addition to serving as a nozzle, the inlet conduit 1036 can be connected or directly connected to the downstream end of any suitable accessory tool, such as a rigid airflow conduit (e.g., above-the-floor cleaning wand), crevice tool, mini brush, or the like. Optionally, the dirty air inlet 1030 may be located in front of the air treatment member 1100, although this is not required. As illustrated, the dirty air inlet 1030 is located above the cyclone chamber 1130. Optionally, dirty air inlet 1030 may be provided at an alternative location, for example in front end wall 1160.

In the illustrated embodiment, the air inlet conduit 1036 is located above (e.g., closer to the upper end 1006 than) the cyclone axis 1115. The air inlet conduit 1036 may be spaced a distance from the axis 1115 that is selected to be large enough such that the air inlet conduit 1036 is above the air treatment component 1100, and thus above the first stage cyclone 1130, second stage cyclone 1132 and their respective axes and other features. This can help facilitate the use of a generally linear airflow conduit 1036, which can help facilitate airflow through the device 1000. Alternatively, the distance may be selected such that the inlet conduit 1036 is above the cyclone axis but at least partially overlaps the first stage cyclones 1130 and/or the second stage cyclones 1132 in an up/down direction (i.e., a protrusion of a portion or all of the conduit may pass through one or both of the first stage cyclones and the second stage cyclones). This may help reduce the overall height of the device 1000.

In the example shown, the clean air outlet 1040 is provided as part of the body 1010 and includes a grill. As shown in fig. 3, clean air outlets 1040 may be disposed on both lateral sides of the main body 1010. In this example, the grill is oriented such that air exiting the clean air outlet 1040 travels laterally outward from the body 1010 (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to the cyclone 1115). This may ensure that the discharged air is directed away from the user's hand when the user grasps the handle 1020 behind the clean air outlet 1040. Alternatively, the clean air outlet may be oriented such that the exhausted air travels generally rearwardly (in a direction parallel to the cyclone axis 1115) from the rear end 1004 of the hand-held vacuum cleaner 1000.

Optionally, one or more post-motor filters may be located in the airflow path between the suction motor 1200 and the clean air outlet 1040 to assist in further processing of the air passing through the handheld vacuum cleaner 1000. The post-motor filter may be formed of any suitable physical porous filter media and have any suitable shape for filtering air in the airflow path downstream of the suction motor 1200. The post-motor filter may be any suitable type of filter, such as one or more of a foam filter, felt filter, HEPA filter, other physical filtration media, electrostatic filter, and the like. The clean air outlet 1040 may form part of an optional post-motor filter housing.

In the example shown, the suction motor axis 1205 is substantially parallel to the cyclone separator axis and the inlet duct axis 1035. As illustrated, the motor axis 1205 may also be positioned such that the axis 1205 intersects one or more of the pre-motor filter housing 1310, the first stage cyclonic separator 1130, the second stage cyclonic separator 1132, and the

front end walls

1160 and 1126.

Alternatively, the motor axis 1205 may be substantially coaxial with one or both of the cyclone axes. This may help provide a desired feel to the user.

As illustrated, the main body 1010 may be configured such that the suction motor housing 1210 is located behind the pre-motor filter housing 1310, and is preferably axially aligned with the pre-motor filter housing 1310, such that air exiting the pre-motor filter may travel substantially linearly to the suction motor. It should be appreciated that the suction motor housing 1210 and the pre-motor filter housing 1310 can have any configuration. The diameter of the front portion of the suction motor housing 1210 may be substantially the same as the rear side of the pre-motor filter housing 1310, such that the pre-motor filter may have an upstream header of about the diameter of the pre-motor filter and a downstream header of about the diameter of the pre-motor filter.

The handheld vacuum cleaner 1000 may include a handle 1020. As shown in the illustrated example, the handle 1020 may be located at the rear end 1004 of the handheld vacuum cleaner 1000. Alternatively, the handle 1020 may be located at other suitable locations on the handheld vacuum cleaner, such as the upper end 1006.

In the example shown, the handle 1020 is a pistol grip type handle having an elongated pistol-grip handle portion 1026 that extends upwardly and forwardly along a handle axis 1025 (fig. 2) between an upper end 1022 and a lower end 1024 when the handheld vacuum cleaner 1000 is oriented such that the upper end 1006 is disposed above the lower end 1008. As illustrated in fig. 2, a rearwardly extending bridge portion 1027 extends from the rear end of the inlet nozzle to the upper end 1022 of the handle 1020, and a rearwardly extending bridge portion 1029 extends behind the motor housing 1210 to the lower end 1024 of the handle 1020.

In this configuration, a finger gap or finger grip area 1028 for receiving a user's fingers is formed between the handle 1026 and the body 1010. For example, as shown in fig. 4, finger grip area 1028 may be located between the rear of suction motor 1200 and the front of handle 1020.

In the example shown, the finger grip area 1028 is defined in part by the handle 1026, the upper end 1022 of the grip, the lower end 1024 of the grip, the upper and

lower bridges

1027, 1029, and the suction motor housing 1210. In this configuration, the rearward projection of the cyclone chamber axis 1115 intersects the handle 1026 and finger gap 1028 and passes through the suction motor housing 1210, the pre-motor filter housing 1310 (in the embodiment of fig. 7-16) and the second stage cyclone 1132 (in the embodiment of fig. 1-12).

Alternatively, the surface cleaning apparatus 1000 may be powered by an electrical cord connected to a hand-held vacuum cleaner, which may be connected to a standard wall outlet. The cord may optionally be detachable from the handheld vacuum cleaner 1000.

Alternatively or additionally, the power source for the surface cleaning apparatus 1000 may be or may include an on-board energy storage device, which may include, for example, one or more batteries. In the example shown, the handheld vacuum cleaner 1000 includes an on-board energy storage unit 1500. The energy storage unit 1500 may include one or more energy storage members 1520, such as one or more batteries or other energy storage devices.

The handheld vacuum cleaner can include a power switch that can be provided to selectively control operation of the suction motor (e.g., on/off or variable power level or both), for example, by establishing a power connection between the energy storage member 1520 and the suction motor 1200. The power switch may be provided in any suitable configuration and location, including a push button, rotary switch, slide switch, trigger-type actuator, and the like.

Alternatively, the inlet conduit 1036 or other portion of the device 1000 can be provided with any suitable electrical connector that can establish an electrical connection between the device 1000 and any accessory tool, cleaning head, or the like connected to the inlet conduit 1036. In this configuration, the handheld vacuum cleaner 1000 can be used to power a surface cleaning head with a rotating brush or other tool of that nature using power supplied by the wall outlet and/or the on-board battery pack 1500.

As shown in the example of fig. 4, the energy storage unit 1500 extends between a front end 1502 and a rear end 1504. The energy storage unit 1500 may have a housing 1510 attached to the body 1010. Optionally, the energy storage unit 1500 may be removably mounted to the body 1010 (e.g., removable from a position below the motor housing 1210 and the lower bridge portion 1029). For example, the housing 1510 may be detachable from the body 1010 to allow the energy storage member 1520 to be charged and/or replaced. Alternatively or additionally, energy storage member 1520 may be charged when attached to body 1010, for example using a cord attached to handheld vacuum cleaner 1000. If the energy storage unit is not removably mounted, it may provide a lower bridge portion 1029.

The housing 1510 may enclose a plurality of energy storage members 1520. Each energy storage member may be, for example, a battery or a capacitor, such as a supercapacitor. Alternatively, the housing 1510 may enclose only a single energy storage member 1520.

In some examples, the energy storage members 1520 may be distributed between the front end 1502 and the rear end 1504 of the energy storage unit 1500. In the example shown, the energy storage members 1520 are arranged in a single row extending in a forward/rearward direction. Alternatively, the energy storage members 1520 may be oriented vertically and/or laterally within the energy storage unit 1500, and/or two or more rows of energy storage members 1520 may be provided.

As shown in the illustrated example (e.g., fig. 4), a line 1535 extending through at least some of the energy storage members 1520 may be substantially parallel to the cyclone axis 1115. As shown in fig. 4, the line 1535 may extend substantially in the forward/rearward direction, e.g., through the center of the vertical height of the energy storage member 1520. This may help distribute the weight of the energy storage member 1520 in the forward/rearward direction.

Each energy storage member 1520 may have a longitudinal energy storage member axis 1525 (see, e.g., fig. 8). As shown in fig. 8, the energy storage member 1520 may be oriented within the energy storage unit 1500 with the longitudinal energy storage member axis 1525 extending transverse to the air treatment member axis 1115. Thus, the weight of each energy storage member 1520 may be distributed laterally across the handheld vacuum cleaner 1000.

In the example shown, the energy storage unit 1500 is provided at the lower end 1008 of the hand-held vacuum cleaner 1000. In other embodiments, one or more battery packs 1500 may be disposed in other portions of the main body 1010 to provide power to the suction motor 1200, such as a battery pack disposed within the handle portion 1026 of the handle 1020 or a compartment located on the front side of the handle 1020.

The energy storage unit 1500 (and the energy storage member 1520 enclosed therein) may be located below the suction motor 1200. This may help distribute the weight of the heavier components of the hand-held vacuum cleaner 1000 in the vertical direction. As shown in fig. 8, for example, the suction motor 1200 is located on top of (i.e., covers) a subset of the energy storage members 1520.

Alternatively, all energy storage members 1520 may be positioned below the suction motor 1200.

Alternatively, the energy storage member 1520 may be spaced apart from the suction motor 1200 in the forward/rearward direction. For example, the energy storage member 1520 may be below the finger grip region 1028 and/or the handle 1020.

In the example shown, the energy storage unit 1500 is located below the handle 1020. As shown in fig. 8, for example, the handle 1020 is located on top of (i.e., covers) a subset of the energy storage members 1520. This may provide a good feel for a user to manipulate the handle 1020, where the weight of the energy storage member 1520 is below the handle 1020.

Alternatively, all energy storage members 1520 may be positioned below the handle 1020.

Alternatively, the energy storage member 1520 may be spaced from the handle 1020 in the forward/rearward direction. For example, the energy storage member 1520 may be below the finger grip region 1028 and/or the suction motor 1200.

Optionally, the energy storage members 1520 may be positioned such that at least one of the energy storage members 1520 is below the suction motor 1200 and at least another one of the energy storage members 1520 is below the pistol grip 1020.

As shown in the illustrated example, the handle 1020 may be located at the rear end 1004 of the vacuum cleaner 1000 with the energy storage unit 1500 located below all (or some) of the lower end 1008. The suction motor 1200 may be located above (e.g., atop or covering) the front end 1502 of the energy storage unit 1500, and the pistol grip 1020 may be located above the rear end 1504 of the energy storage unit 1500. This distribution of the heavy components of the handheld vacuum cleaner 1000 relative to the weight of the handle 1020 may help provide a desired feel to the user.

Additionally or alternatively, finger grip region 1028 may be located above (e.g., on top of or covering) energy storage unit 1500. As shown in the illustrated example, the finger grip area 1028 may be located between the front end 1502 and the rear end 1504 of the energy storage unit 1500.

As shown, the suction motor 1200, energy storage unit 1500, and handle 1020 may be provided with a generally u-shaped distribution around the finger grip area 1028. This may provide a good weight distribution that may be easily supported by a user holding the handle 1020. In such a configuration, it will be understood that the suction motor may be oriented such that the suction motor axis need not be forward/rearward, but may be vertical or tilted upward and forward (e.g., aligning the pistol grip portion of the handle).

In some examples, the pre-motor filter 1300 may be located in front of the energy storage unit 1500. For example, a forward projection of the energy storage unit 1500 may intersect the pre-motor filter 1300 (see, e.g., fig. 8). This may help to provide a compact configuration for the hand-held vacuum cleaner.

In the example shown, the cyclone chamber 1130 extends between a forward end 1112 and an aft end 1114 (see, e.g., fig. 2). In the example shown, the cyclone chamber 1130 has a front end wall 1160 and an opposite rear end wall 1170 spaced from the front end wall 1160. A cyclone axis 1115 about which air circulates within the cyclone chamber 1130 during operation of the hand-held vacuum cleaner extends between the forward end 1112 (and forward end wall 1160) and the rearward end 1114 (and rearward end wall 1170) of the cyclone chamber 1130. A cyclone chamber sidewall 1180 extends between the front end wall 1160 and the rear end wall 1170.

Optionally, as illustrated, when the handheld vacuum cleaner is oriented with the upper end above the lower end, the cyclone axis 1115 is substantially horizontal and closer to horizontal than vertical, e.g., ± 20, ± 15, ± 10 or ± 5 from horizontal. Optionally, as illustrated, cyclone axis 1115 is substantially parallel to and vertically offset below the duct axis 1035 of air inlet duct 1036, for example within ± 20, ± 15, ± 10 or ± 5, and cyclone chamber 1130 and dirt collection chamber 1134 are both below inlet duct axis 1035. As shown, the rearward extension of catheter axis 1035 may intersect with upper end 1022 of handle 1020.

In the example shown, the cyclone air inlet 1120 is a tangential air inlet that, as illustrated, terminates in a hole or port formed in the cyclone sidewall 1180, optionally in an upper portion of the cyclone sidewall 1180, adjacent the rear end wall 1170. Optionally, the cyclone air inlet 1120 may be provided in an alternative location, for example in or adjacent the front end wall 1160.

The cyclone air inlet 1120 is fluidly connected with the outlet end of the conduit 1036 via a corresponding air outlet aperture or port 1038 that may be disposed in a lower portion of the air inlet conduit 1036. The cyclone air inlet 1120 can have any suitable arrangement and/or configuration, and in the illustrated example is configured as a tangential air inlet that is directly connected to the air outlet aperture 1038. Connecting the air inlet 1120 to the air outlet bore 1038 in this manner may help reduce the need for additional conduits fluidly connecting the dirty air inlet 1030 to the cyclone chamber 1130, and may reduce or eliminate the need for additional bends or changes in airflow direction between the dirty air inlet 1030 and the cyclone chamber 1130. Reducing the conduit length and number of bends may help reduce back pressure and flow losses within the 1100 flow path.

Optionally, as illustrated in fig. 2, the cyclone air outlet 1122 is provided in a rear end wall 1170 of the cyclone chamber 1130, and an axially extending vortex finder conduit 1137 extends from the rear end wall 1170 and is aligned with the cyclone air outlet 1122. Optionally, a screen (not shown) may provide some or all of the inlet holes 1138 of the vortex finder conduit 1137 to help inhibit lint, hair, and other such debris from entering the vortex finder conduit 1137. Positioning the air outlet 1122, including a porous section (e.g., a screen or shroud), towards the rear end (and optionally in the rear end wall 1170) can help promote a desired airflow through the cyclone chamber 1130 such that air travels generally axially through the cyclone chamber 1130 from the front end wall 1160 towards the rear end wall 1170 when rotated.

Positioning the air outlet 1122 in the rear end wall 1170 of the cyclonic separator chamber 1130 can also help promote a low back pressure airflow connection between the cyclonic separator chamber 1130 and downstream components in the handheld vacuum cleaner 1000, such as the second stage cyclonic separator unit 1132 or a pre-motor filter.

In this arrangement, air traveling through the handheld vacuum cleaner 1000 will generally travel generally rearwardly along the air inlet duct 1036 (i.e., parallel to the duct axis 1035) and then enter the tangential air inlet, which generally changes the direction of the air to travel generally downwardly through the cyclone air inlet 1120 (i.e., generally orthogonal to the cyclone axis 1115). The air may then circulate within the cyclone chamber 1130 and ultimately exit the cyclone chamber 1130 through the cyclone air outlet 1122 while traveling in a rearward direction (i.e., generally parallel to the cyclone axis 1115) through the vortex finder conduit 1137.

From the cyclone air outlet 1122, the air travels back toward the suction motor 1200. After passing through the second stage cyclone separator unit 1132 and/or the pre-motor filter 1320, the air may travel generally back to the inlet end of the suction motor 1200. An advantage of this arrangement is that by promoting air to travel in this manner, the need for a change in direction of airflow between the air outlet of the air handling member 1100 and the suction motor may be reduced or eliminated, thereby reducing back pressure and/or airflow losses through this portion of the hand-held vacuum cleaner 1000.

The cyclonic separator dirt outlet 1140 can have any suitable configuration, such as shown in the examples of fig. 1-7, and the dirt outlet is a groove 1140 provided in the cyclonic separator chamber sidewall 1180 towards the front end wall 1160. The slots 1140 may extend around at least a portion of the perimeter of the cyclone sidewall 1180. Although shown directly adjacent the front end wall 1160 such that the groove 1140 is partially defined by the cyclone sidewall 1180 and the front end wall 1160, the groove 1140 may be located at another location along the length of the cyclone sidewall 1180 without being directly adjacent the front end wall 1160. Alternatively, the dirt outlet 1140 may be disposed toward a midpoint of the cyclone chamber sidewall 1180, or may be disposed toward the rear end wall 1170.

In the example shown in fig. 1-7, the cyclone chamber 1130 has a single dirt outlet 1140. Alternatively, the cyclone chamber 1130 can include two or more dirt outlets communicating with the same dirt collection chamber or alternatively with different dirt collection chambers. For example, fig. 10-14 illustrate an example of a cyclone chamber 1130 that includes a plurality of dirt outlets 1140. As shown in the example of fig. 11 and 14, the cyclone chamber 1130 can include an upper dirt outlet and a separated lower dirt outlet.

In the example shown in fig. 10-14, the dirt outlet communicates with a single dirt collection chamber 1134 that surrounds the cyclone chamber 1130. Alternatively, the cyclone chamber 1130 can include multiple dirt outlets to different dirt collection chambers 1134. This may facilitate the collection of different sizes of dirt and debris.

In the example shown, the dirt collection chamber 1134 is external to the cyclone chamber 1130 and may at least partially surround the cyclone chamber 1130. It will be appreciated that if the second stage dirt collection chamber includes a dirt collection chamber passage 1123, the dirt collection chamber 1134 and the dirt collection chamber passage 1123 may at least partially surround the cyclone chamber 1130. In some examples, the dirt collection chamber 1134 (and the passageway 1123, if present) may surround most or all of the cyclone chamber 1130. For example, the dirt collection chamber 1134 (and the passageway 1123, if present) may surround at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or all of the cyclone chamber 1130.

The perimeter of the air treatment member 1100 may define a majority (80% or 85% or 90% or 95% or more) or all of the height and width of the hand-held vacuum cleaner 1000. For example, as shown in fig. 9, the air treatment member 1100, and in particular, the dirt collection chamber sidewall 1133, can occupy a substantial portion (at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%) or all of the height and width of the hand-held vacuum cleaner 1000.

In this configuration, the rearward projection of the outer sidewall of the air treatment member, which may be the sidewall 1133 of the dirt collection chamber 1134 (if the dirt collection chamber 1134 surrounds the cyclone chamber 1130), may encompass a majority (at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%) or all of each component of the handheld vacuum cleaner 1000.

As shown, for example, by fig. 9-12, the rearward projection of the sidewall 1133 of the dirt collection chamber 1134 may substantially encompass the suction motor 1200, the second stage cyclone unit 1132, the pre-motor filter 1300, the energy storage unit 1500, and the handle 1020.

Alternatively, as shown in fig. 1-9, the rearward projection of the outer side wall of the air treatment member (which includes the outer wall of the passageway 1123 and the dirt collection chamber sidewall 1133 of the dirt collection chamber 1134) may substantially encompass the suction motor 1200, the second stage cyclonic separator unit 1132, the pre-motor filter 1300 (in the example of fig. 7-9), the energy storage unit 1500 and the handle 1020.

For example, as illustrated, the only components that may extend laterally outward from the rearward projection of the outer wall (e.g., sidewall 1133) may be the inlet conduit 1036, the upper end 1027 of the handle 1020, and in some embodiments, the lower section of the energy storage unit 1500. For example, a rearward projection of the outer wall (e.g., sidewall 1133) may encompass the suction motor 1200, the second stage cyclone separator unit 1132, the pre-motor filter 1300, the pistol grip portion of the handle 1020, and at least an upper portion of the energy storage unit 1500 (e.g., a projection of the sidewall 1133 may pass over the line 1535, substantially along the line 1535, or under the line 1535).

In some embodiments, at least 80% or 85% or 90% or 95% of one or more (or each) of the suction motor 1200, the second stage cyclone separator unit 1132 (in the examples of fig. 1-12), the pre-motor filter 1300 (in the examples of fig. 7-16), the energy storage unit 1500, and the handle 1020 can be located within a volume defined by a protrusion of the outer wall (e.g., the sidewall 1133). This may help reduce the height of vacuum cleaner 1100.

The air treatment component 1100 (including the optional second stage cyclonic separator unit 1132), the pre-motor filter 1300 (in the example of fig. 7-16) and the suction motor 1200 may be positioned to have a substantially linear arrangement moving from the front end 1002 towards the rear end 1004 of the vacuum cleaner 1000. This may help to reduce the number of turns of the airflow path through the handheld vacuum cleaner 1000. This may also help provide a reduced profile to the handheld vacuum cleaner 1000, where each of these components (as well as other components such as the handle 1020 and the energy storage unit 1500) are contained within a volume defined by the rearward projection of the perimeter of the air treatment member 1100 (in some cases, the volume may be defined at least in part by the side wall 1133).

As used herein, the phrase "and/or" is intended to mean inclusive-or. That is, for example, "X and/or Y" is intended to mean X or Y or both. As another example, "X, Y and/or Z" is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof.

Although the foregoing specification describes features of exemplary embodiments, it will be appreciated that some of the features and/or functions of the described embodiments may be susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the described embodiments. For example, various features described with the aid of the described embodiments or examples may be selectively combined with one another. Accordingly, the above-described content is intended to be illustrative of the claimed concepts and not limiting. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that other variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims. 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.

Claims

1. A hand-held vacuum cleaner having an upper end, a lower end, a front end having a dirty air inlet, and a rear end, the hand-held vacuum cleaner comprising:

(a) an airflow path extending from the dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet;

(c) an energy storage unit having a front end and a rear end;

(e) a pistol-type handle is provided,

2. The handheld vacuum cleaner of claim 1, further comprising a finger grip area, wherein the finger grip area is located in front of the pistol grip and above the energy storage unit when the handheld vacuum cleaner is oriented with the upper end above the lower end.

3. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 2, wherein the finger grip area is located between the front end and the rear end of the energy storage unit.

4. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein the energy storage unit comprises a plurality of energy storage members and a line extending through at least some of the energy storage members is substantially parallel to the air treatment member axis.

5. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein the energy storage unit comprises a plurality of energy storage members, the energy storage members having a longitudinal axis, and the energy storage members being oriented with the longitudinal energy storage member axis extending transverse to the air treatment member axis.

6. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 5 wherein the energy storage members are arranged in a single extended row extending in a forward/rearward direction.

7. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein the energy storage members are arranged in a single extended row extending in a forward/rearward direction.

8. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein said energy storage unit comprises a plurality of energy storage members, and when said hand-held vacuum cleaner is oriented with said upper end above said lower end, at least one of said energy storage members is below said suction motor and at least another one of said energy storage members is below said pistol grip.

9. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein the air treatment member comprises a cyclonic separator and the air treatment member axis is a cyclonic separator axis of rotation.

10. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein the suction motor has an axis of rotation and the suction motor axis of rotation is substantially parallel to the air treatment member axis.

11. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein the suction motor is located behind a front motor filter and in front of the pistol grip.

12. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 1, further comprising a finger grip area, wherein the finger grip area is located between the suction motor and the pistol grip.

13. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 1 further comprising a second stage cyclonic separator downstream of the air handling member, wherein the second stage cyclonic separator is located between the air handling member and the suction motor.

14. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 1 further comprising a pre-motor filter, wherein the pre-motor filter is located in front of the energy storage unit.

15. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 14 wherein the forward projection of the energy storage unit intersects the pre-motor filter.

16. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 14 wherein the air treatment member and pre-motor filter comprise a removable air treatment unit located in front of the energy storage unit.

17. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein the air treatment member has a front openable door.

18. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 17 wherein the air treatment member is removably mounted at a location forward of the energy storage unit.

19. A hand-held vacuum cleaner having an upper end, a lower end, a front end having a dirty air inlet, and a rear end, the hand-held vacuum cleaner comprising:

(a) an airflow path extending from the dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet;

20. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 19 wherein said energy storage member is located below said pistol grip when said hand-held vacuum cleaner is oriented with said upper end above said lower end.

21. Error in claims! No reference source is found. 9, wherein the energy storage unit comprises a plurality of energy storage members, and the energy storage members are located below the suction motor when the handheld vacuum cleaner is oriented with the upper end above the lower end.

22. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 21 wherein said energy storage member is located below said pistol grip when said hand-held vacuum cleaner is oriented with said upper end above said lower end.

23. A hand-held vacuum cleaner having an upper end, a lower end, a front end having a dirty air inlet, and a rear end, the hand-held vacuum cleaner comprising:

(a) an airflow path extending from the dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet;

wherein when the hand-held vacuum cleaner is oriented with the upper end above the lower end, the pistol grip is located behind the front end of the hand-held vacuum cleaner and the suction motor is located behind a front motor filter, and

24. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 23, wherein the energy storage unit is disposed at the lower end of the hand-held vacuum cleaner.

25. The handheld vacuum cleaner of claim 23, wherein the energy storage unit is located below the pistol grip when the handheld vacuum cleaner is oriented with the upper end above the lower end.

26. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 23 wherein the energy storage unit comprises a plurality of energy storage members and a line extending through at least some of the energy storage members is substantially parallel to the cyclonic separator axis of rotation.

27. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 23 wherein the energy storage unit comprises a plurality of energy storage members and the suction motor is located above at least some of the energy storage members when the hand-held vacuum cleaner is oriented with the upper end above the lower end.

28. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 23, wherein the pistol grip is located at the rear end of the hand-held vacuum cleaner.

29. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 23 further comprising an air inlet conduit extending downstream of the dirt air inlet, the air inlet conduit having an inlet conduit axis, wherein a projection of the inlet conduit intersects the upper end of the handle.

30. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 23 further comprising a second cyclone stage downstream of the cyclonic separator, wherein the second cyclone stage is located within the volume defined by the projection of the dirt collection chamber sidewall.

31. A hand-held vacuum cleaner having an upper end, a lower end, a front end having a dirty air inlet, and a rear end, the hand-held vacuum cleaner comprising:

(a) an airflow path extending from the dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet;

32. The handheld vacuum cleaner of claim 31, wherein the energy storage unit is located below the pistol grip when the handheld vacuum cleaner is oriented with the upper end above the lower end.

33. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 31 wherein the energy storage unit comprises a plurality of energy storage members and a line extending through at least some of the energy storage members is substantially parallel to the cyclonic separator axis of rotation.

34. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 31 wherein the energy storage unit comprises a plurality of energy storage members and the suction motor is located above at least some of the energy storage members when the hand-held vacuum cleaner is oriented with the upper end above the lower end.

35. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 31 further comprising an air inlet conduit extending downstream of a dirt air inlet, the air inlet conduit having an inlet conduit axis, wherein a projection of the inlet conduit intersects the upper end of the handle.

36. The handheld vacuum cleaner of claim 31, further comprising a second cyclone stage downstream of the cyclonic separator, wherein the second cyclone stage is located within a volume defined by the cyclonic separator chamber and a projection of the dirt collection chamber sidewall.

37. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 31 wherein at least 90% of the pre-motor filter, the suction motor, the energy storage unit and the pistol grip are located within a volume defined by protrusions of the cyclone chamber and dirt collection chamber sidewalls.

38. The handheld vacuum cleaner of claim 31, wherein the energy storage unit includes a plurality of energy storage members, and at least some of the energy storage members are located below the suction motor when the handheld vacuum cleaner is oriented with the upper end above the lower end.