US20100229323A1 - Portable surface cleaning apparatus - Google Patents
Portable surface cleaning apparatus Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20100229323A1 US20100229323A1 US12/720,436 US72043610A US2010229323A1 US 20100229323 A1 US20100229323 A1 US 20100229323A1 US 72043610 A US72043610 A US 72043610A US 2010229323 A1 US2010229323 A1 US 2010229323A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- cleaning apparatus
- surface cleaning
- portable surface
- cyclone unit
- cyclone
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L5/00—Structural features of suction cleaners
- A47L5/12—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum
- A47L5/22—Structural features of suction cleaners with power-driven air-pumps or air-compressors, e.g. driven by motor vehicle engine vacuum with rotary fans
- A47L5/24—Hand-supported suction cleaners
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L9/00—Details or accessories of suction cleaners, e.g. mechanical means for controlling the suction or for effecting pulsating action; Storing devices specially adapted to suction cleaners or parts thereof; Carrying-vehicles specially adapted for suction cleaners
- A47L9/0009—Storing devices ; Supports, stands or holders
- A47L9/0054—Stands or the like for temporary interruption of work
Definitions
- Vacuum cleaner that utilize a HEPA filter are known.
- the HEPA filter material is typically pleated and secured, e.g., glued, into a plastic filter holder. This produces a HEPA filter assembly that is then installed in a chamber of a vacuum cleaner.
- the HEPA filter may be mounted at various locations on a vacuum cleaner.
- vacuum cleaners including cyclonic vacuum cleaners
- Such vacuum cleaners include upright vacuum cleaner, canister vacuum cleaner and, more recently hand vacuum cleaner. See for example, PCT publication WO 2008/009890, PCT publication WO 2008/009888, PCT publication WO 2008/009883 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,370,387.
- a user might have to use one hand to hold or secure the surface cleaning apparatus and the other hand to manipulate the openable or removable portion.
- a removable component is provided. More preferably, the removable or openable component is provided on an end opposed to the platform.
- the surface cleaning apparatus may be stood on the platform and the component that has been removed may then be placed on the upwardly extending end and rotated until locked in place.
- portable surface cleaning apparatus may comprise a front end and a rear end, an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, an air treatment unit positioned in the air flow passage and a suction motor positioned in the air flow passage, and a platform that is configured to support the portable surface cleaning apparatus when the platform is placed on a floor, the dirty air inlet positioned other than on the platform.
- the air treatment member may be any known in the art and preferably includes at least one cyclone.
- the portion comprises a first cyclone unit positioned in the air flow passage, the first cyclone unit comprising at least one cyclone having a cyclone outlet and at least one dirt collection chamber.
- the portable surface cleaning apparatus may have a portion that is either openable (e.g., a door) or removable (e.g., an operating component of the such as a cyclone and/or filter and/or motor housing) and the portion is positioned at a side opposed to the platform.
- a portion that is either openable (e.g., a door) or removable (e.g., an operating component of the such as a cyclone and/or filter and/or motor housing) and the portion is positioned at a side opposed to the platform.
- the platform is provided on the rear end.
- the portable surface cleaning apparatus comprises a hand vacuum cleaner.
- the first cyclone unit is removably mounted to the portable surface cleaning apparatus. In some examples, the first cyclone unit is removably mounted at the front end. The first cyclone unit may comprise the front end.
- the portable surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a post motor filter having a downstream end, and the downstream end comprises the rear end.
- the rear end comprises a planar surface.
- the rear end may comprise the clean air outlet.
- the rear end may comprise a plurality of feet.
- the rear end may comprise the sole support for the portable surface cleaning apparatus when the rear end is placed on the floor.
- the post motor filter is rotationally mounted to the portable surface cleaning apparatus.
- the post motor filter may be rotationally mounted to the portable surface cleaning apparatus by a bayonet mount.
- the first cyclone unit and the suction motor are arranged linearly. In some examples, the first cyclone unit, the suction motor and the post motor filter are arranged linearly.
- the suction motor is positioned in a suction motor housing and the first cyclone unit is removably mounted to the suction motor housing.
- the suction motor housing has an upstream end and a downstream end, the first cyclone unit is removably mounted to the upstream end and the post motor filter is removably mounted to the downstream end.
- the first cyclone unit has a single cyclone and a single dirt collection chamber.
- the portable surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a second cyclone unit downstream from the first cyclone unit.
- the first cyclone unit, the second cyclone unit, the suction motor and the post motor filter are arranged linearly.
- a portable surface cleaning apparatus may comprise a front end, a rear end and an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet.
- a first cyclone unit may be positioned in the air flow passage.
- the first cyclone unit may comprises at least one cyclone having a cyclone outlet and at least one dirt collection chamber.
- a suction motor is positioned in the air flow passage.
- the portable surface cleaning apparatus further comprises an optional post motor filter.
- the rear end is configured to support the portable surface cleaning apparatus when the portable surface cleaning apparatus is placed on a floor.
- a portable surface cleaning apparatus may incorporate one or more of the features of each of these examples.
- FIG. 1 is a side plan view of an example of a hand vacuum cleaner
- FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a partially exploded rear perspective view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is a partially exploded front perspective view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6 is a cross section taken along line 6 - 6 in FIG. 2 ;
- FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 8 is a side plan view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 , showing the hand vacuum cleaner supported by a rear end;
- FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the hand-vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 , showing the cyclone unit removed from the hand vacuum cleaner;
- FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the hand-vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 , showing a post motor filter removed from the hand vacuum cleaner.
- a hand vacuum cleaner comprising one cyclonic stage.
- the vacuum cleaner 100 may be of various configurations (e.g., different types of portable vacuum cleaner, different positioning and/or orientation of the cleaning or cyclonic stage or stages and the suction motor and differing cleaning or cyclonic stages that may comprise one or more cyclones and/or one or more filters).
- the surface cleaning apparatus is one that is designed to be carried by a shoulder strap or by hand, while in use.
- the vacuum cleaner 100 is a hand vacuum cleaner, and is movable along a surface to be cleaned by gripping and maneuvering handle 102 .
- the vacuum cleaner includes an upper portion 104 , a lower portion 106 , a front end 108 , and a rear end 110 .
- handle 102 is provided at the upper portion 104 .
- handle 102 may be provided elsewhere on the vacuum cleaner 100 , for example at the rear end 110 , and may be of any design.
- the vacuum cleaner 100 comprises a nozzle 112 and a first cyclone unit 114 , which together preferably form a surface cleaning head 116 of the vacuum cleaner 100 .
- the surface cleaning head 116 is provided at the front end 108 of the vacuum cleaner 100 .
- Nozzle 112 engages a surface to be cleaned, and comprises a dirty air inlet 118 , through which dirty air is drawn into the vacuum cleaner 100 .
- An air flow passage extends from the dirty air inlet 118 to a clean air outlet 120 of the cleaner 100 .
- the rear end 110 of the cleaner 100 comprises the clean air outlet 120 .
- the air treatment member comprises a cyclone unit 114 that is provided in the air flow passage, downstream of the dirty air inlet 118 .
- Cyclone unit 114 may comprise the front end 108 of the vacuum cleaner 100 .
- the cyclone unit 114 is a one piece assembly comprising one cyclone 122 , and one dirt collection chamber 124 , which are integrally formed.
- the cyclone unit 110 may include more than one cyclonic stage, wherein each cyclonic stage comprising one or more cyclones and one or more dirt chambers. Accordingly, the cyclones may be arranged in parallel and/or in sequence. Further, in alternate examples, the cyclone 122 and dirt collection chamber 124 may be separately formed. It will be appreciated that a cyclone may not be used in some embodiments and that the air treatment member may comprise a filter.
- the nozzle 112 is positioned at the lower portion 106 of the vacuum cleaner 100 .
- nozzle 112 is positioned at the bottom of the vacuum cleaner 100 , and, preferably, beneath the cyclone unit 114 .
- nozzle 112 may be on lower surface 157 of cyclone unit 114 .
- the upper wall 126 of the nozzle may be a lower portion 119 of a wall 115 of the cyclone unit 114 .
- dirt chamber 124 surrounds the lower portion of cyclone 122 .
- the upper wall of nozzle 112 may be part of the lower wall of the dirt chamber. It will be appreciated that if dirt chamber 124 does not extend around the lower portion of cyclone 122 , then the upper wall of nozzle 112 may be part of a lower wall of cyclone 122 .
- the nozzle 112 is fixedly positioned at the lower portion 106 of the vacuum cleaner 100 . That is, the nozzle 112 is not movable (e.g., rotatable) with respect to the remainder of the vacuum cleaner 100 , and is fixed at the lower portion 106 of the vacuum cleaner 100 .
- nozzle 112 has a width W N
- cyclone unit 114 has a width W C .
- W N , and W C are about the same.
- nozzle 112 comprises an airflow chamber 136 wherein at least a portion, and preferably a majority, of the lower surface 134 of the chamber is open.
- nozzle 112 comprises an upper nozzle wall 126 .
- the upper nozzle wall 126 preferably comprises a portion 119 of a wall 115 of the cyclone unit.
- one or more depending walls 128 extend downwardly from the upper nozzle wall 126 .
- one or more depending wall 128 extends downwardly from the cyclone unit 114 .
- the depending wall 128 is preferably generally U-shaped.
- the depending wall 128 may be continuous to define a single wall as shown, or may be discontinuous.
- the depending wall 128 is preferably rigid (e.g., integrally molded with cyclone unit 114 ). However, it may be flexible (e.g., bristles or rubber) or moveably mounted to cyclone unit 114 (e.g., hingedly mounted).
- the lower end 132 of depending wall 128 is spaced above the surface being cleaned when the hand vacuum cleaner is placed on a surface to be cleaned.
- a plurality of optional wheels 135 are mounted to the depending wall 128 , and extend lower than the lower end 132 of the depending wall 128 . Accordingly, in use, when wheels 135 are in contact with a surface, the lower end 132 of the depending wall 128 is spaced from the surface to be cleaned.
- FIG. 6 when vacuum cleaner 100 is placed on a floor F, lower end 132 of depending wall 128 is spaced a distance H above the floor.
- distance H is from 0.01 to 0.175 inches, more preferably from 0.04 to 0.08 inches.
- the height of the depending wall may vary.
- the depending wall may have a height of between about 0.05 and about 0.875 inches, preferably between about 0.125 and about 0.6 inches and more preferably between about 0.2 and about 0.4 inches.
- the height of depending wall may vary but is preferably constant.
- the open end of the U-shape defines an open side 130 of the nozzle 114 , and forms the dirty air inlet 118 of the cleaner 100 .
- the open side 130 is provided at the front of the nozzle 114 .
- the open side 130 sits above and is adjacent a surface to be cleaned (e.g. floor F).
- a surface to be cleaned e.g. floor F.
- lower end 132 of depending walls 128 is spaced above floor F. Accordingly, some air may enter nozzle 114 by passing underneath depending wall 132 .
- the primary air entry to nozzle 114 is via open side 130 so that dirty air inlet 118 is the primary air inlet, with a secondary air inlet being under depending wall 128 .
- the lower end 132 of the depending wall 128 defines an open lower end 134 of the nozzle 114 .
- the open lower end 134 preferably extends to the front end 108 of the cleaner 108 , and merges with the open side 130 .
- the exemplified nozzle has an open lower end 134 that faces a surface to be cleaned.
- wheels 135 are optional.
- wheels 135 are positioned exterior to the air flow passage through nozzle 112 , e.g., laterally outwardly from depending wall 128 .
- a pair of front wheels 135 are provided.
- the wheels are located adjacent front end 108 .
- one or more rear wheels 180 may be provided. In an alternate embodiment, no wheels may be provided.
- the upper nozzle wall 126 , depending wall 128 , and open lower end 134 of the nozzle 112 define the open sided airflow chamber 136 of the nozzle.
- the nozzle 112 and the airflow chamber 136 preferably extend generally horizontally, and preferably linearly along a nozzle axis 113 (see FIG. 7A ).
- Opening 138 is provided in the upper nozzle wall 126 , and is in communication with the airflow chamber 136 .
- Opening 138 may be of any size and configuration and at various locations in upper nozzle wall 126 .
- the opening 138 faces a surface to be cleaned, air enters the dirty air inlet 118 , passes horizontally through the airflow chamber 136 , and passes into the opening 138 .
- Opening 138 is in communication with a cyclone inlet passage 139 , which is in communication with a cyclone air inlet 140 of cyclone 122 .
- nozzle 112 may be any other nozzle known in the vacuum cleaner arts and may be provided at any location on the portable surface cleaning apparatus.
- nozzle 112 may comprise an enclosed passage.
- Cyclone 122 may of any configuration and orientation.
- cyclone 122 comprises a chamber wall 142 , which in the example shown, is cylindrical.
- the cyclone chamber is located inside chamber wall 142 .
- the cyclone 122 extends along an axis 123 , which, in the example shown, is preferably parallel to the nozzle axis, and preferably extends generally horizontally when cleaner 100 is in use and wheels 135 are seated on a surface.
- the cyclone 122 has an air inlet 140 and an air outlet 145 , which preferably are at the same end of cyclone 122 .
- the air inlet and the air outlet are distal to front end 108 .
- the cyclone air inlet and cyclone air outlet may be of any configuration known in the art and the cyclone air outlet may be covered by a screen or shroud or filter as is known in the art.
- the cyclone air inlet 140 may be defined by an aperture in the chamber wall 142 .
- the inlet passage 139 is preferably configured such that air enters the cyclone 122 in a tangential flow path, e.g., passage 139 may be arcuate. The air travels in a cyclonic path in the cyclone, and dirt in the air is separated from the air. The air exits the cyclone via an outlet passage 144 , through outlet 145 .
- outlet 145 is defined in a rear wall 179 of the cyclone unit 114 .
- a plate 174 may be provided adjacent outlet passage 144 , spaced from and facing the inlet 176 to outlet passage 144 .
- Plate 174 may be mounted to cyclone 122 via legs 178 .
- plate 174 , and legs 178 form an assembly 182 that is removably mounted in cyclone 122 .
- a screen may be mounted around legs 178 .
- the dirt collection chamber may be internal or external to the cyclone chamber.
- the dirt collection chamber is external.
- the dirt collection chamber may be in communication with the cyclone chamber by any means known in the art. Accordingly, one or more dirt outlets may be provided.
- the dirt outlet is at the end opposed to the air inlet and, preferably, the dirt outlet is at the front end 108 and preferably i comprises an open end of the cyclone chamber.
- dirt collection chamber 124 comprises two portions.
- a first portion 148 is provided immediately adjacent the dirt outlet 146 , and is at the front end 108 of the cleaner 100 .
- a second portion 150 is concentric with the cyclone 122 .
- a lower portion 152 of the second portion 150 is below the cyclone.
- nozzle 112 is positioned below first portion 148 , and lower portion 152 .
- dirt chamber 124 may comprise an annular chamber surrounding the cyclone 122 .
- a separation plate 154 may be provided in the dirt collection chamber 124 , adjacent the dirt outlet 146 .
- the separation plate 154 aids in preventing dirt in dirt collection chamber 124 from re-entering cyclone 122 .
- plate 154 is spaced from dirt outlet 146 and faces dirt outlet 146 .
- Plate 154 may be mounted by any means to any component in cyclone unit 114 .
- the separation plate is mounted on an arm 156 , which preferably extends from a front wall 158 at the front end 108 of the cleaner 100 .
- Cyclone unit 114 may be emptied by any means known in the art.
- one of the ends of the cyclone unit 114 may be openable.
- front wall 158 is pivotally mounted to the cyclone unit wall 115 and serves as an openable door of the dirt chamber 124 , such dirt collection chamber 124 is preferably openable, and dirt collection chamber 124 may be emptied.
- the dirt collection chamber is openable both when the dirt collection chamber is mounted to the hand vacuum cleaner, or when it is optionally removed, as will be described hereinbelow.
- front wall 158 When front wall 158 is pivoted away from the remainder of the cyclone unit 114 , separation plate 154 and arm 166 also preferably pivot away from the remainder of the cyclone unit.
- a latch 159 is provided, which secures front wall 158 to wall 115 .
- front wall 158 may be removable from cyclone unit wall 115 , or the rear wall 179 of the cyclone unit 114 may be openable.
- the clean air exiting cyclone 122 passes through outlet 145 of outlet passage 144 , exits surface cleaning head 116 , and passes into the cleaner body 160 .
- the cleaner body 160 is positioned rearward of the surface cleaning head 116 .
- suction motor housing 168 further houses an optional pre-motor filter 162 .
- Pre-motor filter 162 is provided in the air flow passage preferably adjacent and upstream of the motor 164 , and preferably adjacent and downstream of the outlet passage 144 , and preferably facing the outlet 145 .
- Pre-motor filter 162 serves to remove remaining particulate matter from air exiting the cyclone 122 , and may be any type of filter, such as a foam filter. One or more filters may be used.
- the pre-motor filter 162 is preferably aligned with the cyclone axis 123 , and the motor axis 165 .
- Post motor filter 161 serves to remove remaining particulate matter from air exiting the cleaner 100 .
- Post-motor filter material 166 may be any type of filter material, such as a HEPA filter.
- Clean air outlet 120 is provided downstream of post-motor filter material 166 .
- clean air outlet 120 comprises a plurality of apertures formed in housing 170 .
- clean air outlet 120 comprises a plurality of apertures provided in housing 170 adjacent the downstream end 171 of the post motor filter 161 . More preferably, clean air outlet is preferably provided at a circumferential portion 105 of rear end 110 , slightly forward of a planar portion 107 of rear end 110 .
- Rear end 110 is configured to support the hand vacuum cleaner 100 when the hand vacuum cleaner 100 is placed on a floor F, as shown in FIG. 8 . Accordingly, in this embodiment, rear end 110 comprises a platform for supporting the vacuum cleaner.
- the vacuum cleaner 100 may stand on planar or platform portion 107 of rear end 110 , without occluding or obstructing air outlet 120 . Accordingly, airflow (indicated by arrow A 1 ) may still pass out of outlet 120 . This may be advantageous, for example, if the dirt collection chamber 124 is removably mounted to the surface cleaning apparatus, as will be described further hereinbelow.
- cyclone unit 114 may be removed from vacuum cleaner 100 , may be held over a garbage bin, the front wall 158 may be opened, and the dirt may be emptied from dirt chamber 124 . It will be appreciated that only dirt collection chamber 124 may be removably mounted or openable.
- the cyclone unit comprises a first mounting member 173
- the suction motor housing 168 has a second mounting member 175 .
- the first 173 and second 175 mounting members are releasably engageable with each other.
- the first 173 and second 175 are rotatably engageable with each other.
- the first 173 and second 175 mounting members comprise a bayonet mount.
- the first and second mounting members may be another type of mounting member, such as mating screw threads, magnets, latches or any other type of mounting members.
- a user may stand vacuum cleaner 100 on rear end 110 (i.e. use rear end 110 as a platform to support vacuum cleaner 100 ), and more particularly on planar portion 107 of rear end 110 .
- Cyclone unit 114 is accordingly positioned at the upper end of the vacuum cleaner.
- a user may, e.g., rotate the cyclone unit 114 in order to remove cyclone unit 114 from surface cleaning apparatus 100 . This may allow cyclone unit 114 to be relatively easily rotated with respect to motor housing 168 .
- planar portion 107 may be used to support vacuum cleaner 100 , without occluding or obstructing clean air outlet 120 .
- planar portion 107 comprises a planar surface 109 and feet 111 .
- feet 111 of planar portion 107 are in contact with floor F when planar portion 107 is used to support vacuum cleaner 100 .
- feet 111 may support planar portion 107 above the floor.
- rear end 110 need not have a planar portion and feet 111 may comprise the platform.
- feet 111 may be omitted, in which case planar surface 109 may comprise the platform that is used to support vacuum cleaner 100 .
- another portion of rear end 110 may be used to support vacuum cleaner 100 .
- post motor filter 161 is removably mounted to the hand vacuum cleaner 100 .
- the upstream end 169 of the post motor filter 161 is removably mounted to the downstream end 169 of motor housing 168 .
- post motor-filter is rotationally mounted to the hand vacuum cleaner 100 , for example by a bayonet mount as shown.
- One or more additional wheels 180 may be mounted to housing 161 , preferably at lower portion 106 , and may be used in conjunction with wheels 135 .
- a single rear wheel 180 is provided.
- rear wheel 180 is located on a centre line of the vacuum cleaner and rearward of the depending wall 128 .
- hand vacuum cleaner 100 may further comprise a second cyclone unit downstream of the first cyclone unit 114 .
- the second cyclone unit may be provided in motor housing 168 , or in a separate housing.
- the second cyclone unit is linearly arranged with the first cyclone unit 114 , suction motor 164 , and post motor filter 161 .
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Abstract
A portable surface cleaning apparatus comprises a platform that is configured to support the portable surface cleaning apparatus when the platform is placed on a floor, wherein a dirty air inlet positioned other than on the platform. A component of the portable surface cleaning apparatus may be removable or openable. The removable portion is preferably at an end opposed to the platform. The openable portion is also preferably located at an end opposed to the platform. The platform therefore provides a base on which a vacuum cleaner may be disassembled or serviced.
Description
- This application claims the benefit of the filing date of Canadian Patent Application. No. 2658025, filed Mar. 11, 2009, entitled PORTABLE SURFACE CLEANING APPARATUS.
- The specification relates to portable surface gleaning apparatus and preferably, vacuum cleaners, such as cyclonic hand vacuum cleaners. More specifically, the specification relates to portable surface cleaning apparatus having a rear or air exit end configured to support the hand vacuum cleaner.
- The following is not an admission that anything discussed below is prior art or part of the common general knowledge of persons skilled in the art.
- Vacuum cleaner that utilize a HEPA filter are known. In order to increase the surface area of a HEPA filter, the HEPA filter material is typically pleated and secured, e.g., glued, into a plastic filter holder. This produces a HEPA filter assembly that is then installed in a chamber of a vacuum cleaner. The HEPA filter may be mounted at various locations on a vacuum cleaner.
- Various types of vacuum cleaners, including cyclonic vacuum cleaners, are known. Such vacuum cleaners include upright vacuum cleaner, canister vacuum cleaner and, more recently hand vacuum cleaner. See for example, PCT publication WO 2008/009890, PCT publication WO 2008/009888, PCT publication WO 2008/009883 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,370,387.
- The following introduction is provided to introduce the reader to the more detailed discussion to follow. The introduction is not intended to limit or define the claims.
- According to one broad aspect, a portable surface cleaning apparatus is provided, such as a hand vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The surface cleaning apparatus has an end, other than the end that has the dirty air inlet that is configured to provide a platform on which the surface cleaning apparatus may be stood. Preferably, the end is the rear end or the air exit end. More preferably, the rear end comprises the air exit end. Accordingly, the surface cleaning apparatus may be stood on end and serviced. For example, if the surface cleaning apparatus has a removable component, the surface cleaning apparatus may be stood on end and the component removed. The platform provides a stable surface such that a user may use both hands to open or disassemble the surface cleaning apparatus. Without such a design, a user might have to use one hand to hold or secure the surface cleaning apparatus and the other hand to manipulate the openable or removable portion. Preferably, a removable component is provided. More preferably, the removable or openable component is provided on an end opposed to the platform.
- For example, if a component is rotatably mountable to the surface cleaning apparatus, the surface cleaning apparatus may be stood on the platform and the component that has been removed may then be placed on the upwardly extending end and rotated until locked in place.
- For example, portable surface cleaning apparatus may comprise a front end and a rear end, an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, an air treatment unit positioned in the air flow passage and a suction motor positioned in the air flow passage, and a platform that is configured to support the portable surface cleaning apparatus when the platform is placed on a floor, the dirty air inlet positioned other than on the platform.
- The air treatment member may be any known in the art and preferably includes at least one cyclone. For example, in some examples, the portion comprises a first cyclone unit positioned in the air flow passage, the first cyclone unit comprising at least one cyclone having a cyclone outlet and at least one dirt collection chamber.
- In some examples, the portable surface cleaning apparatus may have a portion that is either openable (e.g., a door) or removable (e.g., an operating component of the such as a cyclone and/or filter and/or motor housing) and the portion is positioned at a side opposed to the platform.
- In some examples, the platform is provided on the rear end.
- Preferably, the portable surface cleaning apparatus comprises a hand vacuum cleaner.
- In some examples, the first cyclone unit is removably mounted to the portable surface cleaning apparatus. In some examples, the first cyclone unit is removably mounted at the front end. The first cyclone unit may comprise the front end.
- In some examples, the portable surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a post motor filter having a downstream end, and the downstream end comprises the rear end.
- In some examples, the rear end comprises a planar surface. The rear end may comprise the clean air outlet. The rear end may comprise a plurality of feet. The rear end may comprise the sole support for the portable surface cleaning apparatus when the rear end is placed on the floor.
- In some examples, first cyclone unit and the suction motor are aligned. The first cyclone unit may be directly above the suction motor when the rear end is placed on the floor.
- In some examples, the post motor filter is rotationally mounted to the portable surface cleaning apparatus. The post motor filter may be rotationally mounted to the portable surface cleaning apparatus by a bayonet mount.
- In some examples, the first cyclone unit and the suction motor are arranged linearly. In some examples, the first cyclone unit, the suction motor and the post motor filter are arranged linearly.
- In some examples, the suction motor is positioned in a suction motor housing and the first cyclone unit is removably mounted to the suction motor housing. In some examples, the suction motor housing has an upstream end and a downstream end, the first cyclone unit is removably mounted to the upstream end and the post motor filter is removably mounted to the downstream end.
- In some examples, the first cyclone unit has a single cyclone and a single dirt collection chamber. In some examples, the portable surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a second cyclone unit downstream from the first cyclone unit. In some examples, the first cyclone unit, the second cyclone unit, the suction motor and the post motor filter are arranged linearly.
- In some examples, a portable surface cleaning apparatus may comprise a front end, a rear end and an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. A first cyclone unit may be positioned in the air flow passage. The first cyclone unit may comprises at least one cyclone having a cyclone outlet and at least one dirt collection chamber. A suction motor is positioned in the air flow passage. The portable surface cleaning apparatus further comprises an optional post motor filter. The rear end is configured to support the portable surface cleaning apparatus when the portable surface cleaning apparatus is placed on a floor.
- It will be appreciated that a portable surface cleaning apparatus may incorporate one or more of the features of each of these examples.
- In the detailed description, reference will be made to the following drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a side plan view of an example of a hand vacuum cleaner; -
FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the hand vacuum cleaner ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the hand vacuum cleaner ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a partially exploded rear perspective view of the hand vacuum cleaner ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is a partially exploded front perspective view of the hand vacuum cleaner ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 is a cross section taken along line 6-6 inFIG. 2 ; and -
FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the hand vacuum cleaner ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 8 is a side plan view of the hand vacuum cleaner ofFIG. 1 , showing the hand vacuum cleaner supported by a rear end; -
FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the hand-vacuum cleaner ofFIG. 1 , showing the cyclone unit removed from the hand vacuum cleaner; and -
FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the hand-vacuum cleaner ofFIG. 1 , showing a post motor filter removed from the hand vacuum cleaner. - Various apparatuses or methods will be described below to provide an example of each claimed invention. No example described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover processes or apparatuses that are not described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses or processes having all of the features of any one apparatus or process described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses described below. It is possible that an apparatus or process described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention.
- In the drawings attached hereto, a hand vacuum cleaner is exemplified comprising one cyclonic stage. It will be appreciated that the
vacuum cleaner 100 may be of various configurations (e.g., different types of portable vacuum cleaner, different positioning and/or orientation of the cleaning or cyclonic stage or stages and the suction motor and differing cleaning or cyclonic stages that may comprise one or more cyclones and/or one or more filters). Preferably, as exemplified, the surface cleaning apparatus is one that is designed to be carried by a shoulder strap or by hand, while in use. - Referring to
FIGS. 1 to 7C , a first example of avacuum cleaner 100 is shown. Thevacuum cleaner 100 is a hand vacuum cleaner, and is movable along a surface to be cleaned by gripping and maneuvering handle 102. The vacuum cleaner includes anupper portion 104, alower portion 106, afront end 108, and arear end 110. In the example shown, handle 102 is provided at theupper portion 104. In alternate examples, handle 102 may be provided elsewhere on thevacuum cleaner 100, for example at therear end 110, and may be of any design. - In the example shown, the
vacuum cleaner 100 comprises anozzle 112 and afirst cyclone unit 114, which together preferably form asurface cleaning head 116 of thevacuum cleaner 100. Preferably, as exemplified, thesurface cleaning head 116 is provided at thefront end 108 of thevacuum cleaner 100. -
Nozzle 112 engages a surface to be cleaned, and comprises adirty air inlet 118, through which dirty air is drawn into thevacuum cleaner 100. An air flow passage extends from thedirty air inlet 118 to aclean air outlet 120 of the cleaner 100. Preferably, as in the example shown, therear end 110 of the cleaner 100 comprises theclean air outlet 120. - Preferably, as in the example shown, the air treatment member comprises a
cyclone unit 114 that is provided in the air flow passage, downstream of thedirty air inlet 118.Cyclone unit 114 may comprise thefront end 108 of thevacuum cleaner 100. In the example shown, thecyclone unit 114 is a one piece assembly comprising onecyclone 122, and onedirt collection chamber 124, which are integrally formed. In alternate examples, thecyclone unit 110 may include more than one cyclonic stage, wherein each cyclonic stage comprising one or more cyclones and one or more dirt chambers. Accordingly, the cyclones may be arranged in parallel and/or in sequence. Further, in alternate examples, thecyclone 122 anddirt collection chamber 124 may be separately formed. It will be appreciated that a cyclone may not be used in some embodiments and that the air treatment member may comprise a filter. - Preferably, as in the example shown, the
nozzle 112 is positioned at thelower portion 106 of thevacuum cleaner 100. Preferably, as exemplified,nozzle 112 is positioned at the bottom of thevacuum cleaner 100, and, preferably, beneath thecyclone unit 114. Accordingly, as exemplified,nozzle 112 may be onlower surface 157 ofcyclone unit 114. In a particularly preferred design, theupper wall 126 of the nozzle may be alower portion 119 of awall 115 of thecyclone unit 114. As shown inFIG. 6 ,dirt chamber 124 surrounds the lower portion ofcyclone 122. Accordingly, the upper wall ofnozzle 112 may be part of the lower wall of the dirt chamber. It will be appreciated that ifdirt chamber 124 does not extend around the lower portion ofcyclone 122, then the upper wall ofnozzle 112 may be part of a lower wall ofcyclone 122. - Preferably, as in the example shown, the
nozzle 112 is fixedly positioned at thelower portion 106 of thevacuum cleaner 100. That is, thenozzle 112 is not movable (e.g., rotatable) with respect to the remainder of thevacuum cleaner 100, and is fixed at thelower portion 106 of thevacuum cleaner 100. - As shown in
FIGS. 3 and 5 ,nozzle 112 has a width WN, andcyclone unit 114 has a width WC. In the example shown, WN, and WC are about the same. An advantage of this design is that the nozzle may have a cleaning path that is essentially as wide as the hand vacuum itself. - Preferably,
nozzle 112 comprises anairflow chamber 136 wherein at least a portion, and preferably a majority, of thelower surface 134 of the chamber is open. Such a design is exemplified inFIG. 7A wherein, as mentioned hereinabove,nozzle 112 comprises anupper nozzle wall 126. In the example shown, theupper nozzle wall 126 preferably comprises aportion 119 of awall 115 of the cyclone unit. - Preferably, one or more depending
walls 128 extend downwardly from theupper nozzle wall 126. In the example shown, one or more dependingwall 128 extends downwardly from thecyclone unit 114. The dependingwall 128 is preferably generally U-shaped. The dependingwall 128 may be continuous to define a single wall as shown, or may be discontinuous. The dependingwall 128 is preferably rigid (e.g., integrally molded with cyclone unit 114). However, it may be flexible (e.g., bristles or rubber) or moveably mounted to cyclone unit 114 (e.g., hingedly mounted). - Preferably, the
lower end 132 of dependingwall 128 is spaced above the surface being cleaned when the hand vacuum cleaner is placed on a surface to be cleaned. In the example shown, a plurality ofoptional wheels 135 are mounted to the dependingwall 128, and extend lower than thelower end 132 of the dependingwall 128. Accordingly, in use, whenwheels 135 are in contact with a surface, thelower end 132 of the dependingwall 128 is spaced from the surface to be cleaned. As exemplified inFIG. 6 , whenvacuum cleaner 100 is placed on a floor F,lower end 132 of dependingwall 128 is spaced a distance H above the floor. Preferably distance H is from 0.01 to 0.175 inches, more preferably from 0.04 to 0.08 inches. - The height of the depending wall (between
upper nozzle wall 126 and lower end 132) may vary. In some examples, the depending wall may have a height of between about 0.05 and about 0.875 inches, preferably between about 0.125 and about 0.6 inches and more preferably between about 0.2 and about 0.4 inches. The height of depending wall may vary but is preferably constant. - As exemplified, the open end of the U-shape defines an
open side 130 of thenozzle 114, and forms thedirty air inlet 118 of the cleaner 100. In the example shown, theopen side 130 is provided at the front of thenozzle 114. In use, whenwheels 135 are in contact with a surface, theopen side 130 sits above and is adjacent a surface to be cleaned (e.g. floor F). As mentioned hereinabove, preferably,lower end 132 of dependingwalls 128 is spaced above floor F. Accordingly, some air may enternozzle 114 by passing underneath dependingwall 132. In such a case, the primary air entry tonozzle 114 is viaopen side 130 so thatdirty air inlet 118 is the primary air inlet, with a secondary air inlet being under dependingwall 128. - In the example shown, the
lower end 132 of the dependingwall 128 defines an openlower end 134 of thenozzle 114. The openlower end 134 preferably extends to thefront end 108 of the cleaner 108, and merges with theopen side 130. In use, the exemplified nozzle has an openlower end 134 that faces a surface to be cleaned. - It will be appreciated that
wheels 135 are optional. Preferably,wheels 135 are positioned exterior to the air flow passage throughnozzle 112, e.g., laterally outwardly from dependingwall 128. Preferably a pair offront wheels 135 are provided. Preferably, the wheels are located adjacentfront end 108. Optionally, one or morerear wheels 180 may be provided. In an alternate embodiment, no wheels may be provided. - The
upper nozzle wall 126, dependingwall 128, and openlower end 134 of thenozzle 112 define the opensided airflow chamber 136 of the nozzle. In use, whenwheels 135 are in contact with a horizontal surface, thenozzle 112 and theairflow chamber 136 preferably extend generally horizontally, and preferably linearly along a nozzle axis 113 (seeFIG. 7A ). - An
opening 138 is provided in theupper nozzle wall 126, and is in communication with theairflow chamber 136. Opening 138 may be of any size and configuration and at various locations inupper nozzle wall 126. In use, whenwheels 135 are in contact with a surface, theopening 138 faces a surface to be cleaned, air enters thedirty air inlet 118, passes horizontally through theairflow chamber 136, and passes into theopening 138.Opening 138 is in communication with acyclone inlet passage 139, which is in communication with acyclone air inlet 140 ofcyclone 122. - It will be appreciated that
nozzle 112 may be any other nozzle known in the vacuum cleaner arts and may be provided at any location on the portable surface cleaning apparatus. For example,nozzle 112 may comprise an enclosed passage. -
Cyclone 122 may of any configuration and orientation. Preferably,cyclone 122 comprises achamber wall 142, which in the example shown, is cylindrical. The cyclone chamber is located insidechamber wall 142. Thecyclone 122 extends along anaxis 123, which, in the example shown, is preferably parallel to the nozzle axis, and preferably extends generally horizontally when cleaner 100 is in use andwheels 135 are seated on a surface. Thecyclone 122 has anair inlet 140 and anair outlet 145, which preferably are at the same end ofcyclone 122. Preferably the air inlet and the air outlet are distal tofront end 108. The cyclone air inlet and cyclone air outlet may be of any configuration known in the art and the cyclone air outlet may be covered by a screen or shroud or filter as is known in the art. - As exemplified, the
cyclone air inlet 140 may be defined by an aperture in thechamber wall 142. As can be seen inFIG. 5 , theinlet passage 139 is preferably configured such that air enters thecyclone 122 in a tangential flow path, e.g.,passage 139 may be arcuate. The air travels in a cyclonic path in the cyclone, and dirt in the air is separated from the air. The air exits the cyclone via anoutlet passage 144, throughoutlet 145. As exemplified,outlet 145 is defined in arear wall 179 of thecyclone unit 114. - As exemplified in
FIG. 6 , aplate 174 may be providedadjacent outlet passage 144, spaced from and facing theinlet 176 tooutlet passage 144.Plate 174 may be mounted tocyclone 122 vialegs 178. In the example shown,plate 174, andlegs 178 form anassembly 182 that is removably mounted incyclone 122. In some examples, a screen may be mounted aroundlegs 178. - The dirt that is separated from the air exits the cyclone via
dirt outlet 146, and entersdirt collection chamber 124. The dirt collection chamber may be internal or external to the cyclone chamber. Preferably, as exemplified, the dirt collection chamber is external. The dirt collection chamber may be in communication with the cyclone chamber by any means known in the art. Accordingly, one or more dirt outlets may be provided. Preferably, the dirt outlet is at the end opposed to the air inlet and, preferably, the dirt outlet is at thefront end 108 and preferably i comprises an open end of the cyclone chamber. - Preferably, as in the example shown,
dirt collection chamber 124 comprises two portions. Afirst portion 148 is provided immediately adjacent thedirt outlet 146, and is at thefront end 108 of the cleaner 100. Asecond portion 150 is concentric with thecyclone 122. Alower portion 152 of thesecond portion 150 is below the cyclone. As exemplified,nozzle 112 is positioned belowfirst portion 148, andlower portion 152. Accordingly,dirt chamber 124 may comprise an annular chamber surrounding thecyclone 122. - A
separation plate 154 may be provided in thedirt collection chamber 124, adjacent thedirt outlet 146. Theseparation plate 154 aids in preventing dirt indirt collection chamber 124 from re-enteringcyclone 122. Preferably,plate 154 is spaced fromdirt outlet 146 and facesdirt outlet 146.Plate 154 may be mounted by any means to any component incyclone unit 114. As exemplified, the separation plate is mounted on anarm 156, which preferably extends from afront wall 158 at thefront end 108 of the cleaner 100. -
Cyclone unit 114 may be emptied by any means known in the art. For example, one of the ends of thecyclone unit 114 may be openable. As exemplified inFIGS. 4 and 5 ,front wall 158 is pivotally mounted to thecyclone unit wall 115 and serves as an openable door of thedirt chamber 124, suchdirt collection chamber 124 is preferably openable, anddirt collection chamber 124 may be emptied. The dirt collection chamber is openable both when the dirt collection chamber is mounted to the hand vacuum cleaner, or when it is optionally removed, as will be described hereinbelow. Whenfront wall 158 is pivoted away from the remainder of thecyclone unit 114,separation plate 154 andarm 166 also preferably pivot away from the remainder of the cyclone unit. Alatch 159 is provided, which securesfront wall 158 towall 115. In alternate examples,front wall 158 may be removable fromcyclone unit wall 115, or therear wall 179 of thecyclone unit 114 may be openable. - The rear portion of the
dirt collection chamber 124 may be closed bywall 179. - The clean
air exiting cyclone 122 passes throughoutlet 145 ofoutlet passage 144, exitssurface cleaning head 116, and passes into thecleaner body 160. In the example shown, thecleaner body 160 is positioned rearward of thesurface cleaning head 116. - The cleaner body comprises a
suction motor housing 108, which houses asuction motor 164 and may be of any design. Thesuction motor housing 168 has anupstream end 167, and adownstream end 169.Suction motor 164 is provided in the air flow passage adjacent and downstream of thepre-motor filter 162. Thesuction motor 164 may be any type of suction motor. The suction motor draws air into thedirty air inlet 118 of the cleaner 100, through the air flow passage past thesuction motor 164, and out of theclean air outlet 120. Thesuction motor 164 has a motor axis 165. Preferably, as in the example shown, the motor axis 165 and thecyclone axis 123 extend in the same direction and are preferably generally parallel. Accordingly, thefirst cyclone unit 114 and thesuction motor 164 are generally aligned, and are preferably arranged linearly. - Preferably, as in the example shown,
suction motor housing 168 further houses an optionalpre-motor filter 162.Pre-motor filter 162 is provided in the air flow passage preferably adjacent and upstream of themotor 164, and preferably adjacent and downstream of theoutlet passage 144, and preferably facing theoutlet 145.Pre-motor filter 162 serves to remove remaining particulate matter from air exiting thecyclone 122, and may be any type of filter, such as a foam filter. One or more filters may be used. In the exemplified embodiments, thepre-motor filter 162 is preferably aligned with thecyclone axis 123, and the motor axis 165. - As exemplified, the
cleaner body 160 further comprises an optionalpost-motor filter 161. The post motor filter may be any known in the art and may comprise a postmotor filter housing 170, and a postmotor filter material 166. Thepost motor filter 161 is provided in the air flow passage downstream of, and preferably adjacent thesuction motor 164. Thepost motor filter 161 has anupstream end 169, and adownstream end 171. Thedownstream end 171 preferably comprises therear end 110 of thevacuum cleaner 100. In the exemplified embodiments, thepost-motor filter 161 is aligned with thecyclone axis 123, and the motor axis 165. Accordingly, thepost-motor filter 161,cyclone unit 114, andmotor 164 may be arranged linearly. -
Post motor filter 161 serves to remove remaining particulate matter from air exiting the cleaner 100.Post-motor filter material 166 may be any type of filter material, such as a HEPA filter. -
Clean air outlet 120 is provided downstream ofpost-motor filter material 166. Preferably, as in the example shown,clean air outlet 120 comprises a plurality of apertures formed inhousing 170. Preferably, as shown,clean air outlet 120 comprises a plurality of apertures provided inhousing 170 adjacent thedownstream end 171 of thepost motor filter 161. More preferably, clean air outlet is preferably provided at acircumferential portion 105 ofrear end 110, slightly forward of aplanar portion 107 ofrear end 110. -
Rear end 110 is configured to support thehand vacuum cleaner 100 when thehand vacuum cleaner 100 is placed on a floor F, as shown inFIG. 8 . Accordingly, in this embodiment,rear end 110 comprises a platform for supporting the vacuum cleaner. For example, thevacuum cleaner 100 may stand on planar orplatform portion 107 ofrear end 110, without occluding or obstructingair outlet 120. Accordingly, airflow (indicated by arrow A1) may still pass out ofoutlet 120. This may be advantageous, for example, if thedirt collection chamber 124 is removably mounted to the surface cleaning apparatus, as will be described further hereinbelow. - Referring to
FIG. 9 , thefirst cyclone unit 114 may be removably mounted to thehand vacuum cleaner 100, preferably at an end opposed toplatform portion 107. Preferably, as in the exemplified embodiment,cyclone unit 114 is removably mounted at thefront end 108 of thevacuum cleaner 100, to theupstream end 167 of thesuction motor housing 168. In the example shown, thecyclone unit 114 comprises thedirt collection chamber 124. Accordingly, thecyclone unit 114 may be removed in order to emptydirt collection chamber 124. For example,cyclone unit 114 may be removed fromvacuum cleaner 100, may be held over a garbage bin, thefront wall 158 may be opened, and the dirt may be emptied fromdirt chamber 124. It will be appreciated that onlydirt collection chamber 124 may be removably mounted or openable. - In order to remove
cyclone unit 114 from the surface cleaning apparatus, the cyclone unit comprises a first mountingmember 173, and thesuction motor housing 168 has a second mountingmember 175. The first 173 and second 175 mounting members are releasably engageable with each other. Preferably, the first 173 and second 175 are rotatably engageable with each other. For example, as shown, the first 173 and second 175 mounting members comprise a bayonet mount. In alternate examples, the first and second mounting members may be another type of mounting member, such as mating screw threads, magnets, latches or any other type of mounting members. - Referring back to
FIG. 8 , in examples wherein the first 173 and second 175 mounting members are rotatably engageable with each other, a user may standvacuum cleaner 100 on rear end 110 (i.e. userear end 110 as a platform to support vacuum cleaner 100), and more particularly onplanar portion 107 ofrear end 110.Cyclone unit 114 is accordingly positioned at the upper end of the vacuum cleaner. A user may, e.g., rotate thecyclone unit 114 in order to removecyclone unit 114 fromsurface cleaning apparatus 100. This may allowcyclone unit 114 to be relatively easily rotated with respect tomotor housing 168. Asclean air outlet 120 is provided incircumferential portion 105 ofrear end 110,planar portion 107 may be used to supportvacuum cleaner 100, without occluding or obstructingclean air outlet 120. - Preferably, as in the example shown,
planar portion 107 comprises aplanar surface 109 andfeet 111. In the example shown,feet 111 ofplanar portion 107 are in contact with floor F whenplanar portion 107 is used to supportvacuum cleaner 100. Accordinglyfeet 111 may supportplanar portion 107 above the floor. In such a case it will be appreciated that thatrear end 110 need not have a planar portion andfeet 111 may comprise the platform. In alternate examples,feet 111 may be omitted, in which caseplanar surface 109 may comprise the platform that is used to supportvacuum cleaner 100. In alternate examples, another portion ofrear end 110 may be used to supportvacuum cleaner 100. - As mentioned hereinabove,
cyclone unit 114 andmotor 164 are preferably generally aligned. Accordingly, whenvacuum cleaner 100 is supported byrear end 110,cyclone unit 114 andmotor 164 may be generally vertically aligned. That is, thefirst cyclone unit 114 may be directly above themotor 164. This may allowvacuum cleaner 100 to balance onrear end 110, without any additional support. That is, when therear end 110 is placed on the floor F, therear end 110 may comprise the sole support for thevacuum cleaner 100. It will be appreciated that, provided the centre of gravity is above the platform, the portable surface cleaning apparatus may stand on the platform. - Referring now to
FIG. 10 , preferably as exemplified in this embodiment, postmotor filter 161 is removably mounted to thehand vacuum cleaner 100. Preferably, theupstream end 169 of thepost motor filter 161 is removably mounted to thedownstream end 169 ofmotor housing 168. Preferably, post motor-filter is rotationally mounted to thehand vacuum cleaner 100, for example by a bayonet mount as shown. - One or more
additional wheels 180 may be mounted tohousing 161, preferably atlower portion 106, and may be used in conjunction withwheels 135. Preferably, a singlerear wheel 180 is provided. Preferably,rear wheel 180 is located on a centre line of the vacuum cleaner and rearward of the dependingwall 128. - In alternate examples (not shown),
hand vacuum cleaner 100 may further comprise a second cyclone unit downstream of thefirst cyclone unit 114. The second cyclone unit may be provided inmotor housing 168, or in a separate housing. Preferably, the second cyclone unit is linearly arranged with thefirst cyclone unit 114,suction motor 164, and postmotor filter 161.
Claims (24)
1. A portable surface cleaning apparatus comprising:
(a) a front end and a rear end;
(b) an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet;
(c) a air treatment unit positioned in the air flow passage;
(d) a suction motor positioned in the air flow passage;
(e) a platform that is configured to support the portable surface cleaning apparatus when the platform is placed on a floor, the dirty air inlet positioned other than on the platform.
2. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the portable surface cleaning apparatus has a portion that is either openable or removable and the portion is positioned at a side opposed to the platform.
3. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the platform is provided on the rear end.
4. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the portion comprises a first cyclone unit positioned in the air flow passage, the first cyclone unit comprising at least one cyclone having a cyclone outlet and at least one dirt collection chamber
5. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 4 wherein the first cyclone unit is removably mounted to the portable surface cleaning apparatus.
6. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 5 wherein the first cyclone unit is removably mounted at the front end.
7. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 4 wherein the first cyclone unit comprises the front end.
8. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a post motor filter having a downstream end and the downstream end comprises the platform.
9. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the platform comprises a planar surface.
10. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the clean air outlet is provided adjacent the rear end.
11. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the platform has a plurality of feet.
12. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the platform comprises the sole support for the portable surface cleaning apparatus when the platform is placed on the floor.
13. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 4 wherein the first cyclone unit and the suction motor are aligned.
14. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 13 wherein the first cyclone unit is directly above the suction motor when the platform is placed on the floor.
15. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein a post motor filter is rotationally mounted to the portable surface cleaning apparatus.
16. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein a post motor filter is rotationally mounted to the portable surface cleaning apparatus by a bayonet mount.
17. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 4 wherein the first cyclone unit and the suction motor are arranged linearly.
18. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 17 wherein the first cyclone unit, the suction motor and a post motor filter are arranged linearly.
19. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the suction motor is positioned in a suction motor housing and the first cyclone unit is removably mounted to the suction motor housing.
20. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 19 wherein the suction motor housing has an upstream end and a downstream end, the first cyclone unit is removably mounted to the upstream end and a post motor filter is removably mounted to the downstream end.
21. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first cyclone unit has a single cyclone and a single dirt collection chamber.
22. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a second cyclone unit downstream from the first cyclone unit.
23. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 22 wherein the first cyclone unit, the second cyclone unit, the suction motor and a post motor filter are arranged linearly.
24. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the portable surface cleaning apparatus comprises a hand vacuum cleaner.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CA2658025 | 2009-03-11 | ||
CA2658025A CA2658025A1 (en) | 2009-03-11 | 2009-03-11 | Portable surface cleaning apparatus |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20100229323A1 true US20100229323A1 (en) | 2010-09-16 |
Family
ID=42729296
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US12/720,436 Abandoned US20100229323A1 (en) | 2009-03-11 | 2010-03-09 | Portable surface cleaning apparatus |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20100229323A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2658025A1 (en) |
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EP3954262A1 (en) * | 2020-08-11 | 2022-02-16 | Seb S.A. | Portable vacuum cleaner provided with a removable filter |
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