CN114554920B

CN114554920B - Hand-held surface cleaning device

Info

Publication number: CN114554920B
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: 2023-12-01
Anticipated expiration: 2040-08-05
Also published as: EP4013278A4; WO2021026637A1; CN114554920A; EP4013278A1; CA3147798A1

Abstract

A hand-held vacuum cleaner has an airflow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. An air handling member and a suction motor are located in the airflow path. The hand-held vacuum cleaner includes an on-board energy storage unit and has a pistol grip. When the hand-held vacuum cleaner is oriented with its upper end above its lower end, 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 located above the rear end of the energy storage unit. A finger grip region 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 apparatuses. 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 matter discussed below is part of the prior art or part of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art.

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

Disclosure of Invention

The following introduction is provided to introduce the reader to the following more detailed discussion. The introduction is not intended to limit or define any claimed or as yet unreclaimed application. One or more applications may exist in any combination or sub-combination of elements or process steps disclosed in any part of the document including the present application.

According to 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 hand-held vacuum cleaner has a pistol grip located over the rear end of the energy storage unit and a suction motor located over the front end of the energy storage unit. This configuration of the hand-held vacuum cleaner and the heavier components of the handle allows the user to easily maneuver 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 hand-held vacuum cleaner by diffusing 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 handling member located in the airflow path, the air handling member having a front end and a rear end, an axis extending between the front end and the rear end of the air handling member;

(c) An energy storage unit having a front end and a back end;

(d) A suction motor located in the airflow path; the method comprises the steps of,

(e) A pistol-type handle, which is provided with a handle,

wherein when the hand-held vacuum cleaner is oriented with the upper end above the lower end, 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, 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 hand-held vacuum cleaner can include a finger grip region, wherein the finger grip region is located forward of the pistol grip and above the energy storage unit when the hand-held 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 include 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 handling 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 include a plurality of energy storage members, and when the handheld 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 of the energy storage members may be below the pistol grip.

In some embodiments, the air handling member may comprise a cyclone separator and the air handling 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 front motor filter and in front of the pistol grip.

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

In some embodiments, the handheld vacuum cleaner may include a second stage cyclone downstream of the air handling member, wherein the second stage cyclone is located between the air handling member and the suction motor.

In some embodiments, the handheld vacuum cleaner may include 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 front motor filter.

In some embodiments, the air treatment member and pre-motor filter may include 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 forward 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 hand-held vacuum cleaner may have a cyclone chamber and a dirt collection chamber external to the cyclone chamber. The rearward projection of the dirt collection chamber sidewall may enclose or substantially enclose the front motor filter, suction motor, energy storage unit and handle of the hand-held vacuum cleaner, and optionally a rear motor filter. The generally linear arrangement of components within the handheld vacuum cleaner may allow for a reduction in the height of the handheld vacuum cleaner while reducing back pressure through the handheld 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 located in the airflow path, the cyclone having a cyclone front end, a cyclone rear end, a cyclone air inlet, a cyclone air outlet, and a cyclone axis of rotation 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 cyclone; and

(d) A body including a suction motor 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 separator axis of rotation, and

wherein when the hand-held 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 hand-held vacuum cleaner, and the plurality of energy storage members are located at the lower end of the hand-held vacuum cleaner, and

Wherein the pre-motor filter, the suction motor, the energy storage unit and the pistol grip are substantially located within a volume defined by a protrusion 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 include a plurality of energy storage members, and the energy storage members may be located below the suction motor when the handheld vacuum cleaner is oriented with the upper end above the lower end.

According to this broad aspect, there is also 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) A cyclone located in the airflow path, the cyclone having a cyclone first end, an opposite cyclone second end, a cyclone air inlet, a cyclone air outlet, a cyclone axis of rotation extending between the cyclone first end and the cyclone second end, and an axially extending cyclone sidewall;

(c) A dirt collection chamber external to and surrounding the cyclone; and

(d) A main body including 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 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

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 cyclone separator rotation axis.

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

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

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

In some embodiments, the handheld vacuum cleaner may include a second cyclone stage downstream of the cyclone separator, wherein the second cyclone stage is located within the volume defined by the protrusion 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 located in the airflow path and a dirt collection chamber external to the cyclone chamber, the cyclone having a cyclone front end, a cyclone rear end, a cyclone air inlet, a cyclone air outlet, and a cyclone axis of rotation extending between the cyclone front end and the cyclone rear end, the cyclone unit having an axially extending sidewall; and

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

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

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

In some embodiments, the handheld vacuum cleaner may include an air inlet duct extending downstream of the dirt air inlet, the air inlet duct having an inlet duct axis, wherein a projection of the inlet duct may intersect the upper end of the handle.

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

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 handheld vacuum cleaner is oriented with the upper end above the lower end.

Those of skill in the art will understand that an apparatus or method disclosed herein may embody any one or more of the features contained herein and that the features may be used in any specific combination or sub-combination.

These and other aspects and features of the 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 in accordance with 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 in FIG. 1, in accordance with the embodiment of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a top front perspective view of a hand-held vacuum cleaner in accordance with another embodiment;

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

FIG. 10 is a top front perspective view of a hand-held vacuum cleaner in accordance with another embodiment;

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

FIG. 13 is a top front perspective view of a hand-held vacuum cleaner in accordance with another embodiment;

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

FIG. 15 is a top front perspective view of a hand-held vacuum cleaner in accordance with 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 in fig. 15, in accordance with the embodiment of fig. 15.

The accompanying drawings are included to illustrate various examples of articles, methods, and devices taught herein and are not intended to limit the scope of the teachings in any way.

Detailed Description

Various apparatus, methods, and compositions are described below to provide examples of embodiments of each of the claimed inventions. The embodiments described below are not limiting of 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 is it limited to features common to multiple or all devices, methods, or compositions described below. The apparatus, methods, or compositions described below may not be an embodiment of any of the claimed inventions. Any inventions disclosed in the devices, methods, or compositions described below that are not claimed in this document may be the subject of another protective device, e.g., continuing the patent application, and applicant, inventor, and/or owner, does not intend to forego, or dedicate any such inventions to the public by their disclosure in this document.

The terms "an embodiment," "embodiments," "the embodiments," "one or more embodiments," "some embodiments," and "one embodiment" mean "one or more (but not all) embodiments of the present invention," unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms "comprising," "including," 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 explicitly indicated 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 referred to as being "coupled," "connected," "attached," or "fastened" where the parts are directly or indirectly joined or operated together (i.e., through one or more intermediate parts) whenever joining occurs. As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts are referred to as being "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 between a manner in which two or more portions are joined together.

Furthermore, it will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. Furthermore, 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 taken 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 a "hand-held vacuum cleaner". As used herein, a handheld 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 that guides the dirty air inlet of the vacuum cleaner relative to the surface to be cleaned. For example, the handle and the clean air inlet may be rigidly coupled to each other (directly or indirectly) so as to move as one while maintaining a constant orientation relative to each other. This is in contrast to canister and upright vacuum cleaners, whose weight is typically supported by a surface (e.g., 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 stick vacuum cleaner or stick vacuum cleaner, a wet dry vacuum cleaner, or the like. For example, the base of the surface cleaning apparatus may include a surface cleaning head and an elongate wand connectable to the hand-held vacuum cleaner 1000. In this configuration, the surface cleaning device may 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 handling 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.

The surface cleaning apparatus 1000 has a front end 1002, a rear end 1004, an upper end or top 1006 and a lower end or bottom 1008. In the 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 body 1010, between the upper end 1006 and the lower end 1008. It should be appreciated that the dirty air inlet 1030 and the clean air outlet 1040 may be provided 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 vacuum suction is created. 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 alternative embodiments, the suction motor 1200 may be located upstream of the air handling component 1100 (e.g., a dirty air motor). 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 handling component may include one or more cyclone stages, each of which may include a single cyclone or multiple cyclones in parallel. Each cyclone stage may have a single dirt collection chamber or multiple dirt collection chambers. The dirt collection chamber may be external to the cyclone chamber or may be internal to the cyclone chamber and configured as a dirt collection region or zone within the cyclone chamber. Alternatively, the air treatment member 1100 need not include a cyclonic cleaning stage, and may comprise a bag, porous physical filter media (e.g., foam or felt), or other air treatment device.

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

As illustrated in the embodiments shown in fig. 4, 6, 8, and 11, the air handling component 1100 may include 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 that receives dirt separated by the first stage cyclone 1130 and a second stage dirt collection chamber 1136 that receives dirt separated by the second stage cyclone unit 1132.

The first stage cyclone 1130 has a cyclone air inlet 1120 in fluid communication with the inlet duct 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 separator chambers 1150 arranged in parallel. In the example shown, there are four second stage cyclone chambers 1150 (see, e.g., fig. 1), but a greater or lesser number of second stage cyclone chambers 1150 may 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 may 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 path that is directed 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 reaches 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., with the cyclone air inlet and the cyclone air outlet at opposite ends of the cyclone chamber). Alternatively or in addition, one or both of the first stage cyclones 1130 and the second stage cyclones 1132 can provide bi-directional airflow (i.e., with the cyclone air inlets and cyclone air outlets at the same end of the cyclone chamber). In the example shown in fig. 1-12, the first stage cyclone 1130 and the 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 one another (e.g., where the second stage cyclone separator unit 1132 comprises 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 the dirt collection chambers 1134 and 1136 may have any configuration suitable for separating dirt from an airflow and collecting the separated dirt, respectively. The cyclone chambers 1130 and 1150 may 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 generally horizontally or horizontally as illustrated, or alternatively may be oriented vertically, or at any angle between horizontal and vertical.

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

The cyclone chamber 1130 may 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 separator chamber 1130 may be oriented horizontally, as illustrated in fig. 4. In alternative embodiments, the cyclone separator 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 cyclone 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 the entirety of the first stage cyclone 1130.

Preferably, at least a portion of the air handling component may be openable for evacuation. For example, at least one end (e.g., front end in the illustrated orientation) and optionally both ends (e.g., front and rear ends in the illustrated orientation) of the dirt collection chamber 1134 may be openable for evacuation. Optionally, at least one 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 front door 1190 that covers the front end of the cyclone assembly 1100. In this arrangement, opening the front door 1190 will open the front end walls 1160 and 1126 of the cyclone and dirt collection chambers 1130, 1134 simultaneously.

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

For example, one or more dirt collection chamber passageways 1123 can extend forward through or adjacent to the first stage dirt collection chamber 1134 and/or the first stage cyclone 1130 such that when the first stage dirt collection chamber 1134 is opened for emptying, the second stage dirt collection chamber 1136 can 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 waste collection chambers 1134, 1136 may be evacuated. 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 to the outside of the side wall 1133 of the first stage dirt collection chamber 1134.

Thus, for example, in the embodiment 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 may 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 dirt collection chamber 1136 in the embodiment of fig. 4) may be simultaneously openable and may cover all substantial portions of the front ends of the cyclone chamber and dirt collection chamber. For example, the front end wall 1160 of the cyclone separator chamber 1130 and the front end wall 1126 of the dirt collection chamber 1134 (and optionally the front end wall of the second stage dirt collection chamber) may be an integral assembly (i.e., they may be integrally formed).

Alternatively, the front end wall 1126 of the dirt collection chamber 1134 (and optionally 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 openable doors 1190, while the front end walls of the cyclone separator chamber 1160 are defined by a catch plate 1135 connected to the doors 1190. Alternatively, as illustrated in fig. 8, the front end wall 1126 of the dirt collection chamber 1134 may be defined by a openable door 1190, while the front end wall of the cyclone separator chamber 1160 is defined by a catch plate 1135 connected to the door 1190.

The front door 1190 may be releasably connected (e.g., pivotally openable or removably mountable) to the remainder of the cyclone assembly using any suitable mechanism including a hinge or other suitable device. Alternatively, the 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 forward 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 treatment member 1100, for example, because the rear may be spaced apart 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 chamber 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 hand-held vacuum cleaner 1000 can include a pre-motor filter housing 1310 disposed in the airflow path downstream of the air treatment member 1100 and upstream of the suction motor 1200. The pre-motor filter housing 1310 may have any suitable configuration, including any of the configurations illustrated 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 examples disclosed herein with respect to removable pre-motor filter assemblies. For example, the pre-motor filter may be one or more of a foam filter, a felt filter, a HEPA filter, other physical filter media, an 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, the upstream filter 1320 may include a foam filter media, while the 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.

Alternatively, the pre-motor filter 1300 may be removed from the 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.

Alternatively, the pre-motor filter 1300 may be held 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 member 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 handling 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 illustrated embodiment, the dirty air inlet 1030 of the hand-held vacuum cleaner 1000 is the inlet end 1032 of the inlet duct 1036. Alternatively, the inlet end 1032 of the conduit 1036 may be used as a nozzle to directly clean a surface. In this example, the air inlet duct 1036 is a generally linear hollow member that extends along an inlet duct axis 1035 oriented in a longitudinally forward/rearward direction and is generally horizontal when the hand-held vacuum cleaner 1000 is oriented with the upper end 1006 above the lower end 1008. Alternatively, or in addition to functioning as a nozzle, the inlet conduit 1036 may be connected or directly connected to the downstream end of any suitable accessory tool, such as a rigid air flow conduit (e.g., an above-floor cleaning wand), crevice tool, mini-brush, etc. Alternatively, the dirty air inlet 1030 may be located in front of the air handling member 1100, although this is not required. As illustrated, the dirty air inlet 1030 is located above the cyclone chamber 1130. Alternatively, the dirty air inlet 1030 may be provided at an alternative location, such as in the front end wall 1160.

In the illustrated embodiment, the air inlet duct 1036 is located above the cyclone axis 1115 (e.g., closer to the upper end 1006 than the cyclone axis). The air inlet duct 1036 may be spaced from the axis 1115 a distance that is selected to be large enough such that the air inlet duct 1036 is above the air handling component 1100, and thus above the first stage cyclone 1130, the second stage cyclone 1132, and their respective axes and other features. This may help facilitate the use of a generally linear airflow conduit 1036, which may help facilitate airflow through the device 1000. Alternatively, the distance may be selected such that the inlet duct 1036 is above the cyclone axis, but at least partially overlaps the first stage cyclone 1130 and/or the second stage cyclone 1132 in an up/down direction (i.e., a portion or all of the projection of the duct may pass through one or both of the first stage cyclone and the second stage cyclone). 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, the clean air outlets 1040 may be provided on both lateral sides of the main body 1010. In this example, the grill is oriented such that air exiting the clean air outlet 1040 travels laterally outward from the main body 1010 (e.g., in a direction perpendicular to the cyclone 1115). This may ensure that when a user grips the handle 1020 behind the clean air outlet 1040, the expelled air is directed away from the user's hand. Alternatively, the clean air outlet may be oriented such that the expelled 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 hand-held vacuum cleaner 1000. The post-motor filter may be formed of any suitable physically 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 filter 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 conduit 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 cyclone 1130, the second stage cyclone 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 separator axes. This may help provide the user with a desired feel.

As illustrated, the 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 generally linearly to the suction motor. It should be appreciated that the suction motor housing 1210 and the pre-motor filter housing 1310 may have any configuration. The diameter of the front portion of suction motor housing 1210 may be substantially the same as the rear side of pre-motor filter housing 1310, such that the pre-motor filter may have an upstream header of approximately the diameter of the pre-motor filter and a downstream header of approximately the diameter of the pre-motor filter.

The hand-held vacuum cleaner 1000 can 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 hand-held 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 upward and forward 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 1027 extends from the rear end of the inlet nozzle to an upper end 1022 of the handle 1020, and a rearwardly extending bridge 1029 extends rearward of the motor housing 1210 to a lower end 1024 of the handle 1020.

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

In the example shown, finger grip region 1028 is defined in part by handgrip 1026, upper end 1022 of the handgrip, lower end 1024 of the handgrip, upper and lower bridging portions 1027, 1029, and suction motor housing 1210. In this configuration, the rearward projection of the cyclone separator chamber axis 1115 intersects the handle 1026 and the 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 separator 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 that may be connected to a standard wall outlet. The wire 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 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. 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 may include a power switch that may be provided to selectively control operation of the suction motor (e.g., on/off or variable power level or both), for example, by establishing an electrical 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, a rotary switch, a slide switch, a trigger actuator, and the like.

Alternatively, the inlet conduit 1036 or other portion of the device 1000 may be provided with any suitable electrical connector that can establish an electrical connection between the device 1000 and any accessory tool, cleaning head, etc. connected to the inlet conduit 1036. In this configuration, the hand-held vacuum cleaner 1000 can be used to power a surface cleaning head having 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, an 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. Alternatively, 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, housing 1510 may be detachable from body 1010 to allow 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 electrical wires 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, energy storage member 1520 may be distributed between front end 1502 and rear end 1504 of energy storage unit 1500. In the example shown, energy storage members 1520 are arranged in a single row extending in a forward/rearward direction. Alternatively, energy storage members 1520 may be oriented vertically and/or laterally within 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 separator axis 1115. As shown in fig. 4, the line 1535 may extend substantially in a forward/rearward direction, e.g., through the center of the vertical height of the energy storage member 1520. This may help to 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, energy storage member 1520 may be oriented within energy storage unit 1500 such that longitudinal energy storage member axis 1525 extends transverse to air treatment member axis 1115. Accordingly, the weight of each energy storage member 1520 may be distributed laterally across the hand-held vacuum cleaner 1000.

In the example shown, the energy storage unit 1500 is provided at the lower end 1008 of the handheld vacuum cleaner 1000. In other embodiments, one or more battery packs 1500 may be provided in other portions of the body 1010 to provide power to the suction motor 1200, such as a battery pack provided within the grip 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 to distribute the weight of the heavier components of the handheld vacuum cleaner 1000 in the vertical direction. As shown in fig. 8, for example, aspiration motor 1200 is positioned on top of (i.e., covers) a subset of energy storage members 1520.

Alternatively, all energy storage members 1520 may be positioned below 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, energy storage member 1520 may be below finger grip region 1028 and/or handle 1020.

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

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

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

Alternatively, energy storage members 1520 may be positioned such that at least one of energy storage members 1520 is below suction motor 1200 and at least another one of energy storage members 1520 is below 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. Such a distribution of the weight of the heavier components of the hand-held vacuum cleaner 1000 relative to the weight of the handle 1020 can 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, finger grip region 1028 may be located between front end 1502 and rear end 1504 of 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 region 1028. This may provide a good weight distribution that a user holding the handle 1020 may easily support. In such a configuration, it will be appreciated that the suction motor may be oriented such that the suction motor axis need not be forward/rearward, but may be vertical or inclined upward and forward (e.g., aligned with the pistol grip portion of the handle).

In some examples, the front 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 front motor filter 1300 (see, e.g., fig. 8). This may help to provide a compact configuration for the handheld vacuum cleaner.

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

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

In the illustrated example, 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. Alternatively, the cyclone air inlet 1120 may be provided in alternative locations, such as in the front end wall 1160 or adjacent the front end wall 1160.

The cyclone air inlet 1120 is fluidly connected to the outlet end of the duct 1036 via a corresponding air outlet aperture or port 1038 which may be provided in the lower portion of the air inlet duct 1036. The cyclone air inlet 1120 may have any suitable arrangement and/or configuration and is configured in the illustrated example as a tangential air inlet directly connected to the air outlet aperture 1038. Connecting the air inlet 1120 to the air outlet aperture 1038 in this manner may help to 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 airflow direction changes between the dirty air inlet 1030 and the cyclone chamber 1130. Reducing the conduit length and the number of bends may help reduce back pressure and airflow losses within the airflow path.

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIG. 2, the cyclone air outlet 1122 is provided in the rear end wall 1170 of the cyclone chamber 1130, and an axially extending vortex finder guide tube 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 guide 1137 to help inhibit lint, hair and other such debris from entering the vortex finder guide 1137. Positioning the air outlet 1122 including a porous section (e.g., a screen or shroud) toward the aft end (and optionally in the aft end wall 1170) may help facilitate a desired airflow through the cyclone chamber 1130 such that air travels generally axially through the cyclone chamber 1130 from the forward end wall 1160 toward the aft end wall 1170 as it rotates.

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

In this arrangement, air traveling through the hand-held vacuum cleaner 1000 will typically travel generally rearwardly along the air inlet duct 1036 (i.e., parallel to the duct axis 1035) and then enter a tangential air inlet that 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 eventually 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.

The air travels from the cyclone air outlet 1122 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 rearward to the inlet end of the suction motor 1200. An advantage of this arrangement is that by facilitating air travel in this manner, the need for airflow direction changes between the air outlet of the air handling member 1100 and the suction motor may be reduced or eliminated, thereby reducing backpressure and/or airflow loss through this portion of the hand-held vacuum cleaner 1000.

The cyclone dirt outlet 1140 may have any suitable configuration, such as shown in the example of fig. 1-7, the dirt outlet being a slot 1140 provided in the cyclone chamber sidewall 1180 toward the front end wall 1160. The slot 1140 may extend around at least a portion of the circumference of the cyclone sidewall 1180. Although shown directly adjacent the front end wall 1160 such that the slot 1140 is partially defined by the cyclone sidewall 1180 and the front end wall 1160, the slot 1140 may be located at another position along the length of the cyclone sidewall 1180 without the need to directly adjacent the front end wall 1160. Alternatively, the dirt outlet 1140 may be disposed towards the midpoint of the cyclone chamber sidewall 1180 or may be disposed towards 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 separator chamber 1130 can include two or more dirt outlets in communication with the same dirt collection chamber or alternatively with different dirt collection chambers. For example, FIGS. 10-14 illustrate examples of cyclone chambers 1130 that include a plurality of dirt outlets 1140. As shown in the examples of fig. 11 and 14, the cyclone separator chamber 1130 may include an upper dirt outlet and a separate lower dirt outlet.

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

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 should be appreciated that if the second stage dirt collection chamber includes a dirt collection chamber passageway 1123, the dirt collection chamber 1134 and dirt collection chamber passageway 1123 may at least partially surround the cyclone separator chamber 1130. In some examples, the dirt collection chamber 1134 (and the passageway 1123, if present) may surround most or all of the cyclone separator 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 separator chamber 1130.

The perimeter of the air handling 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 handling 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 handling 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 most (at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%) or all of each component of the hand-held 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 sidewall of the air handling component (which includes the outer wall of the channel 1123 and the dirt collection chamber 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 (in the example of fig. 7-9), the energy storage unit 1500, and the handle 1020.

For example, as illustrated, the only component that may extend laterally outward from the rearward projection of the outer wall (e.g., sidewall 1133) may be the inlet duct 1036, the upper end 1027 of the handle 1020, and in some embodiments the lower section of the energy storage unit 1500. For example, the rearward projection of the outer wall (e.g., sidewall 1133) may encompass the suction motor 1200, the second stage cyclone 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., the 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 example of fig. 1-12), the pre-motor filter 1300 (in the example of fig. 7-16), the energy storage unit 1500, and the handle 1020 may be located within the volume defined by the protrusion of the outer wall (e.g., the side wall 1133). This may help reduce the height of the vacuum cleaner 1100.

The air handling component 1100 (including the optional second stage cyclone 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 toward 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 the handheld vacuum cleaner 1000 with a reduced profile, wherein 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 (which may be at least partially defined by the side wall 1133 in some cases).

As used herein, the phrase "and/or" is intended to mean an 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" are intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof.

Although the description above describes features of example embodiments, it should be understood that some of the features and/or functions of the embodiments are susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles of operation of the embodiments. For example, various features described by means of the described embodiments or examples may be selectively combined with one another. Accordingly, the above is intended to be illustrative of the claimed concept 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 an upper end, a lower end, a front end, and a rear end, wherein a forward projection of the energy storage unit extends through the air treatment member in an air treatment member axis direction;

(e) A pistol-type handle, which is provided with a handle,

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

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

4. The handheld 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 handheld vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the energy storage unit comprises a plurality of energy storage members, the energy storage members having longitudinal axes, and the energy storage members oriented with longitudinal energy storage member axes extending transverse to the air handling 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 4 wherein the energy storage members are arranged in a single extended row extending in a forward/rearward direction.

8. The handheld vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein said energy storage unit comprises a plurality of energy storage members, and when said handheld 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 of said energy storage members is below said pistol grip.

9. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein the air handling member includes a cyclone and the air handling member axis is a cyclone axis of rotation.

10. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein the suction motor has an axis of rotation and the axis of rotation of the suction motor is substantially parallel to the air handling 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 region, wherein the finger grip region is located between the suction motor and the pistol grip.

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

14. The handheld 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 a forward projection of the energy storage unit intersects the front motor filter.

16. The hand-held vacuum cleaner of claim 14 wherein the air treatment member and a pre-motor filter together define a removable air treatment unit that is positioned 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;

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

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

21. The handheld vacuum cleaner of claim 19, wherein said energy storage member comprises a plurality of energy storage members, and said energy storage members are located below said suction motor when said handheld vacuum cleaner is oriented with said upper end above said lower end.

22. The handheld vacuum cleaner of claim 21, wherein said energy storage member is located below said pistol grip when said handheld 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;

(c) A dirt collection chamber external to and surrounding the cyclone; and

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

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

26. The handheld 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 cyclone separator axis of rotation.

27. The handheld vacuum cleaner of claim 23, wherein said energy storage unit comprises a plurality of energy storage members, and said suction motor is located above at least some of said energy storage members when said handheld vacuum cleaner is oriented with said upper end above said 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 handheld vacuum cleaner of claim 23, further comprising an air inlet duct extending downstream of the dirt air inlet, the air inlet duct having an inlet duct axis, wherein a projection of the inlet duct intersects the upper end of the handle.

30. The handheld vacuum cleaner of claim 23, further comprising a second cyclone stage downstream of the cyclone separator, wherein the second cyclone stage is located within the volume defined by the protrusion 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;

wherein when the hand-held 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 hand-held vacuum cleaner, and the energy storage unit is located at the lower end of the hand-held vacuum cleaner, and

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

33. The handheld 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 cyclone separator axis of rotation.

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

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

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

37. The handheld 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 the cyclone chamber and a protrusion of a dirt collection chamber sidewall.

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