Surface cleaner

Abstract

During an evacuation mode of operation of a hand vacuum cleaner, an evacuation air flow path extends from an evacuation air inlet through at least the debris separator to the docking station. A return air path extends from the docking station air outlet to the suction motor of the hand vacuum cleaner whereby, in an evacuation mode when the hand vacuum cleaner is docked with a docking station air outlet port, air travels from the docking station air outlet port to the return air path. A valve is operable between a closed position in which the hand vacuum cleaner is operable to clean the surface and an evacuation position in which the return air flow path is in air flow communication with the motor and fan assembly. The motor and fan assembly and the return air path are provided at a lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner.

Description

[0001] SURFACE CLEANER

[0002] FIELD

[0003] This disclosure relates generally to surface cleaner. In a preferred embodiment, the surface cleaner comprises a portable surface cleaner, such as a hand vacuum cleaner.

[0004] INTRODUCTION

[0005] The following is not an admission that anything discussed below is part of the prior art or part of the common general knowledge of a person skilled in the art.

[0006] Various types of surface cleaners are known, including upright surface cleaners (e.g., upright vacuum cleaners or extractors), canister surface cleaners (e.g., canister vacuum cleaners or extractors), stick surface cleaner, central vacuum cleaners, and hand carriable surface cleaners such as hand vacuum cleaners. Further, various designs for cyclonic hand vacuum cleaners, including battery operated cyclonic hand vacuum cleaners, are known in the art.

[0007] SUMMARY

[0008] This summary is intended to introduce the reader to the more detailed description that follows and not to limit or define any claimed or as yet unclaimed invention. One or more inventions may reside in any combination or sub-combination of the components or process steps disclosed in any part of this document including its claims and figures. In accordance with one aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with one or more other aspects, a hand vacuum cleaner has an air treatment assembly (e.g., one or more air treatment chambers), a motor and fan assembly, and one or more energy store(s). One or more energy store(s) and the motor and fan assembly are provided at a lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner, such as at the lower end of or below the lower end of the handle. One or more or all of the energy store(s) may be aligned with the motor and fan assembly such that a line, which is parallel to a hand vacuum cleaner axis that extends centrally through the hand vacuum cleaner from the front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner, extends through one or more or all of the energy store(s) and the motor and fan assembly.

[0009] In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner comprising: (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet located at a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a clean air outlet located rearward of the dirty air inlet;(b) an air treatment assembly comprising an air treatment chamber provided in the air flow path, the air treatment chamber comprising a front end, a rear end, an air treatment chamber air inlet and an air treatment chamber air outlet;

[0010] (c) a motor and fan assembly provided in the airflow path;

[0011] (d) a handle, which during use of the hand vacuum cleaner, is useable to direct the hand vacuum cleaner to clean a surface; and,

[0012] (e) an energy store,

[0013] wherein the dirty air inlet is provided at an upper end of the hand vacuum cleaner and the energy store and the motor and fan assembly are provided at a lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner, and

[0014] wherein a hand vacuum cleaner axis extends centrally through the hand vacuum cleaner from the front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner, and

[0015] wherein a line that is parallel to the hand vacuum cleaner axis extends through the energy store and the motor and fan assembly.

[0016] In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with one or more other aspects, a hand vacuum cleaner has a motor and fan assembly, a handle, and one or more or all of the energy store(s). A hand vacuum cleaner axis extends centrally through the hand vacuum cleaner from the front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner. The energy store and the motor and fan assembly are provided at a lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner (e.g., at the lower end of or below the lower end of the handle) and a plane that is transverse to the hand vacuum cleaner axis extends through one or more or all of the energy store(s) and the motor and fan assembly and, optionally, the handle.

[0017] In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner comprising: (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet located at a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a clean air outlet located rearward of the dirty air inlet;

[0018] (b) an air treatment assembly comprising an air treatment chamber provided in the air flow path, the air treatment chamber comprising a front end, a rear end, an air treatment chamber air inlet and an air treatment chamber air outlet;

[0019] (c) a motor and fan assembly provided in the airflow path;(d) a handle, which during use of the hand vacuum cleaner, is useable to direct the hand vacuum cleaner to clean a surface; and,

[0020] (e) an energy store,

[0021] wherein a hand vacuum cleaner axis extends centrally through the hand vacuum cleaner from the front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner, and

[0022] wherein the dirty air inlet is provided at an upper end of the hand vacuum cleaner, the energy store and the motor and fan assembly are provided at a lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner and a plane that is transverse to the hand vacuum cleaner axis extends through the energy store and the motor and fan assembly.

[0023] In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with one or more other aspects, a hand vacuum cleaner has a dirty air inlet, when a hand vacuum cleaner is oriented with the dirty air inlet at an upper end of the hand vacuum cleaner and the inlet conduit extending horizontally, in operation, air travels downwardly from the air treatment chamber to the pre-motor filter. The pre-motor filter may fully or partially underlie one or more of the air treatment chamber, an optional finger gap which is located forward of the handle, one or more optional energy stores and the handle. Further, the pre-motor filter may be aligned with one or more of energy stores and the motor and fan assembly such that a line, which is parallel to a hand vacuum cleaner axis that extends centrally through the hand vacuum cleaner from the front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner, extends through one or more or all of the energy store(s) and the motor and fan assembly.

[0024] In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner comprising: (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet located at a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a clean air outlet located rearward of the dirty air inlet;

[0025] (b) an air treatment assembly comprising an air treatment chamber provided in the air flow path, the air treatment chamber comprising a front end, a rear end, an air treatment chamber air inlet and an air treatment chamber air outlet, wherein an inlet conduit extends rearwardly from the dirty air inlet and the inlet conduit has an inlet conduit axis that extends rearwardly through the inlet conduit;

[0026] (c) a pre-motor filter;

[0027] (d) a motor and fan assembly provided in the airflow path; and,(e) a handle, which during use of the hand vacuum cleaner, is useable to direct the hand vacuum cleaner to clean a surface,

[0028] wherein a hand vacuum cleaner axis extends centrally through the hand vacuum cleaner from the front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner, and

[0029] wherein, when the hand vacuum cleaner is oriented with the dirty air inlet at an upper end of the hand vacuum cleaner and the inlet conduit extending horizontally, in operation air travels downwardly from the air treatment chamber to the pre-motor filter. In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with one or more other aspects, a hand vacuum cleaner has an air treatment assembly, a handle, and one or more energy store(s). The energy store(s) is provided at a lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner (e.g., at the lower end of or below the lower end of the handle). A hand vacuum cleaner axis extends centrally through the hand vacuum cleaner from a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner. The air treatment assembly has an openable door which is moveable from a closed position in which the hand vacuum cleaner is operable to clean a surface and an emptying position in which the air treatment assembly is emptyable through an opening. A line that is parallel to the hand vacuum cleaner axis may extend through the opening and one or more energy store(s). The air treatment assembly may comprise an air treatment chamber and a dirt collection chamber exterior to the air treatment chamber. The door may open the dirt collection chamber or both the air treatment chamber and the dirt collection chamber. In either case, a line that is parallel to the hand vacuum cleaner axis may extend through a portion of the dirt collection chamber that underlies the air treatment chamber and one or more energy store(s).

[0030] In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner comprising: (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet located at a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a clean air outlet located rearward of the dirty air inlet;

[0031] (b) an air treatment assembly comprising an air treatment chamber provided in the air flow path, the air treatment chamber comprising a front end, a rear end, an air treatment chamber air inlet and an air treatment chamber air outlet, wherein an inlet conduit extends rearwardly from the dirty air inlet and the inlet conduit has an inlet conduit axis that extends rearwardly through the inlet conduit;(c) a motor and fan assembly provided in the airflow path;

[0032] (d) a handle, which during use of the hand vacuum cleaner, is useable to direct the hand vacuum cleaner to clean a surface; and,

[0033] (e) an energy store,

[0034] wherein the dirty air inlet is provided at an upper end of the hand vacuum cleaner and the energy store is provided at a lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner, and wherein a hand vacuum cleaner axis extends centrally through the hand vacuum cleaner from the front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner, and

[0035] wherein the air treatment assembly has an openable portion which is moveable from a closed position in which the hand vacuum cleaner is operable to clean a surface and an emptying position in which the air treatment assembly is emptyable through an opening, and

[0036] wherein a line that is parallel to the hand vacuum cleaner axis extends through the opening and the energy store.

[0037] In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a hand vacuum cleaner comprising: (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet located at a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a clean air outlet located rearward of the dirty air inlet;

[0038] (b) an air treatment assembly comprising an air treatment chamber provided in the air flow path and a dirt collection chamber exterior to the air treatment chamber, the air treatment chamber comprising a front end, a rear end, an air treatment chamber air inlet and an air treatment chamber air outlet, wherein an inlet conduit extends rearwardly from the dirty air inlet and the inlet conduit has an inlet conduit axis that extends rearwardly through the inlet conduit;

[0039] (c) a motor and fan assembly provided in the airflow path;

[0040] (d) a handle, which during use of the hand vacuum cleaner, is useable to direct the hand vacuum cleaner to clean a surface; and,

[0041] (e) an energy store,

[0042] wherein the dirty air inlet is provided at an upper end of the hand vacuum cleaner and the energy store is provided at a lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner, andwherein a hand vacuum cleaner axis extends centrally through the hand vacuum cleaner from the front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner, and

[0043] wherein the air treatment assembly has an openable portion which is moveable from a closed position in which the hand vacuum cleaner is operable to clean a surface and an emptying position in which the air treatment assembly is emptyable through an opening, and

[0044] wherein, when the hand vacuum cleaner is oriented with the dirty air inlet at the upper end of the hand vacuum cleaner and the inlet conduit extending horizontally, a portion of the dirt collection chamber is positioned below the air treatment chamber, and wherein a line that is parallel to the hand vacuum cleaner axis extends through the portion of the dirt collection chamber and the energy store.

[0045] In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with one or more other aspects, a hand vacuum cleaner an air treatment chamber and a dirt collection chamber exterior to the air treatment chamber wherein some or all of the dirt collection chamber is at a lower elevation than the air treatment chamber and some or all of the dirt collection chamber may underlie the air treatment chamber. Part of the front end of the hand vacuum cleaner (e.g., part of a front wall) may be an openable door. The door is at a lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner such that only the portion of the dirt collection chamber that is at a lower elevation than the air treatment chamber is opened and a front side of the air treatment chamber is not opened. Optionally, a lower end of the air treatment chamber may be opened. One or more of the motor and fan assembly, one or more energy stores and a pre-motor filter may be aligned with the door such that a line, which is parallel to a hand vacuum cleaner axis that extends centrally through the hand vacuum cleaner from the front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner, extends through one or more or all of the energy store(s), the motor and fan assembly and the pre-motor filter.

[0046] In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner comprising: (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet located at a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a clean air outlet located rearward of the dirty air inlet;

[0047] (b) an air treatment assembly comprising a front wall, an air treatment chamber that is provided in the air flow path, and a dirt collection chamber exterior to the air treatmentchamber, wherein the dirt collection chamber has a front wall, the air treatment chamber comprises a front end, a rear end, an air treatment chamber air inlet and an air treatment chamber air outlet, wherein an inlet conduit extends rearwardly from the dirty air inlet and the inlet conduit has an inlet conduit axis that extends rearwardly through the inlet conduit;

[0048] (c) a motor and fan assembly provided in the airflow path; and,

[0049] (d) a handle, which during use of the hand vacuum cleaner, is useable to direct the hand vacuum cleaner to clean a surface,

[0050] wherein the dirty air inlet is provided at an upper end of the hand vacuum cleaner and at least one of the motor and fan assembly and the energy store is provided at a lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner, and

[0051] wherein a hand vacuum cleaner axis extends centrally through the hand vacuum cleaner from the front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner, and

[0052] wherein the air treatment assembly has a first openable portion which is moveable from a closed position in which the hand vacuum cleaner is operable to clean a surface and an emptying position in which the air treatment assembly is emptyable through an opening, and

[0053] wherein the front wall of the air treatment assembly has a stationary portion, which remains in position when the first openable portion is opened, and a moveable portion, the first openable portion comprises the moveable portion of the front wall and, when the hand vacuum cleaner is oriented with the dirty air inlet at the upper end of the hand vacuum cleaner and the inlet conduit extending horizontally, the moveable portion of the front wall extends downwardly from a location at or below an elevation of the air treatment chamber, and

[0054] wherein a line that is parallel to the hand vacuum cleaner axis extends through the opening and at least one of the motor and fan assembly and the energy store.

[0055] In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with one or more other aspects, a hand vacuum cleaner has an air treatment assembly and one or more energy store(s). The energy store(s) is provided at a lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner (e.g., partially or fully at a lower elevation than an air treatment chamber and / or a dirt collection chamber that is exterior to the air treatmentchamber and partially or fully may underlie one or both thereof). Optionally, one or more energy store(s) may be ata lower elevation than (e.g., underlie) the air treatment chamber and be located partially or fully rearwardly of the dirt collection chamber.

[0056] In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner comprising: (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet located at a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a clean air outlet located rearward of the dirty air inlet;

[0057] (b) an air treatment assembly comprising an air treatment chamber provided in the air flow path, the air treatment chamber comprising a front end, a rear end, an air treatment chamber air inlet and an air treatment chamber air outlet;

[0058] (c) a motor and fan assembly provided in the airflow path;

[0059] (d) a handle, which during use of the hand vacuum cleaner, is useable to direct the hand vacuum cleaner to clean a surface; and,

[0060] (e) an energy store,

[0061] wherein the dirty air inlet is provided at an upper end of the hand vacuum cleaner and the energy store is provided at a lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner, and wherein a hand vacuum cleaner axis extends centrally through the hand vacuum cleaner from the front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner, and

[0062] wherein a plane that is transverse to the hand vacuum cleaner axis extends through the air treatment assembly and the energy store.

[0063] In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with one or more other aspects, a hand vacuum cleaner has an air treatment assembly, a motor and fan assembly, and a handle. The motor and fan assembly is provided at a lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner (e.g., at or below an elevation of a lower end of the handle and may partially or fully underlie the handle). A downstream air flow path extends downstream from the air treatment assembly through part or all of a hand grip portion of a handle to the motor and fan assembly. Optionally one or more energy stores may be located forward or rearward of the motor and fan assembly and at a lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner (e.g., at or below an elevation of the lower end of the handle)

[0064] In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner comprising:(a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet located at a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a clean air outlet located rearward of the dirty air inlet;

[0065] (b) an air treatment assembly comprising an air treatment chamber provided in the air flow path, the air treatment chamber comprising a front end, a rear end, an air treatment chamber air inlet and an air treatment chamber air outlet;

[0066] (c) a motor and fan assembly provided in the airflow path;

[0067] (d) a handle, which during use of the hand vacuum cleaner, is useable to direct the hand vacuum cleaner to clean a surface; and,

[0068] (e) an energy store,

[0069] wherein the dirty air inlet is provided at an upper end of the hand vacuum cleaner and the motor and fan assembly is provided at a lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner, and

[0070] wherein a hand vacuum cleaner axis extends centrally through the hand vacuum cleaner from the front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner, and

[0071] wherein a downstream air flow path extends from the air treatment assembly to the motor and fan assembly and the downstream air flow path comprises a conduit provided in the handle.

[0072] In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with one or more other aspects, a hand vacuum cleaner has a motor and fan assembly, a return air path which is connectable in airflow communication with a docking station whereby, in an evacuation mode when the hand vacuum cleaner is docked with a docking station air outlet port, air travels from the docking station air outlet port to the return air path, and a valve operable between a closed position in which the hand vacuum cleaner is operable to clean a surface and an evacuation position in which the return air flow path is in air flow communication with the motor and fan assembly. The return air path and the valve are provided at a lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner. The valve may be located in the lower surface of the hand vacuum cleaner and the inlet port of the return air path may be rearward of the motor and fan assembly or may be forward of the motor and fan assembly and the return air path may extend rearwardly through the vacuum cleaner at a location under the motor and fan assembly.

[0073] In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner comprising:(a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet located at a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a clean air outlet located rearward of the dirty air inlet;

[0074] (b) an air treatment assembly comprising an air treatment chamber provided in the air flow path, the air treatment chamber comprising a front end, a rear end, an air treatment chamber air inlet and an air treatment chamber air outlet;

[0075] (c) a motor and fan assembly provided in the airflow path;

[0076] (d) a handle, which during use of the hand vacuum cleaner, is useable to direct the hand vacuum cleaner to clean a surface;

[0077] (e) a return air path which is connectable in air flow communication with a docking station whereby, in an evacuation mode when the hand vacuum cleaner is docked with a docking station air outlet port, air travels from the docking station air outlet port to the return air path; and,

[0078] (f) a valve operable between a closed position in which the hand vacuum cleaner is operable to clean a surface and an evacuation position in which the return airflow path is in air flow communication with the motor and fan assembly,

[0079] wherein a hand vacuum cleaner axis extends centrally through the hand vacuum cleaner from the front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner and, when the hand vacuum cleaner axis is oriented horizontally, the motor and fan assembly and the return air path are provided at a lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner.

[0080] In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with one or more other aspects, a hand vacuum cleaner has a main body housing a motor and fan assembly, a handle, and optionally one or more energy store(s). A hand vacuum cleaner axis extends centrally through the hand vacuum cleaner from a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner. One or both of one or more energy store(s) and the motor and fan assembly are provided at a lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner (e.g. at or below an elevation of a lower end of an air treatment chamber and / or a lower end of the handle and may optionally underlie the lower end of an air treatment chamber and / or the lower end of the handle). The motor and fan assembly may be positioned forward or rearward of one or more energy store(s) or the motor and fan assembly may be at a higher or lower elevation than one or more energy store(s).In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner comprising: (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet located at a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a clean air outlet located rearward of the dirty air inlet;

[0081] (b) an air treatment assembly comprising an air treatment chamber provided in the air flow path, the air treatment chamber comprising a front end, a rear end, an air treatment chamber air inlet and an air treatment chamber air outlet;

[0082] (c) a main body housing a motor and fan assembly provided in the airflow path;

[0083] (d) a handle, which during use of the hand vacuum cleaner, is useable to direct the hand vacuum cleaner to clean a surface;

[0084] (e) a finger gap provided forward of the handle, and,

[0085] (f) an energy store which, in operation, is provided with the main body,

[0086] wherein a hand vacuum cleaner axis extends centrally through the hand vacuum cleaner from the front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner, and

[0087] wherein the dirty air inlet is provided at an upper end of the hand vacuum cleaner, the energy store and the motor and fan assembly are provided at a lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner and a first plane that is transverse to the hand vacuum cleaner axis extends through at least one of the energy store and the motor and fan assembly, and wherein a line that is parallel to the hand vacuum cleaner axis extends through the energy store and the motor and fan assembly.

[0088] In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a hand vacuum cleaner comprising: (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet located at a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a clean air outlet located rearward of the dirty air inlet;

[0089] (b) an air treatment assembly comprising an air treatment chamber provided in the air flow path, the air treatment chamber comprising a front end, a rear end, an air treatment chamber air inlet and an air treatment chamber air outlet;

[0090] (c) a main body housing a motor and fan assembly provided in the airflow path;

[0091] (d) a handle, which during use of the hand vacuum cleaner, is useable to direct the hand vacuum cleaner to clean a surface;

[0092] (e) a finger gap provided forward of the handle, and,(f) an energy store which, in operation, is provided with the main body,

[0093] wherein a hand vacuum cleaner axis extends centrally through the hand vacuum cleaner from the front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner, and

[0094] wherein the dirty air inlet is provided at an upper end of the hand vacuum cleaner, the energy store and the motor and fan assembly are provided at a lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner and a first plane that is transverse to the hand vacuum cleaner axis extends through the energy store and the motor and fan assembly, and

[0095] wherein a line that is parallel to the hand vacuum cleaner axis extends through the energy store and the motor and fan assembly.

[0096] In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with one or more other aspects, a hand vacuum cleaner has one or more energy store(s). The energy store(s) has a length, a width and a height and the length is a longest dimension of the energy store(s). A hand vacuum cleaner axis extends centrally through the hand vacuum cleaner from the front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner. When the hand vacuum cleaner is oriented with the dirty air inlet provided at the upper end of the hand vacuum cleaner, the longest dimension of one or more or all of the energy store(s) extends generally vertically. One or more of the energy store(s) may be provided at the lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner.

[0097] In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner comprising: (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet located at a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a clean air outlet located rearward of the dirty air inlet;

[0098] (b) an air treatment assembly comprising an air treatment chamber provided in the air flow path, the air treatment chamber comprising a front end, a rear end, an air treatment chamber air inlet and an air treatment chamber air outlet;

[0099] (c) a main body housing a motor and fan assembly provided in the airflow path; (d) a handle, which during use of the hand vacuum cleaner, is useable to direct the hand vacuum cleaner to clean a surface;

[0100] (e) a finger gap provided forward of the handle, and,(f) an energy store which, in operation, is provided with the main body, the energy store having a length, a width and a height and the length is a longest dimension of the energy store,

[0101] wherein a hand vacuum cleaner axis extends centrally through the hand vacuum cleaner from the front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner, and

[0102] wherein the dirty air inlet is provided at an upper end of the hand vacuum cleaner, the energy store is provided at a lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner and a first plane that is transverse to the hand vacuum cleaner axis extends through the motor and fan assembly and the handle, and

[0103] wherein, when the hand vacuum cleaner is oriented with the dirty air inlet provided at the upper end of the hand vacuum cleaner, the energy store provided at the lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner and the hand vacuum cleaner axis extending horizontally, the longest dimension extends generally vertically.

[0104] In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a hand vacuum cleaner comprising: (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet located at a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a clean air outlet located rearward of the dirty air inlet;

[0105] (b) an air treatment assembly comprising an air treatment chamber provided in the air flow path, the air treatment chamber comprising a front end, a rear end, an air treatment chamber air inlet and an air treatment chamber air outlet;

[0106] (c) a motor and fan assembly provided in the airflow path;

[0107] (d) a handle, which during use of the hand vacuum cleaner, is useable to direct the hand vacuum cleaner to clean a surface;

[0108] (e) a finger gap provided forward of the handle, and,

[0109] (f) an energy store which, in operation, is provided with a main body, the energy store having a length, a width and a height and the length is a longest dimension of the energy store,

[0110] wherein a hand vacuum cleaner axis extends centrally through the hand vacuum cleaner from the front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner, andwherein, when the hand vacuum cleaner is oriented with the dirty air inlet provided at an upper end of the hand vacuum cleaner, the energy store provided at a lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner and the hand vacuum cleaner axis extending horizontally, a lower end of the handle is provided on the main body and the longest dimension extends generally vertically.

[0111] In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with one or more other aspects, a hand vacuum cleaner has an air treatment chamber (e.g., a cyclone) and a pre-motor filter. A hand vacuum cleaner axis extends centrally through the hand vacuum cleaner from a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner. The pre-motor filter is curved (e.g., an annular sector) and may extend around only a portion of the air treatment chamber, e.g., a rearward side thereof. The pre-motor filter may have pleats that extend laterally or from an upper end of the pre-motor filter to a lower end thereof. The pre-motor filter may be adjacent the air treatment chamber or spaced therefrom with an upstream header between the pre-motor filter and the air treatment chamber and the header may have a generally uniform thickness in the axial direction.

[0112] In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a hand vacuum cleaner comprising: (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet located at a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a clean air outlet located rearward of the dirty air inlet;

[0113] (b) a cyclone assembly comprising a cyclone chamber provided in the air flow path, the cyclone chamber comprising a front end, a rear end, a cyclone chamber air inlet, a cyclone chamber air outlet, a cyclone axis of rotation;

[0114] (c) a pre-motor filter having an upstream face and a downstream face;

[0115] (d) a motor and fan assembly provided in the airflow path; and,

[0116] (e) a handle, which during use of the hand vacuum cleaner, is useable to direct the hand vacuum cleaner to clean a surface,

[0117] wherein a hand vacuum cleaner axis extends centrally through the hand vacuum cleaner from the front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner, and

[0118] wherein the cyclone axis of rotation extends in a plane that is generally transverse to the hand vacuum cleaner axis and, when the hand vacuum cleaner axis extends horizontally, the cyclone axis of rotation extends generally horizontally, andwherein the pre-motor filter is curved and is provided on the rear end of the cyclone chamber.

[0119] In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a hand vacuum cleaner comprising: (a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet located at a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a dirty air outlet located rearward of the dirty air inlet;

[0120] (b) an air treatment assembly comprising an air treatment chamber provided in the air flow path, the air treatment chamber comprising a front end, a rear end, an air treatment chamber air inlet and an air treatment chamber air outlet;

[0121] (c) a pre-motor filter having an upstream face and a downstream face;

[0122] (d) a main body housing a motor and fan assembly provided in the airflow path; and, (e) a handle, which during use of the hand vacuum cleaner, is useable to direct the hand vacuum cleaner to clean a surface,

[0123] wherein a hand vacuum cleaner axis extends centrally through the hand vacuum cleaner from the front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner, and

[0124] wherein the pre-motor filter is curved and is provided on the rear end of the air treatment chamber.

[0125] In accordance with another aspect of this disclosure, which may be used alone or in combination with one or more other aspects, a surface cleaner has a surface cleaning mode air flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, and an evacuation air flow path comprising a first portion extending from an ambient air inlet port to an evacuation air outlet and a second portion extending from a docking station return air inlet port to the clean air outlet. When the surface cleaner is docked at a docking station and the surface cleaner is operated in an evacuation mode, air enters through the ambient air inlet port and travels through some or all of an air treatment chamber (e.g., a cyclone), through the docking station and subsequently enters the surface cleaner through the docking station return air inlet port. Optionally, during part or all of the operation of the hand vacuum cleaner in the evacuation mode, the air may bypass the pre-motor filter. In accordance with this aspect, there is provided a surface cleaner comprising:

[0126] (a) a surface cleaning mode airflow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet with a cyclone assembly comprising a cyclone chamber, a pre-motor filter and amotor and fan assembly that are provided in the air flow path, wherein the surface cleaning mode air flow path comprises a downstream portion that extends from the cyclone chamber to the motor and fan assembly;

[0127] (b) an evacuation airflow path comprising a first portion extending from an ambient air inlet port to an evacuation air outlet and a second portion extending from a docking station return air inlet port to the clean air outlet; and,

[0128] (c) a valve assembly operable to open the ambient air inlet port and the docking station return air inlet port,

[0129] wherein a surface cleaner axis extends centrally through the surface cleaner from the front end of the surface cleaner to a rear end of the surface cleaner, and wherein the surface cleaner is operable in a surface cleaning mode wherein air travels from the dirty air inlet, through the downstream portion to the clean air outlet, and, wherein, when the surface cleaner is docked at a docking station, the surface cleaner is operable in an evacuation mode wherein air enters through the ambient air inlet port, travels through the cyclone in the absence of passing through the pre-motor filter, through the docking station and subsequently enters the surface cleaner through the docking station return air inlet port.

[0130] In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a surface cleaner comprising: (a) a surface cleaning mode airflow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet with a cyclone assembly comprising a cyclone chamber, a pre-motor filter and a motor and fan assembly that are provided in the air flow path, wherein the surface cleaning mode air flow path comprises a downstream portion that extends from the cyclone chamber to the motor and fan assembly;

[0131] (b) an evacuation airflow path comprising a first portion extending from an ambient air inlet port to an evacuation air outlet and a second portion extending from a docking station return air inlet port to the clean air outlet; and,

[0132] (c) a valve assembly operable to open a cyclone chamber port,

[0133] wherein a surface cleaner axis extends centrally through the surface cleaner from the front end of the surface cleaner to a rear end of the surface cleaner, and wherein the surface cleaner is operable in a surface cleaning mode wherein air travels from the dirty air inlet, through the downstream portion to the clean air outlet, and,wherein, when the surface cleaner is docked at a docking station, the surface cleaner is operable in an evacuation mode wherein air travels from the ambient air inlet port, through the cyclone chamber port into the cyclone chamber in the absence of passing through the pre-motor filter, through the docking station and subsequently enters the surface cleaner through the docking station return air inlet port.

[0134] In accordance with this aspect, there is also provided a surface cleaner comprising: (a) a surface cleaning mode airflow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet with an air treatment assembly comprising an air treatment chamber, a pre-motor filter and a motor and fan assembly that are provided in the airflow path, wherein the surface cleaning mode airflow path comprises a downstream portion that extends from the air treatment chamber to the motor and fan assembly;

[0135] (b) an evacuation airflow path comprising a first portion extending from an ambient air inlet port to an evacuation air outlet and a second portion extending from a docking station return air inlet port to the clean air outlet; and,

[0136] (c) a valve assembly operable to open an air treatment chamber port,

[0137] wherein a surface cleaner axis extends centrally through the surface cleaner from the front end of the surface cleaner to a rear end of the surface cleaner, and wherein the surface cleaner is operable in a surface cleaning mode wherein air travels from the dirty air inlet, through the downstream portion to the clean air outlet, and, wherein, when the surface cleaner is docked at a docking station, the surface cleaner is operable in an evacuation mode wherein air travels from the ambient air inlet port, through the air treatment chamber port into the air treatment chamber in the absence of passing through the pre-motor filter, through the docking station and subsequently enters the surface cleaner through the docking station return air inlet port.

[0138] These and other aspects and features of various embodiments will be described in greater detail below.

[0139] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0140] 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 perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0141] FIG. 2 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

[0142] FIG. 3 is a perspective exploded view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 1 with a pre-motor filter being removed;

[0143] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 1 with an energy store being removed;

[0144] FIG. 5A is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 , with a manual emptying door open;

[0145] FIG. 5B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 1 taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 , with an automatic emptying door open;

[0146] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 1 docked to a docking station; FIG. 7 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 1 docked to the docking station;

[0147] FIG. 8A is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 1 , in accordance with another embodiment, taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1, with a manual emptying door open;

[0148] FIG. 8B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 8A taken along line 2-2 of FIG. 1 , with an automatic emptying door open;

[0149] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0150] FIG. 10 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 9 taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9;

[0151] FIG. 11 A is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 9 taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9, with a manual emptying door open;

[0152] FIG. 11 B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 9 taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 9, with an automatic emptying door open;

[0153] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;FIG. 13 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 12 taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12;

[0154] FIG. 14A is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 12 taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12, with a manual emptying door open;

[0155] FIG. 14B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 12 taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12, with an automatic emptying door open;

[0156] FIG. 14C is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 12 taken along line 13-13 of FIG. 12, with an alternate automatic emptying door open;

[0157] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0158] FIG. 16 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 15 taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 15;

[0159] FIG. 17 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 15 taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 15, with the cyclone assembly opened;

[0160] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0161] FIG. 19 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 18 taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 18;

[0162] FIG. 20A is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 18 taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 18, with a manual emptying door open;

[0163] FIG. 20B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 18 taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 18, with an automatic emptying door open;

[0164] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0165] FIG. 22 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 21 taken along line 22-22 of FIG. 21;

[0166] FIG. 23 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 21 taken along line 22-22 of FIG. 21 , with an emptying door open;

[0167] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;FIG. 25 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 24 taken along line 25-25 in FIG. 24;

[0168] FIG. 26 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 24 taken along line 25-25 in FIG. 24, with an emptying door open;

[0169] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0170] FIG. 28 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 27 taken along line 28-28 in FIG. 27;

[0171] FIG. 29 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 27 taken along line 28-28 in FIG. 27, with an emptying door open;

[0172] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0173] FIG. 31 A is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 30 taken along line 31-31 in FIG. 30;

[0174] FIG. 31 B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 30 taken along line 31-31 in FIG. 30, with a different handle;

[0175] FIG. 32 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 30 taken along line 31-31 in FIG. 30, with an emptying door open;

[0176] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0177] FIG. 34 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 33 taken along line 34-34 in FIG. 34;

[0178] FIG. 35A is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 33 taken along line 34-34 in FIG. 33, with a manual emptying door open;

[0179] FIG. 35B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 33 taken along line 34-34 in FIG. 33, with an automatic emptying door open;

[0180] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0181] FIG. 37 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 36 taken along line 37-37 in FIG. 36;FIG. 38 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 36 taken along line 37-37 in FIG. 36, with an emptying door open;

[0182] FIG. 39 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0183] FIG. 40 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 39 taken along line 40-40 in FIG. 39;

[0184] FIG. 41 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 39 taken along line 40-40 in FIG. 39, with an emptying door open;

[0185] FIG. 42 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0186] FIG. 43 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 42 taken along line 43-43 in FIG. 42;

[0187] FIG. 44 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 42 taken along line 43-43 in FIG. 42, with an emptying door open;

[0188] FIG. 45 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0189] FIG. 46 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 45 taken along line 46-46 in FIG. 45;

[0190] FIG. 47 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 45 taken along line 46-46 in FIG. 45, with an emptying door open;

[0191] FIG. 48 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0192] FIG. 49 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 48 taken along line 49-49 in FIG. 48;

[0193] FIG. 50 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 48 taken along line 49-49 in FIG. 48, with an emptying door open;

[0194] FIG. 51 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0195] FIG. 52 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 51 taken along line 52-52 in FIG. 51;FIG. 53 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 51 taken along line 52-52 in FIG. 51 , with an emptying door open;

[0196] FIG. 54 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0197] FIG. 55 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 54 taken along line 55-55 in FIG. 54;

[0198] FIG. 56A is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 54 taken along line 55-55 in FIG. 54, with a manual emptying door open;

[0199] FIG. 56B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 54 taken along line 55-55 in FIG. 54, with an automatic emptying door open;

[0200] FIG. 57 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0201] FIG. 58 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 57 taken along line 58-58 in FIG. 57;

[0202] FIG. 59A is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 57 taken along line 58-58 in FIG. 57, with a manual emptying door open;

[0203] FIG. 59B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 57 taken along line 58-58 in FIG. 57, with an automatic emptying door open;

[0204] FIG. 60 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0205] FIG. 61 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 60 taken along line 61-61 in FIG. 60;

[0206] FIG. 62A is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 60 taken along line 61-61 in FIG. 60, with a manual emptying door open;

[0207] FIG. 62B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 60 taken along line 61-61 in FIG. 60, with an automatic emptying door open;

[0208] FIG. 63 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0209] FIG. 64 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 63 taken along line 64-64 in FIG. 63;FIG. 65A is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 63 taken along line 64-64 in FIG. 63, with a manual emptying door open;

[0210] FIG. 65B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 63 taken along line 64-64 in FIG. 63, with an automatic emptying door open;

[0211] FIG. 66 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0212] FIG. 67 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 66 taken along line 67-67 in FIG. 66;

[0213] FIG. 68A is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 66 taken along line 67-67 in FIG. 66, with a manual emptying door open;

[0214] FIG. 68B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 66 taken along line 67-67 in FIG. 66, with an automatic emptying door open;

[0215] FIG. 69 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0216] FIG. 70 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 69 taken along line 70-70 in FIG. 69;

[0217] FIG. 71 A is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 69 taken along line 70-70 in FIG. 69, with a manual emptying door open;

[0218] FIG. 71 B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 69 taken along line 70-70 in FIG. 69, with an automatic emptying door open;

[0219] FIG. 72 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0220] FIG. 73 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 72 taken along line 73-73 in FIG. 72;

[0221] FIG. 74A is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 72 taken along line 73-73 in FIG. 72, with a manual emptying door open;

[0222] FIG. 74B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 72 taken along line 73-73 in FIG. 72, with an automatic emptying door open;

[0223] FIG. 75 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;FIG. 76 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 75 taken along line 76-76 in FIG. 75;

[0224] FIG. 77 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 75 taken along line 76-76 in FIG. 75, with an emptying door open;

[0225] FIG. 78 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0226] FIG. 79 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 78 taken along line 79-79 in FIG. 78;

[0227] FIG. 80A is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 78 taken along line 79-79 in FIG. 78, with a manual emptying door open;

[0228] FIG. 80B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 78 taken along line 79-79 in FIG. 78, with an automatic emptying door open;

[0229] FIG. 81 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0230] FIG. 82A is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 81 taken along line 82-82 in FIG. 81 , docking to a docking station;

[0231] FIG. 82B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 81 taken along line 82-82 in FIG. 81 , docked to the docking station;

[0232] FIG. 83 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0233] FIG. 84A is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 83 taken along line 84-84 in FIG. 83, docking to a docking station;

[0234] FIG. 84B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 83 taken along line 84-84 in FIG. 83, docked to the docking station;

[0235] FIG. 85 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0236] FIG. 86A is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 85 taken along line 86-86 in FIG. 85, docking to a docking station;

[0237] FIG. 86B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 85 taken along line 86-86 in FIG. 85, docked to the docking station;FIG. 87 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0238] FIG. 88 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 87 taken along line 88-88 in FIG. 87;

[0239] FIG. 89A is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 87 taken along line 88-88 in FIG. 87, docked to the docking station;

[0240] FIG. 89B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 87 taken along line 89-89 in FIG. 87, docked to the docking station;

[0241] FIG. 89C is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 87 taken along line 89-89 in FIG. 87, docked to the docking station;

[0242] FIG. 90 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0243] FIG. 91 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 90 taken along line 91-91 in FIG. 90;

[0244] FIG. 92A is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 90 taken along line 91-91 in FIG. 90, docking to a docking station;

[0245] FIG. 92B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 90 taken along line 91-91 in FIG. 90, docked to the docking station;

[0246] FIG. 93A is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 90 taken along line 91-91 in FIG. 90, docking to an alternate docking station;

[0247] FIG. 93B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 90 taken along line 91-91 in FIG. 90, docked to the alternate docking station;

[0248] FIG. 94 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0249] FIG. 95 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 94 taken along line 95-95 in FIG. 94;

[0250] FIG. 96A is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 94 taken along line 95-95 in FIG. 94, docking to a docking station;

[0251] FIG. 96B is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 94 taken along line 95-95 in FIG. 94, docked to the docking station;FIG. 97 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0252] FIG. 98 is a cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 97 taken along line 98-98 in FIG. 97;

[0253] FIG. 99A is a cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 97 taken along line 98-98 in FIG. 97, docking to a docking station;

[0254] FIG. 99B is a cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 97 taken along line 98-98 in FIG. 97, docked to the docking station;

[0255] FIG. 100 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0256] FIG. 101 is a cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 100 taken along line 101-101 in FIG. 100;

[0257] FIG. 102A is a cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 100 taken along line 101 -101 in FIG. 100, docking to a docking station;

[0258] FIG. 102B is a cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 100 taken along line 101 -101 in FIG. 100, docked to the docking station;

[0259] FIG. 103 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0260] FIG. 104 is a cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 103 taken along line 104-104 in FIG. 103;

[0261] FIG. 105A is a cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 103 taken along line 104-104 in FIG. 103, docking to a docking station;

[0262] FIG. 105B is a cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 103 taken along line 104-104 in FIG. 103, docked to the docking station;

[0263] FIG. 106 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0264] FIG. 107 is a cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 106 taken along line 107-107 in FIG. 106;

[0265] FIG. 108A is a cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 106 taken along line 107-107 in FIG. 106, docking to a docking station;FIG. 108B is a cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 106 taken along line 107-107 in FIG. 106, docked to the docking station;

[0266] FIG. 109 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0267] FIG. 110A is a top cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 109 taken along line 110-110 in FIG. 109, with a bypass airflow channel;

[0268] FIG. 110B is a top cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 109 taken along line 110-110 in FIG. 109, with an additional bypass airflow channel;

[0269] FIG. 111 is a cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 109 taken along line 111-111 in FIG. 109;

[0270] FIG. 112A is a cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 109 taken along line 111 -111 in FIG. 109, docking to a docking station;

[0271] FIG. 112B is a cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 109 taken along line 111-111 in FIG. 109, docked to the docking station;

[0272] FIG. 113 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0273] FIG. 114 is a top cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 113 taken along line 114-114 in FIG. 113;

[0274] FIG. 115 is a cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 113 taken along line 115-115 in FIG. 113;

[0275] FIG. 116A is a cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 113 taken along line 115-115 in FIG. 113, docking to a docking station;

[0276] FIG. 116B is a cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 113 taken along line 115-115 in FIG. 113, docked to the docking station;

[0277] FIG. 117 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 87 taken along line 88-88 in FIG. 87, with an enlarged dirt collection chamber;

[0278] FIG. 118 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0279] FIG. 119 is a cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 118 taken along line 119-119 in FIG. 118;FIG. 120A is a cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 118 taken along line 119-119 in FIG. 118, docking to a docking station;

[0280] FIG. 120B is a cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 118 taken along line 119-119 in FIG. 118, docked to the docking station;

[0281] FIG. 121 is a perspective view of an example hand vacuum, in accordance with another embodiment;

[0282] FIG. 122 is a cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 121 taken along line 122-122 in FIG. 121;

[0283] FIG. 123A is a cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 121 taken along line 122-122 in FIG. 121, docking to a docking station; and

[0284] FIG. 123B is a cross-sectional view of the hand vacuum of FIG. 121 taken along line 122-122 in FIG. 121, docked to the docking station.

[0285] The drawings included herewith are for illustrating various examples of articles, methods, and apparatuses of the teaching of the present specification and are not intended to limit the scope of what is taught in any way.

[0286] DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS

[0287] Various apparatus, methods and compositions are described below to provide an example of an embodiment of each claimed invention. No embodiment described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover apparatuses and methods that differ from those described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatus, methods and compositions having all of the features of any one apparatus, method or composition described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatus, methods or compositions described below. It is possible that an apparatus, method or composition described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention. Any invention disclosed in an apparatus, method or composition described below that is not claimed in this document may be the subject matter of another protective instrument, for example, a continuing patent application, and the applicant(s), inventor(s) and / or owner(s) do not intend to abandon, disclaim, or dedicate to the public any such invention by its disclosure in this document.

[0288] The terms "an embodiment", "embodiment", "embodiments", "the embodiment”, "the embodiments", "one or more embodiments," "some embodiments", and "oneembodiment" mean "one or more (but not all) embodiments of the present invention(s)", unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0289] The terms "including", "comprising", and variations thereof mean "including but not limited to", unless expressly specified otherwise. A listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms "a", "an", and "the" mean "one or more", unless expressly specified otherwise.

[0290] As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts are said to be “coupled”, “connected”, “attached”, or “fastened” where the parts are joined or operate together either directly or indirectly (i.e. , through one or more intermediate parts), so long as a link occurs. As used herein and in the claims, two or more parts are said to be “directly coupled”, “directly connected”, “directly attached”, or “directly fastened” where the parts are connected in physical contact with each other. None of the terms “coupled”, “connected”, “attached”, and “fastened” distinguish the manner in which two or more parts are joined together. 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 components. In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the example embodiments described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the example embodiments described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the example embodiments described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the example embodiments described herein.

[0291] As used herein, the wording “and / or” is intended to represent an inclusive - or. That is, “X and / or Y” is intended to mean X or Y or both, for example. As a further example, “X, Y, and / or Z” is intended to mean X or Y or Z or any combination thereof.

[0292] As used herein and in the claims, two components are said to be “parallel” where those components are parallel and spaced apart, or where those components are collinear. Some components herein may be identified by a part number, which is composed of a base number followed by an alphabetical or subscript-numerical suffix (e.g., 300a, or 300i). Multiple components herein may be identified by part numbers that share a base number in common and that differ by their suffixes (e.g., 300i, 3002, and 3OO3). Allcomponents with a common base number may be referred to collectively or generically using the base number without a suffix (e.g., 300).

[0293] It should be noted that terms of degree such as "substantially", "about", and "approximately" as used herein mean a reasonable amount of deviation of the modified term such that the end result is not significantly changed. These terms of degree may also be construed as including a deviation of the modified term, such as by 1%, 2%, 5% or 10%, for example, if this deviation does not negate the meaning of the term it modifies. For example, the expressions “substantially perpendicular” and “substantially parallel” mean within 10% of perpendicular and parallel, respectively.

[0294] GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF A HAND VACUUM CLEANER

[0295] The following is a general description intended to provide a basis for understanding several of the features that are discussed herein. As discussed in detail subsequently, each of the features may be used alone, or in combination, in any embodiment such as the exemplary embodiments described herein.

[0296] FIGS. 1 to 5 show an example embodiment of a surface cleaner 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the surface cleaner 100 is a hand-held vacuum cleaner, which is commonly referred to as a “hand vacuum cleaner” or a “handvac”. As used herein, a hand-held vacuum cleaner or hand vacuum cleaner or handvac is a vacuum cleaner that can be operated generally one-handedly to clean a surface while its weight is held by the same one hand. This is contrasted with upright and canister vacuum cleaners, the weight of which is supported by a surface (e.g., floor below) during use. As described subsequently herein, the principles and features applied to the various example hand vacuum embodiments described herein may also be applied to other vacuum types, such as upright and canister vacuum cleaners.

[0297] Optionally, the hand vacuum 100 can be mountable on a base so as to form, for example, an upright vacuum cleaner, a canister vacuum cleaner, a stick vac, a wet-dry vacuum cleaner and the like. The hand vacuum 100 can be either removably or permanently mounted to the base. For example, referring briefly to the example shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the hand vacuum 100 is removably mounted to a base 102, forming a stick vac. As shown, the base 102 includes an elongated rigid wand 104 and a surface cleaning head 106. The elongated rigid wand 104 is moveably mounted to the surface cleaning head between an upright storage position as exemplified in FIGS. 6 and 7 and a reclinedcleaning position. It will be appreciated that any surface cleaning head and any elongated rigid wand may be used.

[0298] Referring again to FIGS. 1 to 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the hand vacuum 100 has a front end 108, a rear end 110, an upper end 112, a lower end 114, and a hand vacuum axis 116 extending centrally through the hand vacuum 100 between the front and rear ends 108, 110. As used with respect to the hand vacuum axis 116, “centrally” is exemplified as being generally centered between the upper and lower ends 112, 114, generally centered between lateral sides of the hand vacuum 100, or both.

[0299] As exemplified, the hand vacuum 100 may include a main body 118 and an air treatment assembly 120 connected to the main body 118. The hand vacuum 100 may further include a dirty air inlet 122, a clean air outlet 124 rearward of the dirty air inlet 122, and an airflow path 126 extending from the dirty air inlet 122 to the clean air outlet 124. The airflow path 126 may extend through the air treatment assembly 120 and the main body 118.

[0300] The airflow path 126 may also extend through one or more operating components of the hand vacuum 100 positioned in the airtreatment assembly 120 and / orthe main body 118. As shown in FIG. 2, the operating components of the hand vacuum 100 may include an air treatment chamber (e.g., a cyclone) 140, a motor and fan assembly (which may be a suction motor) 128 and one or more of a pre-motor filter 130, a post-motor filter 132, and one or more energy stores 134. In operation, the suction motor 128 may generate vacuum suction through the airflow path 126. The energy store(s) 134, if provided with the hand vacuum 100, may optionally be positioned outside of airflow path 126.

[0301] As exemplified, the main body 118 may include a handle 136. The main body 118 may further include a main body housing 138, which defines an interior of the main body 118. One or more of the operating components may be housed within the main body housing 138. Optionally, one or more of the operating components may be housed within an interior of the handle 136 of the main body 118.

[0302] The air treatment assembly 120 may be connected to the main body 118 by any suitable means. For example, the air treatment assembly 120 may be permanently rigidly (e.g., integrally), permanently moveably (e.g., pivotably, translateably) or, as shown in FIG. 3, removably connected to the main body 118.

[0303] The air treatment assembly 120 may be configured to treat the air in a desired manner, including, for example, removing dirt particles and other debris and / or water from theairflow. To this end, the air treatment assembly 120 may have at least one cleaning stage. Optionally, the air treatment assembly 120 may have two or more cleaning stages arranged in series with each other. Each cleaning stage may include at least one air treatment chamber 140 which can be referred to as a debris separator. Optionally, a cleaning stage may include two or more air treatment chambers 140 arranged in parallel with each other.

[0304] Any cleaning stage may be cyclonic. A cyclonic cleaning stage may include at least one cyclonic air treatment chamber 140. Optionally, any cyclonic cleaning stage may include a plurality of cyclonic air treatment chambers 140 fluidically connected in parallel with each other. In such embodiments, the air treatment assembly 120 may alternatively be referred to as a cyclone assembly 120. Similarly, each cyclonic air treatment chamber 140 may alternatively be referred to as a cyclone chamber. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, the air treatment assembly 120 is a cyclone assembly 120 including a single cyclonic cleaning stage having a single cyclone chamber 142.

[0305] Alternately or in addition, any cleaning stage may be a non-cyclonic.

[0306] A non-cyclonic cleaning stage may include at least one non-cyclonic air treatment chamber 140. Optionally, any non-cyclonic cleaning stage may include a plurality of non-cyclonic air treatment chambers 140 fluidically connected in parallel with each other. Within a non-cyclonic air treatment chamber 140, debris is separated from the air flow by changes in the direction of the airflow other than by cyclonic flow. Accordingly, the airflow path 126 may include one or more significant or sudden directional changes (e.g., of at least 45°, 90°, or more) whereby dirt particles with higher momentum than the air are separated (e.g., thrown) from the airflow during each directional change. Accordingly, a non-cyclonic airflow chamber may be referred to as a non-cyclonic momentum separator. It will be appreciated that a non-cyclonic air treatment chamber 140 may be provided with a porous substrate at the chamber air outlet such as one or more gradings and / or filter media, which may or may not be paired with one another, and may or may not include multiple gradings and / or multiple filter media. In embodiments comprising multiple filter media, the filter media may include any types of filter media commercially available or otherwise known in the art. Some or all of the filter media may be different from one another, combined, stack, shaped, or the like. The porous substrate and potentially theentire chamber may be cleanable, replaceable, washable, sanitized, disinfected, scraped, emptied, or any combinations thereof.

[0307] The air treatment assembly 120 may be configured to collect particulate matter separated from the airflow in any suitable location. Optionally, as exemplified, the air treatment assembly 120 may include a dirt collection region 142 internal to the air treatment chamber 140. Alternatively, or in addition, as exemplified, the air treatment assembly 120 may optionally include a dirt collection chamber 144 that is external to the air treatment chamber 140 and connected to the air treatment chamber 140 by a dirt outlet 176 whereby, in operation, dirt (debris) exits the air treatment chamber 140 by the dirt outlet and enters the dirt collection chamber 144.

[0308] Where a cleaning stage includes a plurality of air treatment chambers 140, each air treatment chamber 140 may have an individual internal dirt collection region 142 and / or an individual external dirt collection chamber 144. Alternatively, or in addition, the plurality of air treatment chambers 140 may optionally share a common external dirt collection chamber 144. Further, where an air treatment assembly 120 includes a plurality of cleaning stages, each cleaning stage may optionally have a respective external dirt collection chamber 144 common to the air treatment chamber(s) 140 of that cleaning stage or, alternatively, the cleaning stages may share an external dirt collection chamber 144 common to all air treatment chambers 140 of the air treatment assembly 120.

[0309] It will be appreciated that if a hand vacuum cleaner has a cleaning stage comprising a cyclone chamber and a further cleaning stage comprising a non-cyclonic momentum separator, then the combination of components when connected to each other may be referred to as a cyclone assembly or an air treatment assembly. Accordingly, in embodiments where the air treatment assembly 120 relies on cyclonic separation, the air treatment assembly 120 may alternatively be referred to as a cyclone assembly 120. If a hand vacuum cleaner has a cleaning stage comprising one or more non-cyclonic momentum separators, then the combination of components when connected to each other may be referred to as an air treatment assembly 120.

[0310] It will also be appreciated that the air treatment chamber or chambers and any dirt collection chamber or chambers may be connected together in any manner so as to form the assembly. Accordingly, the some or all of the chambers may be permanently connected to each other, e.g., they may be integrally molded or separately molded andwelded or glued to each other. Alternately one or more of the chambers may be removable from another chamber or chambers.

[0311] The air treatment assembly 120 may include means for emptying each air treatment chamber 140 and / or dirt collection chamber 144. For example, the air treatment assembly 120 may include one or more openable portions 146 (e.g., doors). Each openable portion 146 may be movably mounted between a closed position, in which the hand vacuum 100 is operable to clean a surface, and an emptying position, in which each air treatment chamber 140 and / or dirt collection chamber 144 may be emptiable. Optionally, an air treatment chamber and its dirt collection chamber are opened concurrently, e.g., by a single door.

[0312] When the hand vacuum 100 is oriented with the upper end 112 disposed above the lower end 114 and the hand vacuum axis 116 oriented horizontally, the air treatment assembly 120 may have an upper end, a lower end, a front end, a rear end, and laterally opposed ends. In some embodiments, the openable portion 146 may be a front openable portion (e.g., a front openable portion may comprise or consist of part or all a front wall of an air treatment assembly) provided at the front end of the air treatment assembly 120 (see e.g., FIGS. 23, 29, 32, 38, 41, 44, 47, 50, 53, 77, 82, 84, 86, 96, 123). In some embodiments, the openable portion 146 may be a lower openable portion (e.g., a lower openable portion may comprise or consist of part or all a lower wall of an air treatment assembly) provided at the lower end of the air treatment assembly 120 (see e.g., FIGS. 17, 89A, 92, 93, 99, 102, 105, 108, 112, 116, 120). Any other openable portion may be possible, such as an upper openable portion, a rear openable portion, or a side openable portion (see e.g., FIG. 26). Additionally, a combination openable portion may be used, such as a combination front openable portion and lower openable portion provided to open at least a portion of more than one end of the air treatment assembly (see e.g., FIG. 35A to 35B, 65 A to 65 B).

[0313] In some embodiments, the air treatment assembly 120 may include a first openable portion 146i and a second openable portion 1462. The first and second openable portions 146 may be provided at one or more ends of the air treatment assembly 120, such as at different ends or the same end. For example, one of the first openable portion 146i and the second openable portion 1462 may be a front openable portion provided at the front end and the other of the first and second openable portions 146 may be a lower openable portion provided at the lower end (see e.g., FIGS. 56, 68, 71 , 80). As another example,the first openable portion 146i may be a front openable portion provided at the front end and the second openable portion 1462 may be another front openable portion provided at the front end (see e.g., FIGS. 5, 8, 11, 20, 35, 59, 62, 65, 74). Any number of openable portions may be used, which may be provided at any combination of ends of the air treatment assembly 120 (see e.g., FIG. 14, having first, second, and third openable portions 146). The openable portions may be selectively openable and / or concurrently openable.

[0314] Each openable portion 146 may be moveably mounted by a respective mount 147. The mount 147 may be any suitable mechanism for moveably connecting the openable portion 146 to the rest of air treatment assembly 120. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 5, the mount 147 may be a rotatable mount such as a hinge. In some embodiments, the mount 147 may be a translatable mount such as sliding tracks, or any other type of moveable connection.

[0315] The mount 147 may be provided at any suitable location which may depend, for example, on the desired location of the openable portion 146 and / or the desired directional motion thereof. For example, if the openable portion 146 is a front openable portion, the mount 147 may be provided proximate an upper end of the front openable portion such that the front openable portion may rotate forwardly and upwardly (see e.g., FIGS. 5A, 8A, 11 A, 14A / B, 20A, 29, 32, 35A, 38, 41, 44, 47, 50, 53, 56B, 59A, 62A, 65A, 68B, 74A / B, 77, 80B, 82, 84, 86, 96). Alternatively, the mount 147 may be provided proximate a lower end of the front openable portion such that the front openable portion may rotate forwardly and downwardly (see e.g., FIGS. 5B, 8B, 11 B, 20B, 35B, 59B, 62B, 65B, 71 A, 123B). Similarly, if the openable portion 146 is a lower openable portion, the mount 147 may be provided proximate a rear end of the lower openable portion such that the lower openable portion may rotate downwardly and rearwardly (see e.g., FIGS. 14C, 17, 56A, 71 B, 80A, 89A, 92, 93, 99, 102, 104, 107, 111, 115, 120B). Alternatively, the mount 147 may be provided proximate a front end of the lower openable portion such that the lower openable portion may rotate downwardly and forwardly (see e.g., FIG. 68A). Any other location of the mount 147, providing any other directional motion of an openable portion such as lateral (see e.g., FIGS. 23, 26), may be possible.

[0316] Optionally, each openable portion 146 can be secured in the closed position using any suitable type of lock, such as a latch that can be released by a user. An actuator for opening / releasing the openable portion can be provided on the air treatment assembly120 itself, on the main body 118, or on any other portion of the hand vacuum 100 and / or on a docking station. Each openable portion 146 may share a common lock and actuator such that the openable portions are concurrently operable. Alternatively, each openable portion 146 may have an individual lock and actuator such that the openable portions are operable independently from each other.

[0317] If the openable portion 146 is an independently operable front openable portion, the user may empty air treatment chamber 140 and / or dirt collection chamber 144 by holding the handle 136 with one hand and positioning the front openable portion over a refuse bin (i.e. , with the hand vacuum 100 oriented with the rear end 110 at an elevation above the front end 108), and actuating the lock (e.g., with the same hand or the other hand) to allow the front openable portion to move to the emptying (open) position and the contents of the air treatment chamber 140 and / or dirt collection chamber 144 to fall downwardly from the front end 108 of the hand vacuum 100 through the opening of the front openable portion and into the refuse bin below.

[0318] Similarly, if the openable portion 146 is an independently operable lower openable portion, the user may empty the air treatment chamber 140 and / or dirt collection chamber 144 by holding the handle 136 with one hand and positioning the lower openable portion over a refuse bin (i.e., with the hand vacuum 100 oriented with the upper end 112 at an elevation above the lower end 114), and actuating the lock to allow the lower openable portion to move to the emptying position such that the collected particulate matter may fall downwardly from the lower end 114 of the hand vacuum 100 through the opening of the lower openable portion and into the refuse bin below.

[0319] Optionally, the air treatment assembly 120 may be removed from the main body 118 prior to emptying. Removing the air treatment assembly 120 may optionally open one or more of the air treatment chamber 140 and / or dirt collection chamber 144 for emptying. Alternatively, the air treatment chamber 140 and / or dirt collection chamber 144 may remain closed when the air treatment assembly 120 is removed from the main body 118 (other than air inlets and air outlets). In such embodiments, the air treatment assembly 120 may be subsequently transported to a refuse bin for emptying via the one or more openable portions 146.

[0320] Optionally, the openable portion 146 or, if more than one is provided, at least one of the openable portions 146 may be automatically moveable between the closed position and the emptying position. An automatically moveable openable portion may also be referredto as an automatic openable portion 146 or automatic door. An openable portion 146 of the air treatment assembly 120 may “automatically” move between its closed and emptying positions upon docking to a docking station (also referred to as an automatic emptying machine), upon the instigation of an operating system of the docking station or hand vacuum 100 (e.g., initiating an emptying cyclone), upon manual actuation of an automatic emptying switch, or upon any other manner of instigating an emptying operation.

[0321] If more than one openable portion 146 is provided, each openable portion 146 of the air treatment assembly 120 may be operable to open an air treatment chamber 140, a dirt collection chamber 144, or both. That is, the openable portions 146 may open the same regions within the air treatment assembly 120 (see e.g., FIGS. 71, 79), different regions within the air treatment assembly 120 (see e.g., FIG. 59), or some common regions within the air treatment assembly 120. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5A to 5B, the first openable portion 146i is operable to open both the air treatment chamber 140 and its dirt collection chamber 144 (see also e.g., FIGS. 8A, 11 A, 14A, 20A, 35A, 56A, 62A, 65A, 68A, 74A), and the second openable portion 1462 is operable to open the dirt collection chamber 144 only (see e.g., FIG. 8B, 11 B, 14B / C, 20B, 35B, 56B, 62B, 65B, 68B, 74B).

[0322] If more than one openable portion 146 is provided at the same end of the air treatment assembly 120, the openable portions 146 may be operable independently, concurrently, or both. For example, an end of the air treatment assembly 120 may have a first openable portion 146i forming a first portion of the end, and a second openable portion 1462 forming a second portion of the end. In this way, each openable portion 146 may move independent of the other openable portion 146 and optionally concurrently with the other openable portion 146 (see e.g., FIG. 59). As another example, as exemplified in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 5A to 5B, an end (e.g., a front end) of the air treatment assembly 120 may have a first openable portion 146i forming part or all of the end, and a second openable portion 1462 forming a portion of the first openable portion 146i (i.e., moveably mounted to the first openable portion; see also e.g., FIGS. 8, 11, 14, 20, 35, 62, 65, 74). In this way, the first and second openable portions 146 may move concurrently (see e.g., FIGS. 5A, 8A, 11A, 14A, 20A, 35A, 62A, 65A, 74A), and the second openable portion 1462 may optionally move independent of the first openable portion 146i (see e.g., FIGS. 5B, 8B, 11 B, 14B, 20B, 35B, 62B, 65B, 74B).In use, dirty air may be drawn into the hand vacuum 100 through the dirty air inlet 122. The dirty air inlet 122 may be provided at the front end 108 of the hand vacuum 100. The dirty air inlet 122 may further be positioned proximate the upper end 112 or the lower end 114. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, the dirty air inlet 122 is provided at the front end 108 proximate the upper end 112. Any other position of the dirty air inlet 122 between the upper and lower ends 112, 114, or at the lower ends 112, 114 may be possible (see e.g., FIG. 24). Accordingly, the dirty air inlet may be at the lower end of the air treatment chamber or centrally such that the central axis 164 extends therethrough.

[0323] Referring still to FIGS. 1 to 5, as shown, the dirty air inlet 122 may be provided at one end (an inlet end) of an air inlet conduit 148. In this way, the end of the air inlet conduit 148 having the dirty air inlet 122 can be used as a nozzle to directly clean a surface. Optionally, the end of the air inlet conduit 148 having the dirty air inlet 122 can be connected to the wand 104 or an accessory tool such that the dirty air inlet 122 is downstream from an inlet of the wand 104, surface cleaning head 106, or the connected accessory.

[0324] As exemplified, the air inlet conduit 148 has a conduit sidewall 150. The conduit sidewall 150 surrounds and defines an airflow channel 152. The airflow channel 152 has a linear portion, which extends generally linearly rearwardly from the dirty air inlet 122 in the direction of a conduit axis 154. As shown, the conduit axis 154 may be generally parallel to the hand vacuum axis 116. Alternatively, the conduit axis 154 may be at an angle to the hand vacuum axis 116. Optionally, as exemplified in FIG. 2, the airflow channel 152 may have a curved portion. The curved portion may wrap at least partially around the air treatment chamber 140. The curved portion of the airflow channel 152 may thus form an annular or semi-annular air flow channel around the air treatment chamber 140, or an annular or semi-annular header if the air treatment chamber 140 has a plurality of air inlets.

[0325] As exemplified, the airflow channel 152 extends from the dirty air inlet 122 to at least one dirty air outlet 156 of the air inlet conduit 148. Each dirty air outlet 156 may be in fluid communication with the air treatment chamber 140. Any number of dirty air outlets 156 may be used, such as one (as shown; see also e.g., FIGS. 8, 10, 13, 16, 28, 31, 34, 37, 46, 49, 52, 55, 64, 67, 70, 79, 82, 98, 101 , 104, 107, 114, 119, 122), two (see e.g., FIG.

[0326] 22, 58, 73), or more than two (see e.g., FIG. 40, 43). The length of the curved portion ofthe airflow channel 152 around the air treatment chamber 140 may depend, for example, on the number of dirty air outlets 156, their size, and / or their spacing along the curved portion.

[0327] Referring to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 18 to 19, as exemplified, the airflow channel 152 may be a first airflow channel 152i, and the conduit sidewall 150 may surround and define a second airflow channel 1522 downstream of the first airflow channel 1521 (see also e.g., FIGS. 61, 76, 84, 86, 88, 91, 95, 110). Providing a second airflow channel 1522 distributes the airflow across different channels, which may advantageously mitigate against one or more of pressure build-up, decreased separation efficiency, and / or burnout of the suction motor 128.

[0328] As exemplified, the second airflow channel 1522 may be in fluid communication with the first airflow channel 152i through a channel communication port 158. The channel communication port 158 may be provided in the conduit sidewall 150 between the first and second airflow channels 152. Accordingly, at least a portion of the first and second airflow channels 152 may overlap (e.g., be radially spaced from each other), and the channel communication port 158 may be provided at any location through the overlapping portion. Therefore, in operation as exemplified, the airflow path 126 may travel generally radially outwardly from the first airflow channel 1521 through the channel communication port 158 and into the second airflow channel 1522.

[0329] As exemplified, the second airflow channel 1522 extends from the channel communication port 158 to at least one dirty air outlet 156. Accordingly, the dirty air outlet 156 of the air inlet conduit 148 at the downstream end of the first airflow channel 1521 may be referred to as a primary dirty air outlet 156i. Each dirty air outlet 156 of the air inlet conduit 148 along the second airflow channel 1522 may thus be referred to as a secondary dirty air outlet 1562. Each secondary dirty air outlet 1562 may be in fluid communication with the air treatment chamber 140.

[0330] As exemplified, the second airflow channel 1522 may include a linear portion only, similar to as described with respect to the first airflow channel 152i (see also e.g., FIG. 110). Alternatively, the second airflow channel 1522 may also include a curved portion downstream of the linear portion, similar to as described with respect to the first airflow channel 152i. In such embodiments, the curved portion of the second airflow channel 1522 may thus form an annular or semi-annular air flow conduit around the air treatmentchamber 140 (see also e.g., FIGS. 61, 76, 84, 86, 88, 91, 95) or an annular or semiannular header if the second airflow channel 1522 has a plurality of dirty air outlets 156. Optionally, the primary dirty air outlet 156i, the channel communication port 158, and / or at least one of the secondary dirty air outlets 1562 (other than the downstream-most secondary dirty air outlet 1562) may have a porous filtration material 160. Any suitable material may be used, such as a mesh or a screen. Generally, the porous filtration material 160 may permit dirty air carrying fine dirt particles to pass through, while restricting the passage of coarse dirt particles. Those coarse dirt particles that may become stuck on the porous filtration material 160 may be stripped off of the porous filtration material 160 by the airflow travelling further downstream to a subsequent dirty air outlet 156.

[0331] For example, referring still to the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 18 to 19, the channel communication port 158 has a porous filtration material 160 (see also e.g., FIGS. 61, 76, 84, 86, 88, 91 , 95). In operation, some air carrying fine dirt particles travelling through the first airflow channel 1521 may pass through the porous filtration material 160 into the second airflow channel 1522. The fine dirt particles may then be carried downstream through the second airflow channel 1522 to the one or more secondary dirty air outlets 1562. The porous filtration material 160 may restrict the passage of coarse dirt particles into the second airflow channel 1522. Those coarse dirt particles that may become stuck on the porous filtration material 160 may be stripped off by the airflow travelling to the primary dirty air outlet 156i of the first airflow channel 152i.

[0332] If a single dirty air outlet 156 is provided at a downstream end of an airflow channel 152, it may be open (i.e., free of / have an absence of any porous filtration material 160). For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the single dirty air outlet 156 of each airflow channel 152 is open.

[0333] If a plurality of dirty air outlets 156 are provided along an airflow channel 152, at least the dirty air outlet 156 that is furthest downstream of all the dirty air outlets 156 may be open. This may prevent dirt particles from becoming trapped in the air inlet conduit 148. For example, referring briefly to the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 40, a plurality of dirty air outlets 156 are provided along the airflow channel 152, and the downstream-most dirty air outlet 156 is open.

[0334] Optionally, as exemplified in FIG. 40, if a plurality of dirty air outlets 156 are used, at least some (shown as all) of the dirty air outlets 156 upstream of the downstream-most dirty airoutlet 156 may have a porous filtration material 160 (see also e.g., FIG. 43). In operation, as the airflow path 126 moves downstream in the air inlet conduit 148, the porous filtration material 160 of each successive dirty air outlet 156 may permit dirty air carrying fine dirt particles to pass therethrough, while restricting the passage of coarse dirt particles. Airflow travelling downstream to a subsequent dirty air outlet 156 may strip off any coarse particles that may become stuck on the porous filtration material 160 of the upstream dirty air outlet 156.

[0335] Optionally, the porous filtration material 160 may be used to provide gradated filtration of the dirty airflow. That is, the porous filtration material 160 of each dirty air outlet 156 may have a greater pore size than the porous filtration material 160 of the dirty air outlet 156 immediately upstream therefrom. In this way, dirt particles of successively greater size may be permitted to pass through a dirty air outlet 156 as the dirt particles travel further downstream in the air inlet conduit 148 to the downstream-most dirty air outlet 156. The gradated filtration may optionally begin with the porous filtration material 160 (if present) of the channel communication port 158.

[0336] Referring again to FIG. 2, as exemplified, the air treatment chamber 140 may have a first end wall 1621 and a second end wall 1622 axially opposed to the first end wall 162i in the direction of a central axis 164. The air treatment chamber 140 may further include a treatment chamber sidewall 166 extending between the first and second end walls 162 in a common direction with the central axis 164. As used herein, “central” means the central axis 164 is centrally (radially inwardly) located in the air treatment chamber 140 and generally equally spaced from the treatment chamber sidewall 166 of the air treatment chamber 140.

[0337] If the air treatment chamber 140 is non-cyclonic, then the central axis 164 may alternatively be referred to as a longitudinal axis 164 of the air treatment chamber 140. If the air treatment chamber 140 is cyclonic, then the central axis 164 may alternatively be referred to as a cyclone axis of rotation 164 about which the airflow path 126 rotates within the air treatment chamber 140.

[0338] A cyclonic air treatment chamber 140 may be any type of cyclone chamber. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, when the hand vacuum 100 is oriented with the upper end 112 disposed above the lower end 114 and the hand vacuum axis 116 oriented horizontally, the central axis 164 of the air treatment chamber 140 may extend in a common direction with and may optionally be coaxial with the hand vacuum axis 116 (i.e., a horizontalcyclone; see also e.g., FIGS. 10, 13, 16, 34, 37, 46, 58, 64, 73, 79, 122). Alternatively, when the hand vacuum 100 is oriented in this way, the central axis 164 of the air treatment chamber 140 may also be oriented horizontally and may extend generally transverse to the hand vacuum axis 116 (i.e. , a transverse cyclone; see e.g., FIGS. 19, 25, 28, 31, 40, 43, 49, 52, 61, 76, 82, 86, 88, 91, 95, 98, 101 , 104, 107). Alternatively, when the hand vacuum 100 is oriented in this way, the central axis 164 of the air treatment chamber 140 may be oriented vertically and may extend in a plane that is generally transverse to the hand vacuum axis 116 (i.e., a vertical cyclone; see e.g., FIGS. 22, 55, 67, 70, 111, 115, 119).

[0339] When the hand vacuum 100 is oriented with the upper end 112 disposed above the lower end 114 and the hand vacuum axis 116 oriented horizontally, the air treatment chamber 140 may have an upper end, a lower end, a front end, a rear end, and laterally opposed ends. In a horizontal cyclone, the front end may be bound by the first end wall 162i , the rear end may be bound by the second end wall 1622, and the upper end, lower end, and laterally opposed ends may be bound by the treatment chamber sidewall 166 (see e.g., FIGS. 2, 10, 13, 16, 34, 37, 46, 58, 64, 73, 79, 122). In a vertical cyclone, the lower end may be bound by the first end wall 162i , the upper end may be bound by the second end wall 1622, and the front end, rear end, and laterally opposed ends may be bound by the treatment chamber sidewall 166 (see e.g., FIGS. 22, 55, 67, 70, 111, 115, 119). In a transverse cyclone, the laterally opposed ends may be bound by the first and second end walls 162, and the upper end, lower end, front end, and rear end may be bound by the treatment chamber sidewall 166 (see e.g., FIGS. 19, 25, 28, 31, 40, 43, 49, 52, 61, 76, 82, 86, 88, 91, 95, 98, 101, 104, 107).

[0340] The air treatment chamber 140 may include at least one chamber air inlet 168. Each chamber air inlet 168 may be fluidly connected to a corresponding dirty air outlet 156 of the air inlet conduit 148. A dirty air outlet 156 and its associated air inlet 168 may be a single port in, e.g., the sidewall of a chamber and may be referred to as an inlet port. Dirty air may exit each dirty air outlet 156 of the air inlet conduit 148, pass through the inlet port, and enter the air treatment chamber 128 through the corresponding chamber air inlet 168.

[0341] Referring again to FIG. 2, as exemplified, in embodiments where the air treatment chamber 140 is cyclonic, an air flow channel 152 may be a tangential air inlet passage which terminates at a chamber air inlet 168 that is provided at the outlet of a tangentialair inlet passage. Each tangential chamber air inlet 168 may be a port provided in the treatment chamber sidewall 166. Each air flow channel 152 may terminate at a single tangential chamber air inlet 168, which may be a port in the sidewall. In this way, dirty air may be introduced into the air treatment chamber 140 in a tangential direction (e.g., along the treatment chamber sidewall 166). A tangential chamber air inlet 168 may be provided on the treatment chamber sidewall 166 at any location around the circumference of the air treatment chamber 140. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the chamber air inlet 168 may be an axial air inlet that is used to introduce dirty air into the air treatment chamber 140 in the axial direction thereof.

[0342] If the air treatment chamber 140 has more than one tangential chamber air inlet 168, the tangential chamber air inlets 168 may be circumferentially spaced apart around the treatment chamber sidewall 166. Stated another way, the tangential chamber air inlets 168 may be angularly spaced apart around the central axis 164. The tangential chamber air inlets 168 may have any circumferential / angular spacing, which may correspond to the spacing of the dirty air outlets 156 of the air inlet conduit 148.

[0343] If the air treatment chamber 140 is cyclonic, providing more than one chamber air inlet 168 may advantageously enable the use of an axially smaller cyclone chamber and, therefore, may advantageously provide a more compact hand vacuum 100. In operation, dirty air flow entering the air treatment chamber 140 may maintain generally the same width as the inlet port of the chamber air inlet 168 (i.e. , in the direction of the central axis 164) while following the cyclonic airflow path 126. Accordingly, the air treatment chamber 140 may have an axial length that is a multiple of the width of the inlet port of the chamber air inlet 168 (i.e., in the direction of the central axis 164) such that the airflow path 126 completes a minimum desired number of revolutions within the air treatment chamber 140 before reaching a chamber air outlet of the air treatment chamber 140. For example, the air treatment chamber 140 may have an axial length that is 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4 or more times the width of the inlet port of the chamber air inlet 168 such that the airflow path may complete 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4 or more revolutions within the air treatment chamber 140 before reaching a chamber air outlet of the air treatment chamber 128 or reversing direction towards the chamber air outlet.

[0344] The air treatment chamber 140 and chamber air inlet 168 may thus be sized to achieve a minimum desirable separation efficiency, which may be influenced at least by the number of revolutions of the airflow path 126 within the air treatment chamber 140. Forexample, at least 3 revolutions may achieve a minimum desirable separation efficiency. Accordingly, increasing the number of chamber air inlets 168 may enable the width of each inlet port to be shorter, while introducing dirty air into the air treatment chamber 140 at about the same air flow rate. This, in turn, may enable the axial length of the air treatment chamber 140 to be shorter while achieving the desired number of revolutions within the air treatment chamber 140 and thus meeting or exceeding the minimum desirable separation efficiency.

[0345] Treated air may exit the air treatment chamber 140 through one or more chamber air outlets 170. Each chamber air outlet 170 may comprise or consist of an outlet port through the first or second end wall 162. Optionally, if only one chamber air outlet 170 is used, the air treatment chamber 140 may be a cyclone with unidirectional airflow (i.e., a uniflow cyclone chamber wherein the inlet port of the chamber air inlet 168 and the outlet port of the chamber air outlet 170 are at opposite ends of the air treatment chamber 140; see e.g., FIG. 34, 70, 79). Alternatively, if only one chamber air outlet 170 is used, the air treatment chamber 140 may be configured such that the inlet port of the chamber air inlet 168 and the outlet port of the chamber air outlet 170 are located toward the same end of the air treatment chamber 140 (i.e., a typical or regular cyclone; see e.g., FIGS. 2, 8, 10, 13, 16, 22, 37, 46, 55, 58, 64, 67, 73, 111, 115, 119, 122). If the air treatment chamber 140 is a vertical cyclone with both the inlet port of the chamber air inlet 168 and the outlet port of the chamber air outlet 170 located toward a lower end of the air treatment chamber 140, it may be referred to as an inverted cyclone. Further alternatively, if only one chamber air outlet 170 is used, the air treatment chamber 140 may be configured so that the inlet port of the chamber air inlet 168 is centered between the first and second end walls 162 (i.e., a hybrid cyclone chamber wherein the airflow path splits into bidirectional airflow paths).

[0346] Optionally, if more than one chamber air outlet 170 is used, the air treatment chamber 140 may be configured so that the inlet port of the chamber air inlet 168 is centered between the first and second end walls 162, and each of the first and second end walls 162 may have an outlet port of a chamber air outlet 170. In such embodiments, the air treatment chamber 140 may be referred to as a split-flow cyclone, wherein bidirectional airflow travels from one centrally located chamber air inlet 168 to opposed chamber air outlets 170 (see e.g., FIGS. 19, 25, 28, 31, 40, 43, 49, 52, 61, 76, 82, 84, 86, 88, 91, 95, 98, 101, 104, 107). That is, the airflow path 126 entering the air treatment chamber 140may divide into two airflow paths, wherein each airflow path travels to a respective one of the chamber air outlets 170.

[0347] Referring again to FIG. 2, as shown, each chamber air outlet 170 may have a porous outlet 172 positioned over the chamber air outlet 170. Each porous outlet 172 may extend axially inwardly into the air treatment chamber 140 from the end wall 162 in which the outlet port of the chamber air outlet 170 is provided. Optionally, each chamber air outlet 170 may have an air outlet conduit 174, which may be partially or fully air impermeable, having a length extending into the chamber 140 from the outlet port in the respective end wall 162 (i.e. , an outlet end) to a distal end (i.e. , an inlet end), which is axially spaced from the end wall 162. In such embodiments, the porous outlet 172 of each chamber air outlet 170 may extend axially inwardly into the air treatment chamber 140 from the distal end of the respective air outlet conduit 174.

[0348] The porous outlet(s) 172 may have any shape. For example, a porous outlet 172 may be conical (see e.g., FIGS. 2, 8, 10, 13, 16, 34, 73, 122), semi-spherical (see e.g., FIGS. 19, 25, 28, 31, 40, 43, 49, 52, 61, 76, 82, 84, 86, 88, 91, 95, 98, 101 , 104, 107), cylindrical, flat, orfrusto-conical (see e.g., FIG. 22, 37, 46, 55, 58, 64, 67, 70, 79, 111, 115, 119). If there is more than one chamber air outlet 170, the porous outlets 172 of the chamber air outlets 170 may have the same shape or may be differently shaped. The air outlet conduit 174, if present, may optionally be a continuation of the shape of the porous outlet 172 (see e.g., FIGS. 2, 16, 22, 34, 64, 70, 73, 79) or, alternatively, may be cylindrical in shape (see e.g., FIG. 26, 28, 31, 46, 49, 52, 55, 58, 67, 88, 91, 95, 111, 115, 119, 122). A porous outlet 172, alone or collectively with a corresponding air outlet conduit 174, if present, may also be referred to as a vortex finder.

[0349] The porous outlet 172 may include a porous material, such as a screen or mesh, through which the airflow path 126 passes. The porous material may have a plurality of pores, and the pores may have any size suitable for permitting the passage of air therethrough while restricting the passage of particulate matter. The porous material may be self-supporting (e.g., rigid) and / or supported by a plurality of ribs extending along the screen. Optionally, the porous outlet 172 may include solid portion facing each chamber air inlet 168 if the chamber air inlet 168 and the chamber air outlet 170 are positioned proximate the same end of the air treatment chamber 140. The solid portion is air impermeable thereby inhibiting the airflow path 126 from passing directly from the chamber air inlet(s) 168 through the porous outlet 172 to the outlet port of the chamber air outlet 170. Thismay also prevent the pores of the porous outlet 172 from becoming clogged by the dirty airflow directly impacting on the screen. Optionally, the air outlet conduit 174, if present, may form all or part of the solid portion.

[0350] The porous outlets 172 may optionally be removably connected (e.g., threadably, snap-fit, etc.) to the end wall 162 over the outlet port of the respective chamber air outlet 170. Similarly, the porous outlets 172 may optionally be removably connected to the distal end of the air outlet conduit 174, if present. The proximal end of the air outlet conduit 174 may be integrally formed with the end wall 162 over the outlet port of the respective chamber air outlet 170 or it may be the outlet port. Alternatively, the proximal end of the air outlet conduit 174 may optionally be removably connected to the end wall 162 over the outlet port of the respective chamber air outlet 170. In such embodiments, the porous outlet 172 may optionally be integrally formed with the distal end of the air outlet conduit 174. In any of the described embodiments, the porous outlet 172 may advantageously be removed from the respective end wall 162 for inspection, cleaning, and / or replacement. Further, porous outlets 172 of various shapes may advantageously be interchangeably connected to the end wall 162 to change the airflow dynamics and / or collection capacity of the dirt collection region 142 of the air treatment chamber 140.

[0351] At least some of the particulate matter separated from the dirty air flow by the porous outlet 172 and / or by momentum separation (e.g., thrown from the airflow by a cyclonic airflow path 126 or by a directional change in a non-cyclonic airflow path 126) may remain in the dirt collection region 142 of the air treatment chamber 140.

[0352] Alternatively, or in the addition, the air treatment chamber 140 may include one or more dirt outlets 176 in communication with an external dirt collection chamber 144. Any number of dirt outlets 176 may be used. Each dirt outlet 176 may be of any configuration known in the art. Forexample, each dirt outlet 176 may be a slot opening provided through the first end wall 1621 (see e.g., FIG. 37), the second end wall 1622, and / or the treatment chamber sidewall 166 (see e.g., FIG. 2, 8, 10, 13, 16, 19, 25, 28, 31, 34, 40, 43, 46, 49, 52, 55, 58, 61 , 64, 67, 70, 73, 76, 82A, 84A, 86A, 88, 91 , 95, 98, 101 , 104, 107, 111 , 115, 119, 122). Each dirt outlet 176 may allow particulate matter to pass from the air treatment chamber 140 to the external dirt collection chamber 144. Accordingly, at least some of the particulate matter separated from the dirty airflow by the porous outlet 172 and / or by momentum separation may pass through the one or more dirt outlets 176 of the air treatment chamber 140 into the dirt collection chamber 144. The separated dirt particlesmay be thrown through the dirt outlet(s) 176 and / or fall therethrough under the force of gravity.

[0353] Each dirt outlet 176 may be spaced apart from the chamber air inlet(s) 168. For example, in embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, the dirt outlet 176 is at the end of the air treatment chamber 140 that is axially opposed to that of the chamber air inlet 168. Spacing each dirt outlet 176 from the chamber air inlet(s) 168 may prevent incoming dirty airflow from passing through the dirt outlet(s) 176 directly from the chamber air inlet(s) 168. This may also enable the airflow path 126 to complete at least half of a revolution within the air treatment chamber 140 before passing over the dirt outlets 176. As the airflow path 126 travels cyclonically within the air treatment chamber 140, the airflow path 126 may tend to move radially inwardly toward the central axis 164 while the inertia of the dirt particles may cause the dirt particles to be tangentially thrown from the cyclonic path to then fall along the treatment chamber sidewall 166. Accordingly, spacing the dirt outlets 176 from the chamber air inlet(s) 168 may enable the airflow path 126 to begin to separate from the treatment chamber sidewall 166 and to begin throwing dirt particles along the treatment chamber sidewall 166. In this way, dirty airflow passing through the dirt outlet(s) 176 may be minimized or eliminated, which may decrease turbulence in the airflow path 126, while also enabling separated dirt particles to more easily pass through the dirt outlet(s) 176 without becoming re-entrained in the airflow.

[0354] The dirt outlet(s) 176 may face forwardly, rearwardly, upwardly and / or downwardly. The location and orientation of the dirt outlet(s) 176 may depend on the type of air treatment chamber 140 (i.e., horizontal, transverse, or vertical cyclone) and the position of the dirt collection chamber 144 relative to the air treatment chamber 140. For example, if the dirt collection chamber 144 is at least partially forward of the air treatment chamber 140, a forwardly facing dirt outlet 176 may be provided through the first end wall 162i of a horizontal cyclone (see e.g., FIG. 37) or through the treatment chamber sidewall 166 of a transverse or vertical cyclone (see e.g., traverse FIG. 76, 84A, 86A, 88, 91, 98, 101, 104, 107; vertical FIG. 55, 111, 115, 119). Similarly, if the dirt collection chamber 144 is at least partially rearward of the air treatment chamber 140, a rearwardly facing dirt outlet 176 may be provided through the second end wall 1622 of a horizontal cyclone or through the treatment chamber sidewall 166 of a transverse or vertical cyclone (see e.g., transverse FIG. 25; vertical FIG. 67, 70). If the dirt collection chamber 144 is at least partially below the air treatment chamber 140, a downwardly facing dirt outlet 176 may be provided through the first end wall 1621 of a vertical cyclone or through the treatmentchamber sidewall 166 of a transverse or horizontal cyclone (see e.g., transverse FIG. 19, 28, 31, 40, 43, 49, 52, 61, 82A, 95; horizontal FIG. 2, 8, 10, 13, 16, 34, 46, 58, 64, 73, 122).

[0355] The dirt collection chamber 144 may surround all or part of the air treatment chamber 140 (i.e., all or part of the lower end, the rear end, the front end, and any combination thereof). Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the dirt outlet(s) 176 may be positioned at any location(s) within the portion of the air treatment chamber 140 that is surrounded by the dirt collection chamber 144.

[0356] When the hand vacuum 100 is oriented with the upper end 112 disposed above the lower end 114 and the hand vacuum axis 116 oriented horizontally, the dirt collection chamber 144 may have an upper end, a lower end, a front end, a rear end, and laterally opposed ends. One or more of the upper end, lower end, front end, rear end, and laterally opposed ends of the dirt collection chamber 144 may be bound by a collection chamber sidewall 178. At least one of the lower end, front end, and rear end of the dirt collection chamber 144 may be bound, at least in part, by a portion of the first end wall 162i , the second end wall 1622, and / or the treatment chamber sidewall 166 of the air treatment chamber 140. Whether the dirt collection chamber 144 is bound in part by the first end wall 162i , the second end wall 1622, and / or the treatment chamber sidewall 166, may depend on the position of the dirt collection chamber 144 relative to the air treatment chamber 140. For example, if the dirt collection chamber 144 is forward of the air treatment chamber 140, at least part of the rear end of the dirt collection chamber 144 may be bound by the first end wall 162i of a horizontal cyclone (see e.g., FIG. 37) or by the treatment chamber sidewall 166 of a transverse or vertical cyclone (see e.g., transverse FIG. 76, 84A, 86A, 88, 91, 98; vertical FIG. 55, 70, 111, 115, 119). Similarly, if the dirt collection chamber 144 is rearward of the air treatment chamber 140, at least part of the front end of the dirt collection chamber 144 may be bound by the second end wall 1622 of a horizontal cyclone or by the treatment chamber sidewall 166 of a transverse or vertical cyclone (see e.g., transverse FIG. 25). As another example, if the dirt collection chamber 144 is below the air treatment chamber 140, at least part of the upper end of the dirt collection chamber 144 may be bound by the first end wall 1621 of a vertical cyclone (see e.g., FIG. 67) or by the treatment chamber sidewall 166 of a transverse or horizontal cyclone (see e.g., transverse FIG. 19, 28, 31, 40, 43, 49, 52, 82A, 95; horizontal FIG. 34, 122). As yet another example, if the dirt collection chamber 144 is in a combination of positions relativeto the air treatment chamber 140 (e.g., two or more of forward, below, and rearward), two or more of the front end, upper end, and rear end of the dirt collection chamber 144 may be bound, at least in part, by walls of the air treatment chamber 140 (see e.g., FIG. 2, 8, 10, 13, 16, 46, 58, 61, 64, 73, 101 , 104, 107).

[0357] In some embodiments, at least a portion of the air treatment chamber 140 that partially bounds the dirt collection chamber 144 may be an optional moveable portion 180. Accordingly, the moveable portion 180 may be part of the treatment chamber sidewall 166 (see e.g., FIG. 17, 19, 28, 31, 40, 43, 49, 52, 61, 76, 82A, 84A, 86A, 88, 92A, 93A, 96A, 99A, 102A, 104, 107) and / or part or all of an end wall 162 (see e.g., FIG. 5A, 8A, 11 A, 14A, 37, 46, 58, 64, 67, 73). The moveable portion 180 may be moveable between a closed position, in which the air treatment chamber 140 is closed (see e.g., FIG. 2, 10, 13, 16, 19, 28, 31, 37, 40, 43, 46, 49, 52, 58, 61, 64, 67, 73, 76, 82A, 84A, 86A, 88, 92A, 93A, 96A, 99A, 102A, 105A, 108A), and an emptying position, in which the air treatment chamber 140 is emptyable to an exterior of the air treatment chamber 140 (see e.g., FIG.

[0358] 5A, 8A, 11 A, 14A, 17, 20A, 29, 32, 38, 41, 44, 47, 50, 53, 59, 62A, 65A, 68A, 74A, 77, 82B, 84B, 86B, 89A, 92B, 93B, 96B, 99B, 102B, 105B, 108B). For example, in the emptying position, the air treatment chamber 140 may be placed in direct communication with an exterior of the hand vacuum 100. Alternatively, in the emptying position, the dirt collection region 142 may be placed in indirect communication with an exterior of the hand vacuum 100 through the dirt collection chamber 144. In either such embodiments, when the moveable portion 180 moves between the closed position and the emptying position, the moveable portion 180 may move through the dirt collection chamber 144. The moveable portion 180 may optionally be operatively (e.g., rigidly, drivingly, drivenly, etc.) connected to any openable portion 146 of the air treatment assembly 120. If the movable portion 180 is rigidly connected to an openable portion 146, when the openable portion 146 moves from the closed position to the emptying position, the moveable portion 180 may concurrently move from the closed position to the emptying position (see e.g., FIG. 2, 10, 13, 16, 19, 28, 31, 37, 40, 43, 46, 49, 52, 58, 61, 64, 67, 73, 76, 82A, 84A, 86A, 91 , 95, 98). If the movable portion 180 is connected to an openable portion 146, the moveable portion 180 may be moveably connected to a remainder of the air treatment chamber 140, such as by a mount 147 as described previously herein (e.g., the same or a different mount) and, when the openable portion 146 moves from the closed position to the emptying position, the motion of the openable portion 146 may drive the moveableportion 180 (e.g., via a geartrain, linkage assembly, etc.) to move concurrently from the closed position to the emptying position (see e.g., FIG. 88, 101, 104, 107).

[0359] If the moveable portion 180 is operatively connected to an openable portion 146, the moveable portion 180 and corresponding openable portion 146 may share a common lock and actuator (e.g., only one of the moveable portion 180 and corresponding openable portion 146 may be secured in a closed position by a lock) such that the moveable and openable portions are concurrently operable. Alternatively, the moveable portion 180 may be moveable independent of any openable portion. In such embodiments, the moveable portion 180 may have an individual lock and actuator such that the moveable portion 180 and openable portion(s) 146 are operable independently from each other.

[0360] The hand vacuum 100 may include any suitable type of carry handle 136, e.g., as part of the main body 118. The handle 136 may be located at the rear end 110 of the hand vacuum 100. Additionally, or alternatively, the handle 136 may be located at the upper end 112 or lower end of the hand vacuum 100.

[0361] The handle 136 may have one or more hand grip portions. For example, the handle 136 may have an underhand grip portion 182 (see e.g., FIG. 10, 34, 73). A forward end of the underhand grip portion 182 may be connected to the main body housing 138. The underhand grip portion 182 may extend generally rearwardly from the main body housing 138 along an underhand grip axis 184 from the forward end to a rearward end of the underhand grip portion 182. That is, when the hand vacuum 100 is oriented with the upper end 112 disposed above the lower end 114 and the hand vacuum axis 116 oriented horizontally, the underhand grip axis 184 may form an acute upward or downward angle from horizontal. The angle can be any suitable angle, such as between about 5° and 75° (e.g., between 5° and 60°, between 5° and 45° or between 5° and 25°). For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the underhand grip axis 184 of the underhand grip portion 182 is forming a downward angle of about 10° from horizontal. Any angle of the underhand grip axis 184 may be possible.

[0362] As another example, the handle 136 may have a pistol grip portion 186 (see e.g., FIG.

[0363] 13, 16, 22, 25, 28, 31A, 37, 46, 49, 52, 55, 58, 67, 79, 88, 91, 95, 98, 101 , 104, 107, 111, 115, 119, 122). An upper end of the pistol grip portion 186 may be connected to the main body housing 138 directly (see e.g., FIG. 58, 79, 91) or by a bridge portion extending forwardly from the upper end of the hand grip portion (see e.g., FIG. 13, 16, 22, 25, 28, 31 A, 37, 46, 49, 52, 55, 67, 88, 95, 98, 101 , 104, 107, 111 , 115, 119, 122). Alternatively,the upper end of the pistol grip portion 186 may be connected to the rearward end of the underhand grip portion 182, if present. The pistol grip portion 186 may extend generally downwardly along a pistol grip axis 188 from the upper end to a lower end of the pistol grip portion 186. That is, when the hand vacuum 100 is oriented with the upper end 112 disposed above the lower end 114 and the hand vacuum axis 116 oriented horizontally, the pistol grip axis 188 may form an acute forward or rearward angle from vertical. The angle can be any suitable angle, such as between about 5° and 75° (e.g., between 5° and 60°, or between 5° and 45°). For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 16, the pistol grip axis 188 of the pistol grip portion 186 is forming a rearward angle of about 15° from vertical. Any angle of the pistol grip axis 188 may be possible.

[0364] It will be appreciated that the underhand grip portion 182, the pistol grip portion 186, or both, may be arcuate or may extend linearly. In either case, the grip axis 184, 188 may extend centrally through the respective grip portion from a first end of the grip portion (e.g., the forward end of the underhand grip portion 182; the upper end of pistol grip portion 186) to an opposed end of the grip portion (e.g., the rearward end of the underhand grip portion 182; the lower end of pistol grip portion 186).

[0365] If the handle 136 has both the underhand grip portion 182 and the pistol grip portion 186, the handle 136 may also be referred to as a multi-grip handle (see e.g., FIG. 2, 8, 19, 31 B, 40, 43, 61, 64, 70, 76, 82A, 84A, 86A). In a multi-grip handle 136, the user may grip either hand grip portion to carry and manipulate the hand vacuum 100. As such, the multigrip handle 136 may advantageously enable the user to hold the hand grip portion most comfortable according to the user’s preference and / or suitable for the mode of operation. This may vary depending on the angle at which the user wishes to hold the hand vacuum 100 during operation.

[0366] The lower end of the pistol grip portion 186 may optionally be connected to the main body housing 138. The lower end of the pistol grip portion 186 may be directly connected to the main body housing 138 (see e.g., FIG. 13, 16, 22, 25, 28, 31, 37, 46, 49, 52, 55, 67, 88, 95, 98, 104, 107). Alternatively, the lower end of the pistol grip portion 186 may be indirectly connected to the main body housing 138 via one or more intervening components. For example, the lower end of the pistol grip portion 186 may be indirectly connected to the main body housing 138 via a lower housing section 190, which may be referred to as a bridge portion and which may have an operating component provided therein, (see e.g., FIG. 101, 111, 115, 119, 122) and, in some embodiments, a fingerguard 192 (see e.g., FIG. 58, 79, 91). The lower housing section 190 may be connected to the lower end of the pistol grip portion 186. The finger guard 192 may be connected to the lower housing section 190 at a location that is forward of the pistol grip portion 186 and extend from the lower housing section 190 to the main body housing 138 at the lower end 114 of the hand vacuum 100.

[0367] The lower housing section 190 may function as a stand for the hand vacuum 100 and / or as housing for one or more operational components of the hand vacuum 100. The finger guard 192 may advantageously protect the user’s fingers while gripping the pistol grip portion 186. The finger guard 192 may further advantageously function as housing for one or more operational components of the hand vacuum 100.

[0368] In some embodiments, a finger gap 194 for receiving the fingers of a user may be formed between the underhand grip portion 182 and / or the pistol grip portion 186 and the main body housing 138. That is, depending on the configuration of the main body housing 138 and the handle 136, the finger gap 194 may be bounded, at least in part, by three or more of the underhand grip portion 182, the pistol grip portion 186, the main body housing 138, the lower housing section 190, and finger guard 192 (see e.g., FIG. 2, 8, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, 34, 37, 40, 43, 46, 49, 52, 55, 58, 61, 64, 67, 70, 73, 76, 79, 82A, 84A, 86A, 88, 91, 95, 98, 101, 104, 107, 111, 115, 119, 122).

[0369] The suction motor 128 of the hand vacuum 100 may be of any suitable design and configuration that is sufficient to impart a desired airflow through the hand vacuum 100. For example, the suction motor 128 may include a fan and / or impeller which is driven by a motor (i.e. , a motor and fan assembly) and which rotates about a motor axis of rotation 196 to help generate the desired airflow.

[0370] The suction motor 128 may be positioned in the main body 118 within a motor housing 198. The motor housing 198 may be integrally formed as part of the main body housing 138. Optionally, at least part of the motor housing 198 may extend rearwardly from the main body housing 138. Accordingly, in embodiments where the motor housing 198 is positioned proximate the upper end 112 of the hand vacuum 100, at least part of the motor housing 198 may form an upper rearwardly portion of the main body (see e.g., FIG.

[0371] 58) or may be a rearwardly extending bridge portion that extends rearwardly from the main body to the handle. In either case, it may be integrally formed as part of the main body housing 138 and the handle if it extends to the handle. Similarly, in embodiments where the motor housing 198 is positioned proximate the lower end 114, at least part ofthe motor housing 198 may form a lower rearwardly extending portion of the main body housing 138 or a bridge portion that extends to the handle (see e.g., FIG. 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, 34, 40, 43, 46, 49, 52, 55, 61, 64, 67, 70, 73, 82A, 86A, 95, 98). The motor housing 198 may similarly be integrally formed as part of the main body and the handle 136, such as part of the underhand grip portion 182, the pistol grip portion 186, the lower housing section 190 (see e.g., FIG. 79), or the fingerguard 192 (see e.g., FIG. 91). The suction motor 128 may have any orientation within the main body 118. For example, within the main body housing 138, when the hand vacuum 100 is oriented with the upper end 112 above the lower end 114 and the hand vacuum axis 116 oriented horizontally, the motor axis 196 may be oriented generally horizontally (see e.g., FIG. 2, 8, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, 34, 37, 40, 43, 46, 49, 52, 55, 58, 61, 64, 67, 70, 73, 76, 79, 82A, 84A, 86A, 88, 95, 107, 122), vertically (seee.g., FIG. 91, 101, 104, 111, 115, 119), orany angle therebetween. Accordingly, within the main body housing 138, the motor axis 196 may be parallel to the hand vacuum axis 116 (i.e., when oriented horizontally), transverse to the hand vacuum axis 116 (i.e., when oriented vertically), or form an acute angle thereto. The suction motor 128 may be at any position relative to the air treatment assembly 120. For example, the suction motor 128 may be at an elevation between the upper and lower end of the air treatment assembly 120, or at least partially above or below the air treatment assembly 120, and may be positioned fully rearward of the air treatment assembly 120 (see e.g., FIG. 13, 16, 19, 28, 31 , 34, 40, 43, 46, 49, 55, 58, 61 , 64, 67, 73, 86A, 95, 101 , 111, 115, 119, 122) or partially rearward (e.g., at least partially nested) in the air treatment assembly 120 (see e.g., FIG. 2, 8, 10). As another example, the suction motor 128 may be at an elevation at least partially below the lower end of the air treatment assembly 120, and may be positioned fully under the air treatment assembly 120 (see e.g., FIG. 37), at least partially under the air treatment assembly 120 (see e.g., FIG. 22, 76, 84A, 107), or fully rearward of the air treatment assembly 120 (see e.g., FIG. 25, 52, 70, 79, 82A, 88, 91 , 98, 104). Any other suitable position may be possible.

[0372] Optionally, the hand vacuum 100 may include one or more pre-motor filters 130. The premotorfilter 130 may be positioned in the airflow path 126 at any location downstream of the air treatment assembly 120 and upstream of the suction motor 128.

[0373] The pre-motor filter 130 may be positioned in the main body 118 within a pre-motor filter housing 200 (see e.g., FIG. 2, 8, 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, 34, 37, 40, 43, 46, 49, 52, 55, 58, 67, 70, 73, 76, 82A, 84A, 86A, 88, 91 , 95, 101 , 104, 107, 111 , 115, 119, 122).Optionally, the pre-motor filter 130 may be positioned partially or fully annularly around the suction motor 128 with the suction motor 128 partially or fully nested therein such that the motor housing 198 may also be the pre-motor filter housing 200. This configuration may advantageously provide a more compact hand vacuum 100.

[0374] Alternatively, the pre-motor filter 130 may be positioned in the air treatment assembly 120. For example, the pre-motor filter 130 may be at least partially nested in the porous outlet 172 of the air treatment chamber 140 (see e.g., FIG. 64). As another example, the pre-motor filter 130 may be positioned below the air treatment chamber 140, such as at least partially nested in the dirt collection chamber 144 (see e.g., FIG. 34, 40, 43, 46, 61). The pre-motor filter 130 may be formed from foam or any other suitable physical, porous filter media. For example, the pre-motor filter 130 may be formed from cloth or paper, such as a pleated filter media. Optionally, a felt filter layer can be provided on one side of the pre-motor filter 130, and preferably is positioned adjacent the downstream side but may be provided on the upstream side but may be provided on the upstream side.

[0375] The pre-motor filter 130 may have any suitable shape, such as cylindrical (see e.g., FIG.

[0376] 19, 22, 82A, 88, 91), frusto-conical (see e.g., FIG. 43, 61, 79), rectangular (see e.g., FIG.

[0377] 25, 28, 31, 34, 37, 40, 49, 70, 76, 84A), a generally flat, slab-like filter (see e.g., FIG. 2, 8, 10, 13, 16, 46, 52, 55, 58, 67, 73, 86A, 95, 122), or a generally curved filter (see e.g., FIG. 98, 101, 104, 107, 110, 114, 119). Any such shape may optionally include pleats to increase the surface area of the pre-motor filter 130 (see e.g., FIG. 101, 104, 107, 110, 114). Optionally, the pre-motor filter 130 may be provided with an internal air inlet into which the airflow enters and passes through the pre-motor filter 130 radially outwardly. In such embodiments, the internal air inlet may be sealed to the air outlet of the air treatment chamber 140. Alternatively, the pre-motor filter 130 may optionally be provided with an internal air outlet out of which the airflow exits after passing inwardly through the premotorfilter 130 radially inwardly (see e.g., FIG. 43, 61 , 64, 79). In such embodiments, the internal air outlet may optionally be sealed to the air inlet of the suction motor 128.

[0378] The pre-motor filter 130 may be removed from the hand vacuum 100 such as for cleaning, inspection, replacement, and the like. The pre-motor filter 130 may be removed by any suitable means such as, for example, through a sidewall of the hand vacuum 100. For example, when the hand vacuum 100 is oriented with the upper end 112 disposed above the lower end 114 and the hand vacuum axis 116 oriented horizontally, the pre-motor filter 130 (and optionally the pre-motor filter housing 200) may be withdrawn from thehand vacuum 100 through the main body housing 138 at the upper end 112 of the hand vacuum 100 (i.e., in the upward direction), at the lower end 114 (i.e., in the downward direction), at the rear end 110 (i.e., in the rearward direction), at the front end 108 (i.e., in the forward direction), or at a lateral side (i.e., in the lateral direction). Alternatively, the pre-motor filter 130 may be exposed within the hand vacuum 100 for removal, such as by moving (e.g., pivoting, translating) the air treatment assembly 120 relative to the main body 118, or removing the air treatment assembly 120 from the main body 118 (see e.g., FIG. 3).

[0379] Optionally, the hand vacuum 100 may include one or more post-motor filters 150. The post-motor filter 132 may be positioned in the airflow path 126 at any location downstream of the suction motor 128 and upstream of the clean air outlet 124.

[0380] The post-motor filter 150 may be positioned in the main body 118 within a post-motor filter housing 202 (see e.g., FIG. 37, 49, 67, 79, 91, 111, 115, 119, 122). Optionally, the post-motor filter 132 may be positioned partially or fully annularly around the suction motor 128 with the suction motor 128 partially or fully nested therein such that the motor housing 198 may also be the post-motor filter housing 202 (see e.g., FIG. 2, 22, 46, 52, 55, 58, 64, 111, 119, 122). This configuration may advantageously provide a more compact hand vacuum 100.

[0381] The post-motor filter 132 may be a physical foam media filter or may be any other suitable physical porous filter media, including, for example, a felt filter, a HEPA filter, a paper filter, other physical filter media, an electrostatic filter, and the like.

[0382] The post-motor filter 132 may have any suitable shape, such as cylindrical (see e.g., FIG.

[0383] 2, 22, 46, 52, 55, 58, 64, 119, 122), a generally flat, slab-like filter (see e.g., FIG. 37, 49, 67, 79, 91), or a generally curved filter (see e.g., FIG. 110, 114). Optionally, the postmotor filter 132 may be provided with an internal air inlet into which the airflow enters and passes through the post-motor filter 132 radially outwardly. The internal air inlet may be sealed to the air outlet of the suction motor 128. Alternatively, the post-motor filter 132 may optionally be provided with an internal air outlet out of which the airflow exits after passing radially inwardly through the post-motor filter 132. The internal air outlet may be sealed to the clean air outlet 124.

[0384] The post-motor filter 132 may be removed from the hand vacuum 100 such as for cleaning, inspection, replacement, and the like. The post-motor filter 132 may be removed by any suitable means, such as those described with respect to the pre-motor filter 130.The clean air outlet 124 of the hand vacuum 100 may be provided as part of the main body 118. As shown in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the clean air outlet 124 may include a grill 204 through which clean air may exit the hand vacuum 100. The grill 204 may be oriented such that exiting air travels generally upwardly, generally laterally outwardly, and / or at an inclined angle generally rearwardly from the hand vacuum 100. Such directional airflow may beneficially avoid the exhaust airflow impacting the user or the surface to be cleaned.

[0385] The clean air outlet 124 may be at any position rearward of the dirty air inlet 122. For example, the clean air outlet 124 may be provided proximate the rear end 110 (see e.g., FIG. 2, 12, 15, 18, 24, 27, 33, 40, 42, 45, 48, 51, 57, 60, 63, 66, 69, 72, 81, 85, 90, 94, 97, 100, 109, 113, 118, 121), proximate the front end 108 (see e.g., FIG. 36, 75, 83), or any other location therebetween (see e.g., FIG. 10, 21, 30, 54, 87, 103, 106). Additionally, the clean air outlet 124 may be at any position between the upper and lower ends 112, 114 of the hand vacuum 100 or at the upper and lower ends 112, 114. For example, the clean air outlet 124 may be provided through the main body housing 138 at the lower end 114 (see e.g., FIG. 10), at the upper end 112 (see e.g., FIG. 90, 100), at the rear end 110 (see e.g., FIG. 48, 51, 66, 113) or at a lateral side (see e.g., FIG. 2, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 27, 30, 33, 36, 40, 42, 45, 54, 57, 60, 63, 69, 72, 75, 81, 83, 85, 87, 94, 97, 100, 103, 106, 109, 118, 121).

[0386] Alternatively, if the airflow path 126 passes through the handle 136, the clean air outlet 124 may be provided in a portion of the handle 136. For example, in such embodiments, the clean air outlet 124 may be provided in a portion of the handle other than the hand grip portion itself, a lower housing section 190 (see e.g., FIG. 78), or a finger guard 192. The hand vacuum 100 may further include a power supply to run the suction motor 128 and other electrical components of the hand vacuum 100. The power supply may be AC power supplied by an electrical cord (not shown) that may be plugged into a wall socket (household mains). Alternatively, or in addition to the electrical cord, the power supply of the hand vacuum 100 may include one or more onboard power sources, such as one or more energy stores 134. If both an electrical cord and one or more onboard power sources are present, the power cord may optionally be detachable from the hand vacuum 100.

[0387] Each energy store 134 may be of any suitable type, including, for example one or more batteries, such as solid-state batteries, and / or one or more capacitors, such as supercapacitors or ultra capacitors which are capable of storing electricity and optionally are rechargeable. The energy stores may be provided in a housing 206 (e.g., a plurality of batteries in a battery pack or a plurality of capacitors in a power pack). If the energy store(s) 134 is / are a battery pack, each battery pack may include any suitable number of cells, and may include, for example, 3 cell 18560 lithium-ion batteries. If two battery packs are connected in series, they may create a 6 cell 22V Li-ion power source. Any number of cells may be used to create a power source having a desired voltage and current, and any type of battery may be used, including NiMH, alkaline and the like.

[0388] Optionally, if the one or more energy stores 134 are batteries, the batteries may be rechargeable (e.g., via an electrical cord when plugged into a wall socket and the hand vacuum 100, or when docked to a docking station). Alternatively, the batteries may be replaceable, non-rechargeable batteries. Additionally, or alternatively, the one or more energy stores 134 (i.e., batteries or capacitors) may be removed alone or within their energy store housing 206 (see e.g., FIG. 4) for recharging and / or replacement.

[0389] An energy store housing 206 may be positioned in, or integrally formed with, the main body housing 138. Additionally, or alternatively, an energy store housing 206 may be positioned in, or integrally formed with, part of the handle 136. Alternatively, an energy store housing 206 may be removably mounted to the main body housing 138 and / or the handle 136.

[0390] The energy store 134 used in the hand vacuum 100 may be provided at a single location. For example, the energy store 134 may be provided as one large pack containing a plurality of energy stores 134. In such embodiments, the energy stores 134 within the pack may be arranged in a single row (see e.g., FIG. 91, 98, 101, 111, 119), multiple rows (see e.g., FIG. 2, 8, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 31, 37, 40, 43, 46, 49, 52, 55, 58, 61, 64, 67, 70, 73, 76, 79, 82A, 84A, 86A, 88, 95, 104, 107, 115, 122), or a ring (see e.g., FIG. 10). Alternatively, multiple energy stores 134 may be provided in multiple locations within the hand vacuum 100. For example, the energy stores 134 may be provided as multiple smaller packs at different locations, which may be removable individually or concurrently. The energy store 134 may be provided at any position within or on the main body housing 138. For example, the energy store 134 may be provided proximate the upper end 112 of the hand vacuum 100 (see e.g., FIG. 34, 79, 84A), proximate the lower end 114 (see e.g., FIG. 10, 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 73, 76, 82A, 95, 98), or at any other location therebetween (see e.g., FIG. 70). Optionally, at least part of the energy store housing 206 may extendrearwardly from the main body housing 138. Accordingly, in embodiments where the energy store housing 206 is positioned proximate the upper end 112, at least part of the energy store housing 206 may form the upper rearwardly extending bridge portion extending rearwardly of the main body housing 138 (see e.g., FIG. 46, 79). Similarly, in embodiments where the energy store housing 206 is positioned proximate the lower end 114, at least part of the energy store housing 206 may form the lower rearwardly extending bridge portion extending rearwardly of the main body housing 138 (see e.g., FIG. 2, 8, 31, 37, 40, 43, 49, 52, 55, 61, 64, 67, 86A, 88, 104, 107).

[0391] The energy store housing 206 may be provided at any position within or on the handle 136. For example, the energy store 134 may be provided within the underhand grip portion 182, the pistol grip portion 186, the lower housing section 190 (see e.g., FIG. 91, 101, 111, 115, 119, 122), or the finger guard 192 (see e.g., FIG. 58), or may be removably mounted to any portion thereof.

[0392] Any number of energy stores 134 may be provided in any one location or combination of two or more of locations described previously within the main body housing 138 and the handle 136. Any additional location(s) within the hand vacuum 100 other than those described may be possible.

[0393] Positioning energy stores 134 at two or more locations may advantageously help distribute the weight of the energy stores 134 and may affect the hand feel and / or perceived balance of the hand vacuum 100. Optionally, if the energy stores 134 are provided in multiple locations within the hand vacuum 100, the energy stores 134 may be positioned generally opposite each other on opposite sides of a central plane extending along the hand vacuum axis 116 of the hand vacuum 100. For example, one energy store 134 may be positioned toward the upper end 112 of the hand vacuum 100 and another energy store 134 may be positioned toward the lower end 114. Similarly, the energy stores 134 may be positioned toward opposed lateral sides of the hand vacuum 100, such as on lateral sides around the suction motor 128. In this way, the weight of one energy store 134 may at least partially offset / counterbalance the weight of the opposing energy store 134. This may help reduce the torque experienced by the user while manipulating the orientation of the hand vacuum 100 during use.

[0394] The energy store(s) 134 may have any orientation within the main body housing 138 and / or the handle 136. For example, when the hand vacuum 100 is oriented with the upper end 112 disposed above the lower end 114 and the hand vacuum axis 116 orientedhorizontally, a long dimension of the energy store(s) 134 may extend generally forwardly / rearwardly horizontally (see e.g., FIG. 10, 13, 16, 25, 31, 34, 37, 40, 43, 46, 49, 55, 61, 67, 73, 76, 82A, 86A, 95), laterally horizontally (see e.g., FIG. 2, 8, 19, 22, 64, 91, 98, 101, 104, 107, 111, 115, 119, 122), vertically (see e.g., FIG. 28, 52, 58, 70, 79, 84A, 88), or any combination thereof (i.e., one or more forwardly / rearwardly, one or more laterally, and / or one or more vertically).

[0395] Additionally, or as an alternative to the energy stores 134 being onboard power sources, one or more energy stores 134 may optionally be provided within the wand 104, the surface cleaning head 106, and other accessories. The energy store(s) 134 in the wand 104 and / or the surface cleaning head 106 may provide some additional power when the hand vacuum 100 is connected to the wand 104 and / or to the surface cleaning head 106 via the wand 104. For example, the additional power from the energy store(s) 134 in the wand 104 and / or the surface cleaning head 106 may be used to help power one or more electrically powered components in the surface cleaning head 106 and / or wand 104, such as one or more of a motor and fan assembly (e.g., a dirty air motor), a brush motor, lights, a head up display projected from the surface cleaning head or other such features that require power in the surface cleaning head 106. Optionally, all of the energy stores 134 can provide at least some power to the suction motor 128 and, optionally, one or more electrically powered components in the surface cleaning head 106 and / or wand 104. This may help provide longer run times, higher suction levels or both as compared to only using the power supplied from the hand vacuum 100. The additional mass of the energy store(s) 134 in the wand 106 and / or the surface cleaning head 104 may also advantageously be left behind when a user detaches the hand vacuum 100 for above floor cleaning. Accordingly, a higher level of power (e.g. a higher air flow or level of suction) may be provided when operating in an above-floor cleaning mode and a floor cleaning mode.

[0396] As described previously, in addition to functioning as a nozzle, the air inlet conduit 148 can be directly connected to the downstream end of the wand 104 or any suitable accessory tool such as a crevice tool, a mini brush or the like. The air inlet conduit 148 may also be or indirectly connected to any such accessory tool via the wand 104. Optionally, the hand vacuum 100 can include an electrical connector 208 provided proximate the front end 108, such as adjacent the air inlet conduit 148 above the dirty air inlet (see e.g., FIG. 1, 9, 12, 15, 21, 24, 33, 39, 42, 48, 51, 54, 60, 66, 69, 72, 78, 94, 97, 100, 103, 106), below the dirty air inlet (see e.g., FIG. 18, 27, 30, 81, 85, 87, 90, 109,113, 118), or laterally beside the dirty air inlet (see e.g., FIG. 36, 45, 57, 63, 75, 83, 121), which may place the hand vacuum 100 in electrical communication with the accessory tool or the wand 104 upon mechanically connecting the accessory tool or the wand 104 to the hand vacuum 100.

[0397] In such embodiments, the downstream end of accessory tool or the wand 104 may include another electrical connector detachably matingly connectable to the electrical connector 208 of the hand vacuum 100. The electrical connectors 208 may be of any suitable configuration, such as mating male and female members (e.g., pins and sockets) as shown in the illustrated embodiments. Power can thereby be communicated directly between the hand vacuum 100 and the accessory tool or indirectly between the hand vacuum 100 and the accessory tool or the surface cleaning head 106 via the wand 104. As exemplified in FIG. 6, the hand vacuum 100 may be configured so that the air inlet conduit 148 may be directly mechanically, and optionally electrically (as described previously), connected to an upper end of the wand 104. A lower end of the wand 104 may be mechanically, and optionally electrically (i.e., via electrical connectors similar to as described previously), connected to the surface cleaning head 106. The lower end of the wand 104 may also be pivotally, and optionally steeringly, connected to the surface cleaning head 106. In this arrangement, the handle 136 can be used to manipulate the hand vacuum 100 when detached from the wand 104, and can be used to manipulate the combination of the hand vacuum 100 and the wand 104 or the combination of the hand vacuum 100, the wand 104, and the surface cleaning head 106 (i.e., a stickvac), depending on the mode in which the hand vacuum 100 is used. The wand 104 may be any suitable connector that can provide the desired structural (rigid) connection and airflow communication between the hand vacuum 100 and the surface cleaning head 106 (e.g., a rigid airflow conduit).

[0398] Optionally, the hand vacuum 100 can be detachably connected to the upper end of the wand 104, for example using a latch as shown. Similarly, the lower end of the wand 104 can optionally be removably connected to the surface cleaning head 106, for example using another latch (not shown). Providing detachable connections at both ends of the wand 104 may enable use of the hand vacuum 100 in at least three modes of operation. That is, the hand vacuum 100 can be used (i) independently in a first above-floor cleaning mode using the air inlet conduit 148 to clean a surface (i.e., in the configuration shown in e.g., FIG. 1); (ii) connected to the wand 104 in a second above-floor cleaning mode usingthe lower end of the wand 104 to clean a surface; and (iii) connected to both the wand 104 and the surface cleaning head 106 in an upright cleaning mode using the surface cleaning head 106 to clean a surface (i.e., in the configuration shown in FIG. 6).

[0399] In the first and second above-floor cleaning modes, the hand vacuum 100 can be used for cleaning above-floor surfaces (e.g., furniture, countertops, etc.) and cleaning hard to reach areas (e.g., along baseboards, ceilings, stairs, etc.). Optionally, accessory tools such as crevice tools, mini brushes (e.g., manual or motorized), hoses, and the like can be removably connected to the air inlet conduit 148 or wand 104 to facilitate the abovefloor cleaning modes. In the upright cleaning mode, the hand vacuum 100 can be used to clean a floor or other surfaces in a manner analogous to a conventional upright-style vacuum cleaner.

[0400] The hand vacuum 100 may include one or more user interfaces. Each user interface may be an information display, a control switch, a power switch, and the like. For example, each user interface may provide information display, function control, or both. If more than one user interface is provided, the user interfaces may be of the same or different types. For example, a first user interface may be an information display and a second user interface may be a control switch or a power switch.

[0401] Additionally, if more than one user interface is provided, the user interfaces may be interrelated or separate. For example, information displayed on a first user interface (i.e., an information display) may be controlled by a related second user interface (i.e., a control switch) and / or correspond to the function of the hand vacuum 100 controlled by the related second user interface (i.e., a control switch or a power switch). As another example, the first user interface may provide information display and / or function control for one or more functions of the hand vacuum 100 and the second user interface may provide information display and / or function control for one or more different functions of the hand vacuum 100.

[0402] Optionally, the user interface of the hand vacuum 100 may include one or more information displays 210 to provide information to a user. For example, the hand vacuum 100 may include one or more lights to indicate when the suction motor is on, its current power level (e.g., hi or low, if applicable), battery charge level, and the like. The information display 210, and associated electronics, may be used to display status information. Optionally, the information display may be connectable to other apparatuses. For example, if the hand vacuum 100 is connected to a different apparatus, such as anaccessory tool, the wand 104, and / or the surface cleaning head 106, the information displayed may be customized for each type of apparatus connected to the hand vacuum 100. That is, the information display 210 may optionally be communicatively connected to whatever apparatus is connected to the hand vacuum 100 (e.g., via the electrical connector 208) such that it may detect the type of apparatus connected. The information displays 210 may include one or more display screens, such as an LCD display, LED screen, OLED screen, and the like. The display screen may be configured to show information about whatever apparatus is connected to the hand vacuum 100 (e.g., brush motor of a surface cleaning head on or off), so that the same screen can be used for multiple apparatuses. This may reduce the need to provide screens or other information displays on each separate apparatus that can be connected to the hand vacuum 100. The information display 210 may be provided on the hand vacuum 100 at any location suitable for allowing the user to monitor the status information displayed on the information display 210. For example, the information display 210 may be provided at the rear end 110 of the hand vacuum 100, such as on the main body housing 138 at the upper end 112 (see e.g., FIG. 12, 15, 21, 24, 27, 30, 36, 48, 51, 54, 87, 94, 97, 100, 103, 106, 109, 113, 118, 121) or the rear end 110 (see e.g., FIG. 45, 57, 78, 85, 90) of the hand vacuum 100, at the upper end of the handle 136 or the forward end of the handle 136 (see e.g., FIG. 1, 9, 18, 33, 39, 42, 60, 63, 69, 72, 75, 81 , 83), or any other suitable location.

[0403] Optionally, the user interface of the hand vacuum 100 may include one or more control / power switches 212 (referred to generally herein as power switches). The power switches 212 may control any function of the hand vacuum 100, such as operation of the suction motor 128 (e.g., on / off, variable power levels, or both). For example, a power switch 212 may be operable to establish a power connection between the energy stores 134 and the suction motor 128. Similarly, the same power switch 212 or a different one may optionally be operable to establish a power connection between the energy stores 134 and lights or a brush motor of the hand vacuum 100.

[0404] Optionally, a power switch 212 may also be configured to control other powered accessories connectable to the hand vacuum 100. For example, the power switch 212 may be operable to control both the suction motor 128 of the hand vacuum 100 and the brush motor and / or lights of the surface cleaning head 106 and / or any other electrified component provided on the wand 104, surface cleaning head 106, or any other tool orattachment. Alternatively, the power switch 212 may be operable to control some functions of the hand vacuum 100 only, and one or more additional power switches 212 may be operable to control the different functions of the powered accessories connectable to the hand vacuum 100.

[0405] The one or more power switches 212 can be provided in any suitable configuration. For example, the power switch 212 may be a push button (see e.g., FIG. 9, 18, 33, 51, 81, 87, 97, 100, 109, 113, 118), a touch button (see e.g., FIG. 21 , 103, 106, 121), a rotary switch, a sliding switch (see e.g., FIG. 36), a trigger-type actuator (see e.g., FIG. 45, 66, 72, 85, 90), and the like. Optionally, the information display 210 may be a touch screen, and the power switch 212 can be provided as a soft touch button of the touch screen (see e.g., FIG. 1, 12, 15, 24, 27, 30, 39, 42, 48, 54, 57, 60, 63, 69, 75, 78, 83, 94).

[0406] The one or more power switches 212 can be provided on the hand vacuum 100 at any suitable location(s), which may be the same or different locations. The power switch 212 may be provided on or near the handle 136 such that it can be actuated by a finger (e.g., thumb or index finger) of the user on the same hand as is holding the handle 136. For example, the power switch 212 may be provided on the underhand grip portion 182 (see e.g., FIG. 1, 9, 18, 33, 39, 42, 60, 63, 69, 72, 75, 81, 83, 85) or pistol grip portion 186 (see e.g., FIG. 45, 66, 87, 90, 100, 103, 106) of the handle 136. This may allow true one-handed operation of the hand vacuum 100.

[0407] Alternatively, or in addition to being provided on the handle 136, the power switch 212 may be provided on the main body 118 at a location generally proximate to the handle 136 so that the switch 212 can be operated using the same hand that is holding the handle 136 or, alternatively, by the other hand of the user. For example, the power switch 212 may be provided on the main body housing 138 at the upper end 112 of the hand vacuum 100 (see e.g., FIG. 12, 15, 24, 27, 30, 48, 54, 94, 97, 118, 121), at the rear end 110 of the hand vacuum 100 (see e.g., FIG. 21, 51, 57, 78), or at a lateral side of the hand vacuum 100 (see e.g., FIG. 36) proximate to the handle 136.

[0408] Optionally, if more than one user interface is provided (i.e., two or more information displays 210, two or more power switches 212, or one or more information displays 210 and one or more power switches 212), the user interfaces may be provided at any combination of locations described herein.

[0409] Optionally, the hand vacuum cleaner 100 may be configurable in two or more different operating modes having different power profiles. For example, the suction motor 128 inthe hand vacuum 100 may be operable at a low power mode and a high-power mode, each providing different levels of suction and airflow through the hand vacuum 100. In some embodiments, switching between such power modes may be done manually by a user using the power switch 212. In other embodiments, switching between such power modes may be done automatically based on the configuration or operation of the hand vacuum (e.g., attaching the hand vacuum cleaner to a wand and / or a wand and a surface cleaning head). In other embodiments, the hand vacuum 100 may automatically change power modes, but may also include a manual option for a user to override the automatic changes.

[0410] Referring to FIGS. 6 to 7, as exemplified, the hand vacuum 100 may be docked at a docking station 214 for emptying and / or recharging the energy stores 134 (if any). As shown, the docking station 214 may include a station base 216 and a station conduit 218 extending upwardly from the station base 216. The hand vacuum 100 may be docked to the docking station 214 at an upper end 220 of the station conduit218. The hand vacuum 100 may be docked to the docking station 214 alone. Alternatively, the upper end 220 of the station conduit 218 may optionally be at an elevation sufficient such that the hand vacuum 100 may dock at the docking station 214 while attached to the wand 104 or, as shown, the wand 104 and surface cleaning head 106.

[0411] When docked to the docking station 214, the hand vacuum axis 116 of the hand vacuum 100 may have any orientation. For example, the hand vacuum axis 116 may be generally vertically oriented, generally horizontally oriented, or at any other orientation. This may depend, for example, on the location of the openable portion 146 of the air treatment assembly 120. Similarly, if more than one openable portion 146 is present, this may depend on the location of the openable portion 146 for use with the docking station 214. The orientation of the hand vacuum axis 116 when the hand vacuum 100 is docked to the docking station 214 may also depend on the orientation of a docking station air inlet 222, within which the openable portion 146 is receivable, at the upper end 220 of the station conduit 218.

[0412] For example, if the openable portion 146 is a front openable portion as described previously herein and the station air inlet 222 is an opening that extends generally horizontally, the hand vacuum axis 116 may be generally vertically oriented when docked to the docking station 214 (see e.g., FIG. 7, 82A, 84A, 86A, 96B, 123B). If the openable portion 146 is a lower openable portion as described previously herein and the station airinlet 222 is an opening that extends generally horizontally, the hand vacuum axis 116 may be generally horizontally oriented when docked to the docking station 214. Similarly, if the openable portion 146 is a front openable portion as described previously herein and the station air inlet 222 is an opening that extends generally vertically, the hand vacuum axis 116 may be generally horizontally oriented when docked to the docking station 214. If the openable portion 146 is a lower openable portion as described previously herein and the station air inlet 222 is an opening that extends generally vertically, the hand vacuum axis 116 may be generally vertically oriented when docked to the docking station 214 (see e.g., FIG. 89A, 92B, 93B, 99B, 102B, 105B, 108B, 112B, 116B, 120B).

[0413] Optionally, the openable portion 146 for use with the docking station 214 may be an automatic openable portion as described previously herein. Once docked, the automatic openable portion 146 may be unlocked and may automatically move from the closed position to the emptying position, placing the dirt collection chamber 144 and / or, optionally, the air treatment chamber 140, in fluid communication the docking station 214 through the opening provided by the automatic openable portion 146. Alternatively, the automatic openable portion 146 may be moved to the emptying position by air flow through the docking station 214 or when an emptying cycle is initiated. As shown, when moving from the closed position to the emptying position, the openable portion 146 may move through the station air inlet 222 at the upper end 220 of the station conduit 218 into an interior thereof.

[0414] Subsequently, a suction motor may generate suction along a station airflow path 224 to draw the contents of the dirt collection chamber 144 and / or the air treatment chamber 140 through the opening of the openable portion 146 and into the station conduit 218. Optionally, a station suction motor in the station base 216 may be used. The station suction motor may generate the suction to draw the contents of the dirt collection chamber 144 and / or the air treatment chamber 140 through the opening of the openable portion 146 and into the docking station 214 through the station air inlet 222. Treated air may ultimately exhaust out a station air outlet to the ambient.

[0415] Alternatively, as exemplified in FIG. 7, the suction motor 128 of the hand vacuum 100 may be used to generate suction along the station airflow path 224. In such embodiments, as shown, the docking station 214 may have a return air conduit 226 to establish fluid communication from the docking station 214 back to the suction motor 128 of the hand vacuum 100. The return air conduit 226 surrounds and defines a return air passage 228.The return air conduit 226 may extend, as exemplified, from a return conduit inlet 230, which may be defined by an outlet port at an exit from the debris separator(s) of the dock and to a station air outlet 232. The debris separator(s) 238 of the dock may be any means known in the docking art to separate debris from an air stream such as a filter, cyclone, non-cyclonic momentum separator or the like. Accordingly, in such embodiments, the suction motor 128 may generate the suction along the station airflow path 224 to draw the contents of the dirt collection chamber 144 and / or the air treatment chamber 140 through the opening of the openable portion 146 and into the docking station 214 through the station air inlet 222. Continuing along the station airflow path 224, treated air may subsequently enter the return air conduit 226 through the return conduit inlet 230, enter the hand vacuum 100 upstream of the suction motor 128 through the station air outlet 232, and ultimately exhaust out the clean air outlet 124 of the hand vacuum 100 to the ambient (see also e.g., station airflow paths of FIG. 82B, 84B, 86B, 89A, 92B, 93B, 96, 99B, 102B, 105B, 108B, 112B, 116B, 120B, 123B). Accordingly, in embodiments having the return air conduit 226, the station suction motor may be omitted.

[0416] A hand vacuum 100 configured for use with a docking station 214 having a return air conduit 226 may have a return air valve 234. Specific examples of the return air valve are described in greater detail subsequently herein. The return air valve 234 may be provided in the main body housing 138 (see e.g., FIG. 82A, 84A, 86A, 88, 96A, 99A, 102A, 105A, 108A, 112A, 116A) or provided in the handle 136 (see e.g., FIG. 92A, 93A) over a return air inlet 236. Alternatively, a front portion of the hand vacuum 100, such as the air treatment assembly 120 (see e.g., FIG. 123) and / or part of the main body housing 138 (see e.g., FIG. 120), may be moveable relative to a rear portion of the hand vacuum 100 to function as a return air valve. The return air valve 234 may be moveable between a closed position, in which the suction motor 128 of the hand vacuum 100 is in fluid communication with the dirty air inlet 122 and the hand vacuum 100 is operable the clean a surface (see e.g., FIG. 82A, 84A, 86A, 88, 92A, 93A, 96A, 99A, 102A, 105A, 108A, 112A, 116A, 119, 123A), and an open position, in which the suction motor 128 of the hand vacuum 100 is in fluid communication with the return air inlet 236 (see e.g., FIG.

[0417] 82B, 84B, 86B, 89A, 92B, 93B, 96B, 99B, 102B, 105B, 108B, 112B, 116B, 120B, 123B). Optionally, in the open position, the return air valve 234 may cut off the suction motor 128 from fluid communication with the dirty air inlet 122 through the hand vacuum airflow path 126.The return air valve 234 may automatically move between the closed and open positions when the hand vacuum 100 is docked to the docking station 214. Any suitable means may be used. For example, the return air valve 234 may be electromechanically actuated (e.g., by an independent motor such as a stepper motor), which may automatically move return air valve 234 to the open position when the hand vacuum 100 is docked to the docking station 214 and return the return air valve 234 to the closed position when the hand vacuum 100 is removed. The return air valve 234 may alternatively be mechanically actuated. For example, as shown in the illustrated examples, as the hand vacuum 100 is docked to the docking station 214, the return air conduit 226 may engage the return air valve 234 and push the return air valve 234 from the closed position to the open position. This may place the station air outlet 232 in fluid communication with the interior of the hand vacuum 100. In such embodiments, the return air valve 234 may be biased to the closed position such that, when the hand vacuum 100 is removed from the docking station 214 and the return air conduit 226 is disengaged from the return air valve 234, the bias may automatically return the return air valve 234 to the closed position. Alternately, removing (undocking) the hand vacuum cleaner may engage the return air valve 234 and move the return air valve 234 from the open position to the closed position. Alternately, the valve may be manually moved or moved when an emptying cycle is initiated.

[0418] The docking station 214 may include one or more station debris separator(s) 238 through which the station airflow path 224 may pass to the station suction motor, if present, or to the return air passage 228 on route to the suction motor 128 of the hand vacuum 100. The station debris separator 238 may be provided in the station conduit 218 or, alternatively, the station base 216.

[0419] The station debris separator 238 may be any separator which is operable to separate particulate matter from the station airflow path 224. For example, the station debris separator 238 may be any cyclonic air treatment chamber (e.g., a transverse or vertical cyclone chamber) similar to any cyclone described herein with respect to the hand vacuum 100. Alternatively, the station debris separator 238 may be non-cyclonic, such as a filter bag, a porous physical filter material (such as a screen, foam, or felt), or other dirt separator, such as a non-cyclonic momentum separator disclosed herein. For example, the station debris separator 238 in the illustrated embodiments is a porous physical filter material (shown as a screen) provided in the port extending between the return air conduit 226 and the station base 216. In this way, the station base 216 and thereturn air passage 228 may be placed in fluid communication through the station debris separator 238.

[0420] Accordingly, particulate matter may be separated from the airflow by non-cyclonic momentum separation. That is, within the station base 216, the station airflow path 224 includes a significant directional change (e.g., of more than 45°, such as about 90°) from travelling generally inwardly (e.g., downwardly) through the station conduit 218 into the station base 216 to travelling, e.g., generally horizontally through the station debris separator 238. During this directional change, dirt particles with higher momentum than the air may be separated (e.g., thrown) e.g., downwardly from the airflow toward a lower end of the docking station 214. Additional particulate matter (e.g., fine particulate matter not separated by momentum) may be separated from the airflow as the station airflow path 224 proceeds through the station debris separator 238 or a downstream station debris separator.

[0421] Optionally, the docking station 214 may include a dirt collection cup or bag (see e.g., FIG.

[0422] 7), which is removably supported within the docking station 214 at the lower end thereof (e.g., within the station base 216). The dirt collection cup or bag may be removed from the docking station 214 (e.g., through a door in the station base 216) for emptying and reuse. Alternatively, the dirt collection bag may be removed for disposal together with the collected dirt and debris therein and replaced with a new bag.

[0423] DETAILED DISCUSSION OF PARTICULAR FEATURES

[0424] The foregoing general description is intended to provide a basis for understanding several of the features that are discussed herein. It will be appreciated that any embodiment, such as the example embodiments described herein, may use any one or more of the features as described in the general description. Similarly, any embodiment may use any one or more of those features as described in greater detail in the following detailed discussion of particular configurations.

[0425] Energy Store Housing Axially Aligned with Suction Motor

[0426] A hand vacuum cleaner using any one or more aspects discussed herein, including one or more of the other aspects set out herein in the general description and / or the detailed discussion, may have an energy store housing that is axially aligned with the suction motor, e.g., in the direction of the hand vacuum axis 116. Optionally, in accordance with this aspect, at least one energy store in the energy store housing may be axially aligned with the suction motor. Optionally, in accordance with this aspect, at least one of theenergy store housing and the suction motor may be positioned at least partially under the air treatment chamber and / or an exterior dirt collection chamber. This may advantageously provide a more compact hand vacuum.

[0427] An energy store 134 may be axially aligned with the suction motor 128 such that an alignment axis 240 that extends parallel to the hand vacuum axis 116 intersects both the energy store 134 and the suction motor 128. If more than one energy store 134 is provided in the energy store housing 206, such as in one large battery pack, the alignment axis 240 may intersect the energy store housing 206 or, more particularly, one or more energy stores 134 within the energy store housing 206.

[0428] In some embodiments, such as those described in this section, the alignment axis 240 may be coaxial with the motor axis 196 of the suction motor 128. In such embodiments, at least one energy store 134 may be axially aligned with the suction motor 128 such that the alignment axis 240 intersects the energy store housing 206 (see e.g., FIG. 2, 10, 31, 107), one energy store 134 within the energy store housing 206 (see e.g., FIG. 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, 28, 37, 73), or more than one energy store 134 within the energy store housing 206.

[0429] The energy store 134 and the suction motor 128 may be positioned at the lower end of the hand vacuum 100. The energy store 134 and the suction motor 128 may be positioned an elevation below the lower end of the air treatment chamber 140 and / or the handle and / or an external dirt collection chamber 144. Accordingly, in such embodiments, the alignment axis 240 may pass below the lower end of the air treatment chamber 140. In embodiments wherein the air treatment assembly 120 includes an external dirt collection chamber 144 at least a portion of which is below the air treatment chamber 140, the alignment axis 240 may pass below the air treatment chamber 140 and through the dirt collection chamber 144. Additionally, the alignment axis 240 may further extend through the front openable portion 146, if present.

[0430] For example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 2, 10, 13, 16, 19, 28, 31, 73, and 107, the air treatment assembly 120 includes an external dirt collection chamber 144, and the alignment axis 240 passes below the air treatment chamber 140 and through the dirt collection chamber 144. As shown, the alignment axis 240 further extends through the front openable portion(s) 146, where present (see e.g. , FIG. 2, 10, 13, 19, 28, 31 , 73). In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 37, the air treatment assembly 120 includes an external dirt collection chamber 144, and the alignment axis 240 passes below the air treatmentchamber 140 and the dirt collection chamber 144. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG.

[0431] 22, 25, and 37, the air treatment assembly 120 does not include an external dirt collection chamber 144, and the alignment axis 240 passes below the air treatment chamber 140 only.

[0432] In embodiments wherein the air treatment assembly 120 includes an external dirt collection chamber 144 which is at least partially below the air treatment chamber 140, the rear end of the dirt collection chamber 144 may be at the forward end of the suction motor 128 or the energy store housing 206 (and the energy store(s) 134 therein). The rear end of the dirt collection chamber 144 may be facing the forward end of the suction motor 128 or the energy store housing 206 without any other operating component therebetween (e.g., adjacent to the forward end of the suction motor 128 or the energy store housing 206) or another operating component (e.g., a pre-moto filter) may be positioned between the rear end of the dirt collection chamber 144 and the forward end of the suction motor 128 or the energy store housing 206.

[0433] Alternately, or in addition, the suction motor 128 and / or the energy store housing 206 may be at least partially nested in the dirt collection chamber 144 and / or the air treatment chamber 140. In such embodiments, the dirt collection chamber 144 or the air treatment chamber 140 may be positioned on two or more sides of the nested suction motor 128 and / or the energy store housing 206. That is, depending on the location at which the suction motor 128 and / or energy store housing 206 extend into the dirt collection chamber 144, the dirt collection chamber 144 may be positioned around two or more of the forward end, a lateral side, an opposed lateral side, an upper side, and a lower side of the suction motor 128 and / or energy store housing 206.

[0434] For example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 2 and 10, the rear end of the dirt collection chamber 144 is at the forward end of the suction motor 128. In the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 13, 16, 19, 28, and 73, the rear end of the dirt collection chamber 144 is at the forward end of the energy store housing 206 and the energy store(s) 134 therein. Optionally, the energy store housing 206 and the suction motor 128 may be positioned an elevation below the lower end of the handle 136. If the energy store housing 206 and the suction motor 128 are positioned an elevation below the lower end of the handle 136, the alignment axis 240 may also pass below the lower end of the handle 136. Optionally, in such embodiments, the energy store housing 206 (and at least one energy store 134therein) and / or the suction motor 128 may be positioned at least partially under (underlying) the lower end of the handle 136.

[0435] For example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 2, 10, 13, 16, 22, 25, 28, 31, 37, 73, and 107, the energy store housing 206 and the suction motor 128 are positioned an elevation below the lower end of the handle 136 such that the alignment axis 240 passes below the lower end of the handle 136. In the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 31, 37, and 107, the energy store housing 206 is positioned at least partially under the lower end of the handle 136 such that the pistol grip axis 188 extends through the energy store housing 206 and one or more energy stores 134 therein. In the embodiments illustrated in FIG.

[0436] 13, 16, 25, and 28, the suction motor 128 is positioned at least partially under the lower end of the handle 136 such that the pistol grip axis 188 extends through the suction motor 128.

[0437] Additionally, in embodiments in which the hand vacuum 100 includes a return air inlet 236 which is connectable in airflow communication with the station air outlet 232 of a docking station 214, the alignment axis 240 may also extend through a return air path within the hand vacuum 100 from the return air inlet 236 to the suction motor 128. For example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 2 and 107, the alignment axis 240 extends through a return air path that extends from the return air inlet 236 to the suction motor 128.

[0438] In any embodiment wherein the suction motor 128 is axially aligned with the energy store housing 206, either component may be in front of the other. For example, in some embodiments, the suction motor 128 may be forward of the energy store housing 206. In such embodiments, the suction motor 128 may be positioned at any location previously discussed, such as at least partially, optionally fully, under the air treatment chamber 140. In embodiments wherein the suction motor 128 is positioned fully under the air treatment chamber 140, the energy store housing 206 may optionally be positioned at any location previously discussed, such as at least partially, optionally fully, under the air treatment chamber 140. In this way, at least one energy store 134 housed within the energy store housing 206 may optionally be positioned at least partially under the air treatment chamber 140.

[0439] Similarly, in some embodiments, the energy store housing 206 may be forward of the suction motor 128. In such embodiments, the energy store housing 206 may optionally be positioned at any location previously discussed, such as at least partially, optionally fully, under the air treatment chamber 140. In this way, at least one energy store 134housed within the energy store housing 206 may be positioned at least partially under the air treatment chamber 140. In embodiments wherein the energy store housing 206 is positioned fully under the air treatment chamber 140, the suction motor 128 may optionally be positioned at any location previously discussed, such as at least partially, optionally fully, under the air treatment chamber 140.

[0440] Alternatively, in some embodiments, both the energy store housing 206 and the suction motor 128 may be rearward of the air treatment chamber 140, regardless of which of the energy store housing 206 and the suction motor 128 is forward of the other.

[0441] For example, if the suction motor 128 is forward of the energy store housing 206, the suction motor 128 may be positioned partially under the air treatment chamber 140 and the energy store housing 206 may be rearward of the air treatment chamber 140 (see e.g., FIG. 2, 107). Alternatively, the suction motor 128 may be positioned fully under the air treatment chamber 140, and the energy store housing 206 may be rearward of the air treatment chamber 140 (see e.g., FIG. 37), partially under the air treatment chamber 140 (see e.g., FIG. 10), or fully under the air treatment chamber 140. If the energy store housing 206 is partially under the air treatment chamber 140, as shown in FIG. 10, at least one energy store 134 housed within the energy store housing 206 (shown as all energy stores 134) may be positioned at least partially under the air treatment chamber 140.

[0442] Similarly, as another example, if the energy store 134 is forward of the suction motor 128, the energy store housing 206 may be positioned partially under the air treatment chamber 140 and the suction motor 128 may be rearward of the air treatment chamber 140 (see e.g., FIG. 13, 16, 19, 25, 73). As shown, when the energy store housing 206 is partially under the air treatment chamber 140, one energy store 134, more than one energy store 134 (see e.g., FIG. 19), or all (see e.g., FIG. 13, 16, 25) energy stores 134 housed within the energy store housing 206 may be positioned at least partially under the air treatment chamber 140. Alternatively, the energy store housing 206 may be positioned fully under the air treatment chamber 140, and the suction motor 128 may be rearward of the air treatment chamber 140, partially under the air treatment chamber 140 (see e.g., FIG. 22), or fully under the air treatment chamber 140.

[0443] Alternatively, as another example, regardless of whether the energy store housing 206 is forward of the suction motor 128 (see e.g., FIG. 28) or the suction motor 128 is forwardof the energy store housing 206 (see e.g., FIG. 31), both the energy store housing 206 and the suction motor 128 may be rearward of the air treatment chamber 140.

[0444] In some embodiments, the airflow path 126 may travel forwardly from the pre-motor filter 130 to the suction motor 128. In such embodiments, the suction motor 128 may be positioned forward of the pre-motor filter 130 or, optionally, at least partially under the premotor filter 130. The energy store housing 206 may be positioned forward or rearward of the pre-motorfilter130or, optionally, at least partially, optionally fully, under the pre-motor filter 130. If the energy store housing 206 is partially under the pre-motor filter 130, at least one energy store 134 housed within the energy store housing 206 may be positioned at least partially under the pre-motor filter 130.

[0445] For example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 2 and 107, the suction motor 128 is partially under the pre-motor filter 130, the energy store 134 is rearward of the pre-motor filter 130, and the airflow path 126 includes a forwardly travelling portion between the premotor filter 130 and the suction motor 128. As another example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, the suction motor 128 is forward of the pre-motor filter 130, the energy store 134 is partially under the pre-motor filter 130, and the airflow path 126 includes a forwardly travelling portion between the pre-motor filter 130 and the suction motor 128 that passes through the energy store 134. If the energy store housing 206 is partially under the pre-motor filter 130, as shown in FIG. 10, at least one energy store 134 housed within the energy store housing 206 (shown as all energy stores 134) may be positioned at least partially under the pre-motor filter 130. As yet another example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 37, the suction motor 128 is forward of the pre-motor filter 130, the energy store housing 206 is rearward of the pre-motor filter 130, and the airflow path 126 includes a portion which travels forwardly from the pre-motor filter 130 to the suction motor 128. Optionally, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, if the suction motor 128 is forward of the pre-motor filter 130 and the energy store housing 206 is rearward of the pre-motor filter 130, the pre-motor filter 130 may be positioned between the suction motor 128 and the energy store 134 such that the alignment axis 240 also extends through the pre-motor filter 130.

[0446] In the illustrated embodiments, the alignment axis 240 is shown as coaxial with the motor axis 196 wherever possible for clarity of illustration. It will be appreciated that the alignment axis 240 and the motor axis 196 need not be coaxial and, with reference to a hand vacuum cleaner in the orientation of, e.g., FIG. 2, the alignment axis 240 may be atany other elevation between the upper and lower ends of the suction motor 128 and pass through the energy store housing 206 at any elevation between the upper and lower ends of the energy store housing 206.

[0447] It will also be appreciated that the position of the alignment axis 240 as shown in the figures and described herein may be representative of the alignment of the energy store housing 206 (and one or more energy stores 134 therein) and the suction motor 128 with some components, and an alternate position of the alignment axis 240 may be representative of the alignment of the energy store housing 206 (and one or more same or different energy stores 134 therein) and the suction motor 128 with one or more different or additional components.

[0448] Energy Store Housing Vertically Aligned with Suction Motor

[0449] A hand vacuum cleaner using any one or more aspects discussed herein, including one or more of the other aspects set out herein in the general description and / or the detailed discussion, may have an energy store housing that is vertically aligned with the suction motor. Optionally, in accordance with this aspect, at least one energy store in the energy store housing may be vertically aligned with the suction motor. Optionally, in accordance with this aspect, at least one of the energy store housing and the suction motor may be positioned at least partially under the handle. This may advantageously provide a more compact hand vacuum.

[0450] An energy store housing 206 may be vertically aligned with the suction motor 128 such that an alignment plane 242 that is transverse to the hand vacuum axis 116 intersects both the energy store housing 206 and the suction motor 128. The alignment plane 242 may intersect the energy store housing 206 (i.e. , the energy store generally) or, more particularly, one or more energy stores 134 within the energy store housing 206.

[0451] For example, in the orientation of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 2, the energy store housing 206 may be vertically above (see e.g., FIG. 46, 49, 61, 79, 84A), vertically below (see e.g., FIG. 43, 58, 64, 91 , 95, 98, 101 , 111 , 115, 119, 122), or laterally beside (see e.g., FIG. 40, 67, 76, 86A) the suction motor 128 such that the alignment plane 242 intersects the suction motor 128 and the energy store housing 206. As shown, the alignment plane 242 may intersect one energy store 134 within the energy store housing 206 (see e.g., FIG. 79, 91, 98, 101, 111, 115, 119, 122) or more than one energy store 134 within the energy store housing 206 (see e.g., FIG. 40, 43, 46, 49, 58, 61, 64, 67, 76, 84A, 86A, 95).The vertically aligned suction motor 128 and energy store housing 206 may be positioned adjacent (i.e. , vertically or laterally) to each other at the upper end 112 or the lower end 114 of the hand vacuum 100. For example, the suction motor 128 and energy store housing 206 may be positioned adjacent to each other at the upper end 112 of the hand vacuum 100 above (overlying) the handle 136 and / or forward of the handle 136. Conversely, the suction motor 128 and energy store housing 206 may be positioned adjacent to each other at the lower end 114 of the hand vacuum 100 below (underlying) the handle 136 and / or forward of the handle 136.

[0452] For example, the suction motor 128 and the energy store housing 206 may be positioned adjacent to each other below the lower end of a pistol grip handle 136 (see e.g., FIG. 49, 67, 86A, 95, 98) or adjacent to each other above the upper end of the pistol grip handle 136. In such embodiments, as shown, the alignment plane 242 also extends through the pistol grip handle 136. Alternatively, the suction motor 128 and the energy store housing 206 may be positioned adjacent to each other at a location forward of the pistol grip handle 136 (see e.g., FIG. 91). In other embodiments, the suction motor 128 and the energy store housing 206 may be positioned adjacent to each other below an underhand grip handle 136 (see e.g., FIG. 40, 43, 61, 64) such that, as shown, the alignment plane 242 also extends through the underhand grip portion 182.

[0453] Alternatively, the vertically aligned suction motor 128 and energy store housing 206 may be spaced apart (i.e., vertically or laterally) from one another. For example, the suction motor 128 may be positioned at the upper end 112 of the hand vacuum 100 above (overlying) the handle 136 and / or forward of the handle 136, or at the lower end 114 of the hand vacuum 100 below (underlying) the handle 136 and / or forward of the handle 136. In such embodiments, the energy store housing 206 may be vertically spaced from the suction motor 128, such as positioned at the opposed ends of the handle 136 or at the opposed ends of the hand vacuum 100 forward of the handle 136. Conversely, the energy store housing 206 may be positioned at the upper end 112 of the hand vacuum 100 above (overlying) the handle 136 and / or forward of the handle 136, or at the lower end 114 of the hand vacuum 100 below (underlying) the handle 136 and / or forward of the handle 136. In such embodiments, the suction motor 128 may be vertically spaced from the energy store housing 206, such as positioned at the opposed ends of the handle 136 or at the opposed ends of the hand vacuum 100 forward of the handle 136.For example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 46 and 79, the suction motor 128 and the energy store housing 206 are vertically spaced apart at opposed ends of the pistol grip handle 136. As shown, in such embodiments, the alignment plane 242 also extends through the pistol grip handle 136. As another example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 101, 111, 115, 119, and 122 the energy store housing 206 is positioned at the lower end of the hand vacuum 100 below the handle 136, and the suction motor 128 is positioned forward of the handle 136 and vertically spaced above the energy store housing 206. Similarly, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 58, the suction motor 128 is positioned at the upper end of the hand vacuum 100 above the handle 136 and the energy store housing 206 is positioned forward of the handle 136 in the finger guard 192. In such embodiments, as shown, the alignment plane 242 also extends through the main body 118 forward of the handle 136. As yet another example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 84A, the suction motor 128 and the energy store housing 206 are positioned forward of the handle 136 at opposed ends 112, 114 of the hand vacuum 100. In such embodiments, as shown, the alignment plane 242 also extends through the main body 118 forward of the handle 136.

[0454] Additionally, in some embodiments, the suction motor 128 may be positioned at least partially below one or more of the air treatment chamber 140, the pre-motor filter 130, and the handle 136. Alternatively, the energy store housing 206 may be positioned at least partially below one or more of the air treatment chamber 140, the pre-motor filter 130, and the handle 136. This may depend, for example, on the amount of overlap between the suction motor 128 and the energy store housing 206 in the direction of the hand vacuum axis 116. Such configurations may further compact the length of the hand vacuum 100 in the direction of the hand vacuum axis 116.

[0455] For example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 58 and 76, the energy store housing 206 is positioned partially under the pre-motor filter 130. Similarly, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 76 and 91 , the suction motor 128 is positioned partially under the premotorfilter 130. As another example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 76 and 84A, the suction motor 128 is positioned partially under the air treatment chamber 140. As another example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 95 and 98, the energy store housing 206 is positioned partially under the air treatment chamber 140 and partially under the handle 136.In embodiments wherein the air treatment assembly 120 includes an external dirt collection chamber 144, an alignment axis 240 that is parallel to the hand vacuum axis 116 may pass through the dirt collection chamber 144 and through one of the suction motor 128 and the energy store housing 206. If the alignment axis 240 extends through the energy store housing 206, it may also extend through one or more energy stores 134 therein. The alignment axis 240 may also pass through the air treatment chamber 140 if the dirt collection chamber 144 is at least partially forward of the air treatment chamber 140. Alternatively, the alignment axis 240 may also pass below the air treatment chamber 140 if the dirt collection chamber 144 is at least partially below the air treatment chamber 140. Additionally, the alignment axis 240 may further extend through the front openable portion 146, if present.

[0456] For example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 40, 43, 46, 49, 61, 67, and 95, the alignment axis 240 extends through the suction motor 128 and the dirt collection chamber 144 under the air treatment chamber 140. In the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 98, 111, 115, and 119, the alignment axis 240 extends through the suction motor 128 and the dirt collection chamber 144 through the air treatment chamber 140. Similarly, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 58, 64, 101, and 122, the alignment axis 240 extends through the energy store housing 206 and the dirt collection chamber 144 under the air treatment chamber 140. In the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 84A and 86A, the alignment axis 240 extends through the energy storage housing 206 and the dirt collection chamber 144 through the air treatment chamber 140. As shown, if the alignment axis 240 extends through the energy store housing 206, the alignment axis 240 may further extend through one energy store 134 (see e.g., FIG. 84A, 86A), more than one energy store 134 (see e.g., FIG. 58, 64, 122), or all energy stores 134 (see e.g., FIG. 101) within the energy store housing 206. As shown in FIG. 40, 43, 46, 49, 58, 61, 64, 84A, 86A, 95, and 122, the alignment axis 240 may further extend through the front openable portion(s) 146 of the air treatment assembly 120.

[0457] In embodiments in which the hand vacuum 100 includes a return air inlet 236 which is connectable in airflow communication with the station air outlet 232 of a docking station 214, the alignment axis 240 may also extend through a return air path within the hand vacuum 100 from the return air inlet 236 to the suction motor 128. For example, as shown in FIG. 84A, 86A, 95, 98, and 122 the alignment axis 240 extends through the return air path within the hand vacuum 100 between the return air inlet 236 and the suction motor 128.In the illustrated embodiments, the alignment axis 240 is shown as coaxial with the motor axis 196 or hand vacuum axis 116 wherever possible for clarity of illustration. It will be appreciated that the alignment axis 240 may be at any other position between the upper and lower ends 112, 114 of the hand vacuum 100 that is different from the motor axis 196 and hand vacuum axis 116 that is representative of the axial alignment of the various components described in this section (see e.g., FIG. 40, 58, 64, 122).

[0458] It will also be appreciated that the position of the alignment axis 240 as shown in the figures and described herein may be representative of the alignment of the suction motor 128 or the energy store housing 206 (and one or more energy stores 134 therein) with some components, and an alternate position of the alignment axis 240 may be representative of the alignment of the suction motor 128 or the energy store housing 206 (and one or more same or different energy stores 134 therein) with one or more different or additional components. Similarly, the alignment plane 242 may be at any other position between the forward and rearward ends of the suction motor 128 and energy store 134 that is representative of the vertical alignment of thereof.

[0459] Pre-Motor Filter Under Air T reatment Chamber

[0460] A hand vacuum cleaner using any one or more aspects discussed herein, including one or more of the other aspects set out herein in the general description and / or the detailed discussion, may have a pre-motor filter positioned at least partially under the air treatment chamber.

[0461] When the hand vacuum 100 is oriented with the dirty air inlet 122 at the upper end 112 of the hand vacuum 100 and the air inlet conduit 148 extending generally horizontally, the pre-motor filter 130 may be positioned at least partially, optionally fully, under the air treatment chamber 140. Accordingly, when the hand vacuum 100 is oriented in this way, the airflow path 126 may travel generally downwardly from the chamber air outlet 170 to the pre-motor filter 130.

[0462] For example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 34, 37, 40, 43, 46, 61, and 84A, the pre-motor filter 130 is positioned partially under the air treatment chamber 140. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 84A, the pre-motor filter 130 is partially forward of the air treatment chamber 140. Conversely, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 34, 37, 40, 43, 46, and 61, the pre-motor filter 130 is partially rearward of the air treatment chamber 140. As another example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 52 and 70, the pre-motor filter 130 is positioned fully under the air treatment chamber 140. As shown in theillustrated embodiments, when the hand vacuum 100 is oriented with the dirty air inlet 122 at the upper end 112 of the hand vacuum 100 and the air inlet conduit 148 extending generally horizontally, the airflow path 126 may exit the chamber air outlet(s) 170 and travel generally downwardly through the main body housing 138 to the pre-motor filter 130 (see e.g., FIG. 34, 37, 46, 70) or generally downwardly through an air outlet duct 239 to the pre-motor filter 130 (see e.g., FIG. 39-40, 42-43, 51-52, 60-61, 83-84A).

[0463] In embodiments wherein the air treatment assembly 120 includes an external dirt collection chamber 144 which is at least a partially below the air treatment chamber 140, the pre-motor filter 130 may be at least partially, optionally fully, nested in the dirt collection chamber 144. In such embodiments, the dirt collection chamber 144 may be positioned on two or more sides of the nested pre-motor filter 130. That is, depending on the location at which the pre-motor filter 130 extends into the dirt collection chamber 144, the dirt collection chamber 144 may be positioned around two or more of the forward end, a lateral side, an opposed lateral side, an upper side, and a lower side of the pre-motor filter 130. In other embodiments, the pre-motor filter 130 may be below the full air treatment assembly 120, such as embodiments without an external dirt collection chamber 144 or wherein the external dirt collection chamber 144 does not have a portion below the air treatment chamber 140.

[0464] For example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 37, 52, 70, and 84A, the pre-motor filter 130 is positioned at least partially under the air treatment assembly 120. That is, in the illustrated embodiments, the pre-motor filter 130 is positioned at least partially under the air treatment chamber 140 and at an elevation below the dirt collection chamber 144. As another example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 34 and 46, the pre-motor filter 130 is partially nested in the dirt collection chamber 144 at a position partially under the air treatment chamber 140. Similarly, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 40, 43, and 61 , the pre-motor filter 130 is fully nested in the dirt collection chamber 144 at a position partially under the air treatment chamber 140.

[0465] When the hand vacuum 100 is oriented with the dirty air inlet 122 at the upper end 112 of the hand vacuum 100 and the air inlet conduit 148 extending generally horizontally, the suction motor 128 may be positioned at the lower end 114 of the hand vacuum 100. In such embodiments, the suction motor 128 may be positioned forward of the pre-motor filter 130 or rearward of the pre-motor filter 130. In such embodiments, the suction motor 128 may be positioned such that an alignment axis 240 that is parallel to the hand vacuumaxis 116 and that extends through the pre-motor filter 130 also extends through the suction motor 128.

[0466] For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 37, the suction motor 128 is positioned forward of the pre-motor filter 130 such that the alignment axis 240 extending through the pre-motor filter 130 also extends through the suction motor 128. In this way, when the hand vacuum 100 is oriented with the dirty air inlet 122 at the upper end 112 of the hand vacuum 100 and the air inlet conduit 148 extending generally horizontally, the airflow path 126 may travel generally forwardly from the pre-motor filter 130 to the suction motor 128. As another example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 34, 40, 43, 46, 52, 61 , 70, and 84A, the suction motor 128 is positioned rearward of the pre-motor filter 130 such that the alignment axis 240 extending through the pre-motor filter 130 also extends through the suction motor 128. In this way, when the hand vacuum 100 is oriented with the dirty air inlet 122 at the upper end 112 of the hand vacuum 100 and the air inlet conduit 148 extending generally horizontally, the airflow path 126 may travel generally forwardly from the pre-motor filter 130 to the suction motor 128.

[0467] In the illustrated embodiments, the alignment axis 240 is shown as coaxial with the motor axis 196 wherever possible for clarity of illustration. It will be appreciated that the alignment axis 240 may be at any other position between the upper and lower ends of the suction motor 128 that is different from the motor axis 196 that is representative of the axial alignment of the suction motor 128 and pre-motor filter 130 (see e.g., FIG. 40). It will also be appreciated that the position of the alignment axis 240 as shown in the figures and described herein may be representative of the alignment of the pre-motor filter 130 with some components, and an alternate position of the alignment axis 240 may be representative of the alignment of the pre-motor filter 130 with one or more different or additional components.

[0468] Energy Store Housing Under Handle and Axially Aligned with Front Openable Portion A hand vacuum cleaner using any one or more aspects discussed herein, including one or more of the other aspects set out herein in the general description and / or the detailed discussion, may have an energy store housing that is at least partially under the handle and is axially aligned with the front openable portion. In accordance with this aspect, at least one energy store within the energy store housing may be at least partially under the handle.The energy store housing 206 may be positioned at the lower end of the hand vacuum 100 at any location rearward of the air treatment assembly 120. For example, the energy store housing 206 may be positioned at least partially in the lower rearwardly extending portion of the main body housing 138 (which could be referred to as a bridge portion). In such embodiments, when the hand vacuum 100 is oriented with the dirty air inlet 122 at the upper end 112 of the hand vacuum 100 and the air inlet conduit 148 extending generally horizontally, the energy store housing 206 may be positioned under the lower end of a pistol grip handle 136, under an underhand grip portion 182 of a multi-grip handle 136, or under an underhand grip handle 136. In embodiments where the energy store housing 206 is positioned under an underhand grip portion 182 of a multi-grip handle 136 or under an underhand grip handle 136, the lower rearwardly extending portion of the main body housing 138 may be spaced from the underhand grip portion 182 to provide a sufficient finger gap 194 for receiving a user’s fingers therebetween.

[0469] For example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 31, 49, 55, and 67, the energy store housing 206 is positioned at least partially in the lower rearwardly extending portion of the main body housing 138 under the lower end of the pistol grip portion 186 of handle 136. In the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 2, 40, 43, 61 , and 64, the energy store housing 206 is positioned at least partially in the lower rearwardly extending portion of the main body housing 138 under the underhand grip portion 182 of the multi-grip handle 136. When the energy store housing 206 is positioned at the lower end of the hand vacuum 100, an alignment axis 240 that is parallel to the hand vacuum axis 116 and that extends through the energy store housing 206 may also extend through the front openable portion 146 of the air treatment assembly 120. The alignment axis 240 may further extend through one or more energy stores 134 within the energy store housing 206. In some embodiments as described previously herein, the front end of the air treatment assembly 120 may have a first openable portion 146i forming an upper portion of the front end and a second openable portion 1462 forming a lower portion of the front end. In such embodiments, the alignment axis 240 may extend through one of the first and second openable portions 146 when in the closed position. The alignment axis 240 may also extend through the opening of the one of the first and second openable portions 146 wherein the emptying position. Alternatively, in some embodiments as described previously herein, the front end of the air treatment assembly 120 may have a first openable portion 146i forming a portion of the front end, and a second openable portion 1462 forming a portion of the first openable portion 146i. In such embodiments, thealignment axis 240 may extend through the first openable portion 146i (i.e. , above / below the second openable portion 1462) or the first and second openable portions 146 (i.e., through the second openable portion 1462 within the first openable portion 146i) when in the closed position. The alignment axis 240 may also extend through the opening of the first openable portion 146i when in the emptying position or the through the opening of the first and / or second openable portions 146, depending on which openable portion is in the emptying position.

[0470] For example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 31-32, 40-41, 43-44, 49-50, 55-56, 67-68, and 122-123, the air treatment assembly 120 has a single front openable portion 146, and the alignment axis 240 extends through the front openable portion 146 in the closed position (see e.g., FIG. 31, 40, 43, 49, 55, 67, 122). In the emptying position, the alignment axis 240 extends through the opening of the front openable portion 146 (see e.g., FIG. 32, 41, 44, 50, 56B, 68B).

[0471] As another example, in the embodiments shown in FIG. 2 and 64, the alignment axis 240 extends through the second openable portion 1462 in the closed position. The second openable portion 1462 forms part of the first openable portion 146i, and therefore the alignment axis 240 also extends through the first openable portion 146i in the closed position. As shown in FIG. 5A and 64A, the first and second openable portions 146 of FIG. 2 and 64, respectively, are in the emptying position, and the alignment axis 240 extends through the opening of the first and second openable portions 146. As shown in FIG. 5B and 64B, the second openable portion 1462 of FIG. 2 and 64, respectively, is in the emptying position, and the alignment axis 240 extends through the opening of the second openable portion 1462.

[0472] As another example, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 61 , the alignment axis 240 (shown as coaxial with the hand vacuum axis 116) extends through the first openable portion 146i in the closed position. The alignment axis 240 intersects the first openable portion 146i above the second openable portion 1462, which forms part of the first openable portion 146i . As shown in FIG. 62A, the first and second openable portions 146 are in the emptying position, and the alignment axis 240 extends through the opening of the first openable portions 146i. As shown in FIG. 62B, the second openable portion 1462 is in the emptying position, and the alignment axis 240 extends through the first openable portion 146i.In addition to the forgoing positioning of the housing 206 with respect to other components of the hand vacuum cleaner, in embodiments wherein the air treatment assembly 120 includes an external dirt collection chamber 144 which is at least partially below the air treatment chamber 140, the alignment axis 240 may also pass through the dirt collection chamber 144 under the air treatment chamber 140. Similarly, in addition to the forgoing positioning of the housing 206 with respect to other components of the hand vacuum cleaner, in other embodiments, the alignment axis 240 may also pass through the air treatment chamber 140 if the dirt collection chamber 144 is at least partially forward of the air treatment chamber 140 or if the air treatment assembly 120 does not include an external dirt collection chamber 144.

[0473] For example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 2, 31 , 40, 43, 49, 61, 64, 67, and 122, the alignment axis 240 also extends through the dirt collection chamber 144 below the air treatment chamber 140. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 55, the alignment axis 240 also extends through the air treatment chamber 140 and the dirt collection chamber 144 forward of the air treatment chamber 140.

[0474] In the illustrated embodiments, the alignment axis 240 is shown as coaxial with the motor axis 196 or hand vacuum axis 116 wherever possible for clarity of illustration. It will be appreciated that the alignment axis 240 may be at any other position between the upper and lower ends of the energy store housing 206, which does not align with the motor axis 196 and hand vacuum axis 116, which is representative of the axial alignment of the energy store housing 206 and the various components discussed in this section (see e.g., FIG. 40, 43, 64). It will also be appreciated that the position of the alignment axis 240 as shown in the figures and described herein may be representative of the alignment of the energy store housing 206 (and one or more energy stores 134 therein) with some components, and an alternate position of the alignment axis 240 may be representative of the alignment of the energy store housing 206 (and one or more same or different energy stores 134 therein) with one or more different or additional components.

[0475] Front Openable Portion Opens Dirt Collection Chamber

[0476] A hand vacuum cleaner using any one or more aspects discussed herein, including one or more of the other aspects set out herein in the general description and / or the detailed discussion, may have a dirt collection chamber that is exterior to the air treatment chamber and a front openable portion that opens the dirt collection chamber.The front end of the air treatment assembly 120 includes a front wall. In some embodiments, in which the air treatment assembly 120 includes a dirt collection chamber 144 that is forward of the air treatment chamber 140 or a portion of which is forward of the air treatment chamber 140, the front wall may be the collection chamber sidewall 178 at the front end of the dirt collection chamber 144. In some embodiments, in which the air treatment assembly 120 includes a dirt collection chamber 144 that is below the air treatment chamber 140, the front wall may be the collection chamber sidewall 178 at the front end of the dirt collection chamber 144. In some embodiments, in which the air treatment assembly 120 includes a dirt collection chamber 144 that is below the air treatment chamber 140, the front wall may also be an end wall 162 or front portion of the sidewall 166 of the air treatment chamber 140.

[0477] For example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 2, 10, 13, 46, 58, 64, and 73, the dirt collection chamber 144 is both forward of and below the air treatment chamber 140 and the front wall of the air treatment assembly 120 is the collection chamber sidewall 178 at the front end of the dirt collection chamber 144. Similarly, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 37, 55, 70, 84A, and 86A, the dirt collection chamber 144 is forward of the air treatment chamber 140 and the front wall of the air treatment assembly 120 is the collection chamber sidewall 178 at the front end of the dirt collection chamber 144.

[0478] As another example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19, 28, 31, 40, 43, 49, 52, 61, 82A, and 96A, the dirt collection chamber 144 is below the air treatment chamber 140 and the front wall of the air treatment assembly 120 is the collection chamber sidewall 178 at the front end of the dirt collection chamber 144. As exemplified in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 34, 67, and 122, the dirt collection chamber 144 is below the air treatment chamber 140 and the front wall of the air treatment assembly 120 is the collection chamber sidewall 178 at the front end of the dirt collection chamber 144 and the first end wall 1621 of the air treatment chamber 140 (see e.g., FIG. 34, 122) or the collection chamber sidewall 166 at the front end of the air treatment chamber 140 (see e.g., FIG. 67).

[0479] At least a portion of the front wall of the air treatment assembly 120 may be moveable to open the dirt collection chamber 144 and / or the air treatment chamber 140 for emptying. The moveable portion of the front wall may also be referred to as the front openable portion 146 or a front openable door. As described previously herein, the front wall of the air treatment assembly 120 may include one front openable portion 146 forming a portionof the front wall, a first front openable portion (door) 146i and a second front openable portion (door) 1462 each forming a different portion of the front wall, or a first front openable portion 146i forming a portion of the front wall and a second front openable portion 1462 forming a portion of the first front openable portion 146i. It will be appreciated that the front openable portion 146i , 1462 may consist only of part or all of the wall. In embodiments having a single front openable portion 146, the front openable portion 146 may optionally form the full front wall of the air treatment assembly 120. Similarly, in embodiments having a first front openable portion 146i a second front openable portion 1462 forming a portion of the first front openable portion 146i , the first front openable portion 146i may optionally form the full front wall of the air treatment assembly 120. In embodiments having first and second openable portions 146 each forming a portion of the front wall, the first and second openable portions 146 may optionally together form the full front wall of the air treatment assembly 120.

[0480] Alternatively, at least a portion of the front wall of the air treatment assembly 120 may be a stationary portion 244 that remains in position when each front openable portion 146 moves between the closed and emptying positions. Accordingly, in embodiments having a single front openable portion 146, a first front openable portion 146i and a second front openable portion 1462 forming a portion of the first front openable portion 146i , or first and second openable portions 146 each forming a portion of the front wall, the openable portion(s) 146 may form only part of the front wall of the air treatment assembly 120 and the stationary portion 244 may form a remainder of the front wall.

[0481] For example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 29, 32, 41 , 44, 47, 50, 53, 56, 68, 71 , 77, 84, 86, 96, and 121, the air treatment assembly 120 includes a single front openable portion 146. As shown in FIG. 29, 32, 50, 53, 56B, 68B, 96B, and 121 , the front openable portion 146 forms part of the front wall, and the air treatment assembly 120 includes a stationary portion 244 forming a remainder of the front wall. As shown in FIG. 38, 41 , 44, 47, 71 A, 77, 84B, and 86B, the front openable portion 146 forms all of the front wall. As another example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 59 and 82, the air treatment assembly 120 includes a first openable portion 146i and a separate second openable portion 1462 (shown as upper and lower openable portions). As shown in FIG. 82B, the first and second openable portions 146 each form part of the front wall, and the air treatment assembly 120 includes a stationary portion 244 forming a remainder of the frontwall. As shown in FIG. 59B, the first and second openable portions 146 together form the full front wall.

[0482] As yet another example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 5, 8, 11, 14, 20, 35, 62, 65, and 74, the air treatment assembly 120 includes a first front openable portion 146i and a second front openable portion 1462 forming a portion of the first front openable portion 146i . As shown in FIG. 20A, the first front openable portion 146i forms part of the front wall and the air treatment assembly 120 includes a stationary portion 244 forming a remainder of the front wall. As shown in FIG. 5A, 8A, 11 A, 14A, 35A, 62A, 65A, and 74A, the first front openable portion 146i forms the full front wall and the air treatment assembly 120.

[0483] If the air treatment assembly 120 includes a single front openable portion 146, the front openable portion 146 may be operable to open the air treatment chamber 140, the dirt collection chamber 144, or both. That is, if the front wall of the air treatment assembly 120 forms the dirt chamber sidewall 178 at the front end of the dirt collection chamber 144, the front openable portion 146 may be operable to open the dirt collection chamber 144. Similarly, if the front wall of the air treatment assembly 120 forms the end wall 162 or treatment chamber sidewall 166 at the front end of the air treatment chamber 140, the front openable portion 146 may be operable to open the air treatment chamber 140. Alternatively, if the front wall of the air treatment assembly 120 does not form the end wall 162 or treatment chamber sidewall 166 at the front end of the air treatment chamber 140, the front openable portion 146 may nonetheless be operable to open the air treatment chamber 140 via the moveable portion 180 of the air treatment chamber 140. As described previously herein, the moveable portion 180 may be operatively (e.g., rigidly, drivingly, drivenly, etc.) connected to the front openable portion 146 of the air treatment assembly 120 such that, when the front openable portion 146 moves from the closed position to the emptying position, the moveable portion 180 may concurrently move (e.g., physically drawn or mechanically driven) from the closed position to the emptying position.

[0484] If the air treatment assembly 120 includes first and second front openable portions 146, the first front openable portion 146i may be operable to open the air treatment chamber 140, the dirt collection chamber 144, or both, and the second front openable portion 1462 may be operable to open the air treatment chamber 140, the dirt collection chamber 144, or both. As described previously herein, the first and second front openable portions 146may be operable to open the same chamber(s) 140, 144 of the air treatment assembly 120, different chamber(s) 140, 144 of the air treatment assembly 120, or at least one common chamber 140, 144 of the air treatment assembly 120. That is, if the front wall of the air treatment assembly 120 forms the dirt chamber sidewall 178 at the front end of the dirt collection chamber 144, at least one front openable portion 146 may be operable to open the dirt collection chamber 144. Similarly, if the front wall of the air treatment assembly 120 forms the end wall 162 or treatment chamber sidewall 166 at the front end of the air treatment chamber 140, at least one front openable portion 146 may be operable to open the air treatment chamber 140. Alternatively, if the front wall of the air treatment assembly 120 does not form the end wall 162 or treatment chamber sidewall 166 at the front end of the air treatment chamber 140, one of the front openable portions 146 may nonetheless be operable to open the air treatment chamber 140 via the moveable portion 180 of the air treatment chamber 140. In this way, when the one of the front openable portions 146 moves from the closed position to the emptying position, the moveable portion 180 may concurrently move (e.g., be physically drawn or mechanically or electrically driven) from the closed position to the emptying position.

[0485] For example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 29, 32, 38, 41, 44, 47, 50, 53, 77, 84B, 86B, and 96B, the air treatment assembly 120 includes a single front openable portion 146 that forms at least part of the dirt chamber sidewall 178 at the front end of the dirt collection chamber 144. As exemplified, the front openable portion 146 is operable to directly open the dirt collection chamber 144. In the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 38, 77, 84B, and 86B, the dirt collection chamber 144 is forward of the air treatment chamber 140. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 47, the dirt collection chamber 144 is both forward of and below the air treatment chamber 140. In the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 29, 32, 41, 44, 50, 53, and 96B, the dirt collection chamber 144 is below the air treatment chamber 140. As exemplified in each of the illustrated embodiments, whether the dirt collection chamber 144 is forward of, below, or both forward of and below the air treatment chamber 140, the front openable portion 146 may be operatively connected to a moveable portion 180 of the air treatment chamber 140 such that it is also operable to open the air treatment chamber 140. Alternatively, as exemplified in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 56, 68, and 71, the front openable portion 146 may open the dirt collection chamber 144 only and may not be operatively connected to a moveable portion 180 of the air treatment chamber 140.As another example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 59 and 82, the air treatment assembly 120 includes two front openable portions 146 that each form at least part of the dirt chamber sidewall 178 at the front end of the dirt collection chamber 144. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 59, both of the first and second front openable portions 146 are operable to directly open the dirt collection chamber 144. The first front openable portion 146i is operable to directly open the portion of the dirt collection chamber 144 that is forward of the air treatment chamber 140 (see e.g., FIG. 59A), and the second front openable portion 1462 is operable to directly open the portion of the dirt collection chamber 144 that is below of the air treatment chamber 140 (see e.g., FIG. 59B). In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 82, only the second front openable portion 1462 is operable to directly open the dirt collection chamber 144 below the air treatment chamber 140 (see e.g., FIG. 82B). As exemplified in the illustrated embodiments, one of the front openable portions 146 (shown as the first front openable portion 146i) may be operatively connected to a moveable portion 180 of the air treatment chamber 140 such that it is operable to open the air treatment chamber 140. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 59, the first front openable portion 146i is thus operable to open both the dirt collection chamber 144 and the air treatment chamber 140. However, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 82, the first front openable portion 146i is operable to open the air treatment chamber 140 only. In such embodiments, as exemplified, the outer wall of the moveable portion 180 may be planar such that is seals the opening of the first openable portion 1461 when in the emptying position. In such embodiments, the air treatment chamber 140 and the dirt collection chamber 144 may both empty through the opening of the second front openable portion 1462 only. This smaller opening, when emptied using a docking station, may advantageously increase the suction force and thereby improve emptying efficiency.

[0486] As another example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 5, 8, 11, 14, 20, 35, 62, 65, and 74, the air treatment assembly 120 includes two front openable portions 146, where the first front openable portion 146i forms at least part of the dirt chamber sidewall 178 at the front end of the dirt collection chamber 144 and the second front openable portion 1462 forms a portion of the first front openable portion 146i. As shown, the first front openable portion 146i is operable to open both the dirt collection chamber 144 and the air treatment chamber 140. The second front openable portion 1462 is operable to open the dirt collection chamber 144 only. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 35, the first front openable portion 146i also forms the first end wall 162i of the air treatment chamber140 such that it is operable to directly open the air treatment chamber 140 and the dirt collection chamber 144 below the air treatment chamber 144 (see e.g., FIG. 35A). In the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 5, 8, 11, 14, 20, 62, 65, and 74, the first front openable portion 146i is operatively connected to a moveable portion 180 of the air treatment chamber 140 such that it is operable to open the air treatment chamber 140 and directly open the dirt collection chamber 144 below (see e.g., FIG. 20A, 62A) or forward of and below (see e.g., FIG. 5A, 8A, 11 A, 14A, 65A, and 74A) the air treatment chamber 140. In some embodiments, in which one openable portion 146 opens the dirt collection chamber 144 only, that openable portion 146 may be below air treatment chamber 140. That is, when the hand vacuum 100 is oriented with the dirty air inlet 122 at the upper end 112 of the hand vacuum 100 and the inlet conduit 148 extending generally horizontally, the front openable portion 146 may extend downwardly from a location at or below the lower end of the air treatment chamber 140. In this way, the openable portion 146 that is below air treatment chamber 140 may open only the dirt collection chamber 144, or the portion thereof, that is below air treatment chamber 140.

[0487] For example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 20, 35, and 82 in which the dirt collection chamber 144 is below the air treatment chamber 140, when the hand vacuum 100 is oriented with the dirty air inlet 122 at the upper end 112 of the hand vacuum 100 and the inlet conduit 148 extending generally horizontally, the second openable portion 1462 extends downwardly from a location within the first openable portion 146i at about the elevation of the lower end of the air treatment chamber 140 (see e.g. , FIG. 20B, 35B, 82B). As another example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 5, 8, 11, 14, 59, 65, and 74 in which the dirt collection chamber 144 is forward of and below the air treatment chamber 140, when the hand vacuum 100 is oriented with the dirty air inlet 122 at the upper end 112 of the hand vacuum 100 and the inlet conduit 148 extending generally horizontally, the second openable portion 1462 extends downwardly from a location within the first openable portion 146i (see e.g., FIG. 5B, 8B, 11 B, 14B, 65B, 74B) or below the first openable portion 146i (see e.g., FIG. 59B) at about the elevation of the lower end of the air treatment chamber 140.

[0488] Similar to as described previously herein, an alignment axis 240 that is parallel to the hand vacuum axis 116 and that extends through the opening which is closed by at least the second front openable portion 1462 may also extend through at least one of the suction motor 128 and the energy store housing 206 (and one or more energy stores 134therein). In some embodiments, the alignment axis 240 may extend through the opening which is closed by the second front openable portion 1462 and not of the first front openable portion 146i. In some embodiments, the alignment axis 240 may extend through the opening which is closed by both the first and second front openable portions 146. In some embodiments, there may be only one front openable portion 146, and the alignment axis 240 may extend through the opening which is closed by the one front openable portion 146. In any such embodiments, the alignment axis 240 may also extend through the suction motor 128, the energy store housing 206, or both.

[0489] For example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 5, 8, 11, 14, 20, 62, 65, and 74, the alignment axis 240 extends through the opening which is closed by the first front openable portion 146i (see e.g., FIG. 5A, 8A, 11 A, 14A, 20A, 62A, 65A, 74A) and by the second front openable portion 1462 (see e.g., FIG. 5B, 8B, 11 B, 14B, 20B, 62B, 65B, 74B). As exemplified, the alignment axis 240 may also extend through the suction motor 128 only (see e.g., FIG. 62B, bottom alignment axis), the energy store housing 206 only (see e.g., FIG. 62B, middle alignment axis, 65B), or both the suction motor 128 and the energy store housing 206 (see e.g., FIG. 5B, 8B, 11 B, 14B, 20B, 74B).

[0490] As another example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 59 and 82, the alignment axis 240 extends through the opening which is closed by the second front openable portion 1462 only (see e.g., FIG. 59B, 82B). As exemplified, the alignment axis 240 may also extend through the suction motor 128 only (see e.g., FIG. 82B), the energy store housing 206 only (see e.g., FIG. 59B, 82B), or both the suction motor 128 and the energy store housing 206.

[0491] As yet another example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 29, 32, 41 , 44, 47, 50, 53, 56B, 68B, 71A, 77, 84B, 86B, 96B, and 122, the alignment axis 240 extends through the opening which is closed by the sole front openable portion 146 in the emptying position. As exemplified, the alignment axis 240 may also extend through the suction motor 128 only (see e.g., FIG. 41, 44, 47, 50, 68B, 86B, 96B), the energy store housing 206 only (see e.g., FIG. 41, 44, 50, 68B, 71 A, 84B, 86B, 122), or both the suction motor 128 and the energy store housing 206 (see e.g., FIG. 29, 32, 53, 56B).

[0492] In the illustrated embodiments, the alignment axis 240 is shown as coaxial with the motor axis 196 and hand vacuum axis 116 wherever possible for clarity of illustration. Additionally, for clarity of illustration, a single alignment axis 240 may be referenced as representative of the alignment of, for example, the suction motor 128 and the frontopenable portion 146 as well as the energy store housing 206 and the front openable portion 146, despite the suction motor 128 and energy store housing 206 being laterally spaced apart. It will be appreciated that the alignment axis 240 may be at any other position between the upper and lower ends of the opening which is closed by the second front openable portion 1462 and which is different from the motor axis 196, hand vacuum axis 116, or the illustrated placement of the alignment axis 240 that is representative of the axial alignment of the second front openable portion 1462 and the various components discussed in this section.

[0493] It will be appreciated that some of the principles and relationships described in this section may be similarly applicable to the lower openable portion(s) of the air treatment assembly 120. The corresponding description detailing such principles and relationships with respect to the lower openable portion(s) have been omitted for brevity.

[0494] Energy Store Housing Under Air Treatment Chamber

[0495] A hand vacuum cleaner using any one or more aspects discussed herein, including one or more of the other aspects set out herein in the general description and / or the detailed discussion, may have an energy store housing that is at least partially under the air treatment chamber. In accordance with this aspect, at least one energy store within the energy store housing may be at least partially under the air treatment chamber. Optionally, in accordance with this aspect, the energy store housing may also be positioned at a rear end of the dirt collection chamber.

[0496] When the hand vacuum 100 is oriented with the dirty air inlet 122 at the upper end 112 of the hand vacuum 100 and the air inlet conduit 148 extending generally horizontally, the energy store housing 206 may be positioned at least partially, optionally fully, under the air treatment chamber 140. In such embodiments, at least one energy store 134 within the energy store housing 206 may therefore be at least partially under the air treatment chamber 140. Accordingly, in such embodiments, an alignment plane 242 that is transverse to the hand vacuum axis 116 that extends through the energy store housing 206 (and optionally at least one energy store 134 therein) may also extend through the air treatment chamber 140. In embodiments wherein the air treatment assembly 120 includes an external dirt collection chamber 144, the energy store housing 206 may also be positioned at least partially, optionally fully, under the dirt collection chamber 144. In this way, the energy store housing 206 may be at least partially, optionally fully, under the air treatment assembly 120. In such embodiments, at least one energy store 134 withinthe energy store housing 206 may therefore be at least partially under the dirt collection chamber 144. Optionally, in some embodiments, the alignment plane 242 may also extend through the dirt collection chamber 144 between the energy store housing 206 (and optionally at least one energy store 134 therein) and the air treatment chamber 140. For example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 10, 13, 16, 19, 73, and 98, the energy store housing 206 is partially under the air treatment chamber 140. As shown, the alignment axis 242 that extends through the energy store housing 206 and at least one energy store 134 therein also extends through the air treatment chamber 140. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22, the energy store housing 206 is fully under the air treatment chamber 140. As shown, the alignment axis 242 that extends through the energy store housing 206 and at least one energy store 134 therein also extends through the air treatment chamber 140.

[0497] As another example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 25, the energy store housing 206 is partially under the air treatment chamber 140 and partially under the dirt collection chamber 144 rearward of the air treatment chamber 140. As shown, the alignment axis 242 that extends through the energy store housing 206 and at least one energy store 134 therein also extends through the air treatment chamber 140 forward of the dirt collection chamber 144. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 95, the energy store housing 206 is partially under the air treatment chamber 140 and partially under the dirt collection chamber 144 below the air treatment chamber 140. As shown, the alignment axis 242 that extends through the energy store housing 206 and at least one energy store 134 therein also extends through the air treatment chamber 140 and dirt collection chamber 144.

[0498] In embodiments wherein the air treatment assembly 120 includes an external dirt collection chamber 144 at least a portion of which is below the air treatment chamber 140, the rear end of the dirt collection chamber 144 may be at the forward end of the energy store housing 206. Optionally, the energy store housing 206 may be at least partially nested in the dirt collection chamber 144 such that the dirt collection chamber 144 may be positioned on two or more sides of the energy store 134 as described previously herein. For example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 13, 16, 19, and 73, the energy store housing 206 is partially under the air treatment chamber 140 and the forward end of the energy store housing 206 is at the rear end of the dirt collection chamber 144.In some embodiments, when the hand vacuum 100 is oriented with the dirty air inlet 122 at the upper end 112 of the hand vacuum 100 and the air inlet conduit 148 extending generally horizontally, the energy store housing 206 may also be positioned at least partially, optionally fully, under the pre-motor filter 130. In such embodiments, at least one energy store 134 within the energy store housing 206 may therefore be at least partially under the pre-motor filter 130. In this way, the energy store housing 206 may be at least partially, optionally fully, under the air treatment chamber 140 and the pre-motor filter 130. In such embodiments, the same energy store(s) 134, different energy stores 134, or some same and some different energy stores 134 within the energy store housing 206 may therefore be at least partially under the pre-motor filter 130 and the air treatment chamber 140. Optionally, in some embodiments, the alignment plane 242 may also extend through the pre-motor filter 130 between the energy store housing 206 (and optionally at least one energy store 134 therein) and the air treatment chamber 140.

[0499] For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 10, 13, 16, 19, 25, 73, 95, and 98, the energy store housing 206 is partially under the air treatment chamber 140 and partially under the pre-motor filter 130 rearward of the air treatment chamber 140 such that the alignment axis 242 that extends through the energy store housing 206 and at least one energy store 134 therein also extends through the air treatment chamber 140 forward of the pre-motor filter 130. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22, the energy store housing 206 is fully under the air treatment chamber 140 and the pre-motor filter 130 above the air treatment chamber 140 such that the alignment axis 242 that extends through the energy store housing 206 and at least one energy store 134 therein also extends through the air treatment chamber 140 and pre-motor filter 130.

[0500] When the hand vacuum 100 is oriented with the dirty air inlet 122 at the upper end 112 of the hand vacuum 100 and the air inlet conduit 148 extending generally horizontally, the energy store housing 206 may be positioned at least partially, optionally fully, forward of the suction motor 128. In such embodiments, the suction motor 128 may be positioned in the main body housing 138 and / or a rearwardly extending portion thereof. The suction motor 128 may be at a location that is rearward of some or all of the energy store housing 206 and some or all of the energy stores 134 therein.

[0501] For example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 95, the energy store housing 206 is positioned partially forward of the suction motor 128, which is positioned in the lower rearwardly extending portion of the main body housing 138. In the embodimentsillustrated in FIG. 13, 16, 25, and 73, the energy store housing 206 is positioned fully forward of the suction motor 128, which is positioned in the lower rearwardly extending portion of the main body housing 138 and, in FIG. 19 and 22, in the main body housing 138.

[0502] In some embodiments, where the energy store housing 206 is positioned at least partially forward of the suction motor 128 which is positioned at least partially in a rearwardly extending portion of the main body housing 138, an end of the handle 136 may be provided on or connected to the rearwardly extending portion of the main body housing 138. In this way, another alignment plane 242 that is transverse to the hand vacuum axis 116 and that extends through the finger gap 194 may also extend through at least one of the suction motor 128 and the energy store housing 206 (and optionally at least one energy store 134 therein).

[0503] For example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 13, 16, 19, 22, 25, and 73, in which the energy store housing 206 is fully forward of the suction motor 128, the alignment plane 242 extends through the finger gap 194 and the suction motor 128 in the lower rearwardly extending housing section. As another example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG.

[0504] 95 and 98, in which the energy store housing 206 is partially forward of the suction motor 128, the alignment plane 242 extends through the finger gap 194, the suction motor 128 in the lower rearwardly extending housing section, and the energy store housing 206 and at least one energy store 134 therein.

[0505] Airflow Path Through Handle

[0506] A hand vacuum cleaner using any one or more aspects discussed herein, including one or more of the other aspects set out herein in the general description and / or the detailed discussion, may have a portion of the airflow path pass through the handle to or from the suction motor. Optionally, in accordance with this aspect, the suction motor may be at the lower end of the handle.

[0507] After exiting the chamber air outlet(s) 170 of the air treatment chamber 140, the airflow path 126 may continue to the suction motor 128 through any intervening components of the hand vacuum 100 that are upstream of the suction motor 128. After passing through the suction motor 128, the airflow path 126 may continue to the clean air outlet 124 through any intervening components of the hand vacuum 100 that are downstream of the suction motor 128. In some embodiments, one of the intervening components that is upstream or downstream of the suction motor 128 may be the handle 136. Accordingly,in such embodiments, the airflow path 126 may pass through part or all of a handle (e.g., one or more of the underhand grip portion 182, the pistol grip portion 186, the lower housing section 190, and the finger guard 192 of the handle 136). This may depend, for example, on the type of handle 136 and how it is connected to the main body 118. This may also depend, for example, on the location of the suction motor 128 relative to the handle 136 (i.e. , upstream, downstream, or within or portion thereof). The portions of the handle 136 through which the airflow path 126 passes may be hollow or may have an airflow conduit formed therein.

[0508] For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22, the airflow path 126 downstream of the air treatment assembly 120 passes through the pistol grip portion 186 of the pistol grip handle 136. The airflow path 126 travels from the upper end of the pistol grip portion 186 to the suction motor 128 below the lower end of the pistol grip portion 186. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 76, the airflow path 126 downstream of the air treatment assembly 120 passes through the underhand grip portion 182, the pistol grip portion 186, and a lower portion of the multi-grip handle 136. The airflow path 126 travels from the forward end of the underhand grip portion 182 to the suction motor 128 forward of the forward end of the lower portion of the handle 136.

[0509] As another example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 79, the suction motor 128 is provided in the lower housing section 190 of the handle 136. In this way, the airflow path 126 downstream of the air treatment assembly 120 passes through the fingerguard 192 of the handle 136 upstream of the suction motor 128 and subsequently through the lower housing section 190 downstream of the suction motor 128. The airflow path 126 travels from the upper end of the finger guard 192 to the suction motor 128 at the lower end of the finger guard 192. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 91, the suction motor 128 is provided in the finger guard 192 of the handle 136. In this way, the airflow path 126 downstream of the air treatment assembly 120 passes through the finger guard 192 upstream of the suction motor 128 and subsequently through the finger guard 192 downstream of the suction motor 128. As exemplified, the finger guard 192 has an airflow conduit formed therein for the portion of the airflow path 126 that is downstream of the suction motor 128.

[0510] When the hand vacuum 100 is oriented with the dirty air inlet 122 at the upper end 112 of the hand vacuum 100 and the air inlet conduit 148 extending generally horizontally, the airflow path 126 may travel generally forwardly, rearwardly, upwardly, downwardly, or anyother direction to an inlet of the suction motor 128. The inlet of the suction motor 128 may be generally rearwardly facing, forwardly facing, downwardly facing, or upwardly facing, which facing direction may influence the direction of travel of the airflow path 126.

[0511] For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 22, the inlet of the suction motor 128 is generally rearwardly facing such that the airflow path 126 travels generally forwardly through the lower rearwardly extending portion of the main body housing 138 to the suction motor 128 therein. Similarly, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 76, the inlet of the suction motor 128 is generally rearwardly facing such that the airflow path 126 travels generally forwardly from the lower portion of the handle 136 to the suction motor 128 in the main body housing 138. As another example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG.

[0512] 79, the inlet of the suction motor 128 is generally forwardly facing such that the airflow path 126 travels generally rearwardly from the finger guard 192 to the suction motor 128 in the lower housing section 190. As another example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 91, the inlet of the suction motor 128 is generally upwardly facing such that the airflow path 126 travels generally downwardly through the fingerguard 192 to the suction motor 128 therein.

[0513] The suction motor 128 generating the airflow path 126 through the handle 136 may be at any position described herein relative to the remaining components of the hand vacuum 100. For example, the suction motor 128 may be at any position described herein relative to the air treatment assembly 120, such as at least partially under the air treatment chamber 140 (see e.g., FIG. 22, 76) and / or the dirt collection chamber 144. Similarly, the suction motor 128 may be at any position described herein relative to the pre-motor filter 130, such as at least partially under the pre-motor filter 130 (see e.g., FIG. 22, 76, 91) and the energy store housing 206. Additionally, the suction motor 128 may be at any position described herein relative to the energy store housing 206 (and optionally one or more energy stores 134 therein), such as axially aligned (see e.g., FIG. 22), laterally aligned (see e.g., FIG. 76), or vertically aligned (see e.g., FIG. 79, 91).

[0514] Return Airflow Path at Lower End of Hand Vacuum

[0515] A hand vacuum cleaner using any one or more aspects discussed herein, including one or more of the other aspects set out herein in the general description and / or the detailed discussion, may have a return airflow path from a return air inlet at the lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner to the suction motor. The return airflow path may enable the suctionmotor to provide airflow for a docking station when the hand vacuum cleaner is docked to the docking station.

[0516] The hand vacuum 100 may have a return air inlet 236. The return air inlet 236 may be provided at any location on the hand vacuum 100 suitable for establishing airflow communication with station air outlet 232 of a docking station 214 when the hand vacuum 100 is docked to the docking station 214. For example, the return air inlet 236 may be provided at the lower end 114 at any location between the front end 108 and the rear end 110 of the hand vacuum 100.

[0517] For example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 82B, 84B, 86B, 89A, 96B, 99B, 102B, 105B, 108B, 112B, 116B, 120B, and 123B, the return air inlet 236 is provided at the lower end 114 of the hand vacuum 100. As shown, the return air inlet 236 may be a port extending through the main body housing 138 (see e.g., FIG. 84B, 89A, 96B, 102B, 108B, 112B, 116B) or interior to the main body housing (see e.g., FIG. 82B, 86B, 99B, 105B, 120B, 123B). In the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 92B and 93B, the return air inlet 236 is provided at the lower end 114 of the hand vacuum 100 as a port extending through the fingerguard 192 of the handle 136.

[0518] The hand vacuum 100 may further have a return airflow path 246 extending from the return air inlet 236 to the clean air outlet 124 of the hand vacuum 100. The suction motor 128 may be positioned in the return airflow path 246 between the return air inlet 236 and the clean air outlet 124. Accordingly, the suction motor 128 may be operable to generate suction along the return airflow path 246. Further, when the hand vacuum 100 is docked to the docking station 214 such that the station air outlet 232 is in fluid communication with the return air inlet 236, the suction motor 128 may be operable to generate suction along the return airflow path 246 and the station airflow path 224 (described previously herein) to draw the contents of the air treatment chamber 140 and / or dirt collection chamber 144 of the hand vacuum 100 into the docking station 214.

[0519] If the return air inlet 236 is provided at the lower end 114 of the hand vacuum 100, the return airflow path 246 extending from the return air inlet 236 may therefore be provided at least partially along the lower end 114 of the hand vacuum 100. The suction motor 128 may similarly be provided at the lower end 114 of the hand vacuum 100 to reduce the length of the return airflow path 246. The suction motor 128 may further be oriented such that an inlet of the suction motor 128 faces generally toward the return air inlet 236 tofurther reduce the length of the return airflow path 246. This may provide a more compact hand vacuum 100.

[0520] For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 92B, the return air inlet 236 is provided at the lower end 114 and the return airflow path 246 extends from the return air inlet 236 along the lower end 114 above the suction motor 128. Accordingly, when the hand vacuum 100 is oriented with the upper end 112 disposed above the lower end 114 and the hand vacuum axis 116 oriented horizontally, the suction motor 128 is thus oriented with its inlet facing generally upwardly toward the return airflow path 246 above. Conversely, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 93B, 102B, 112B, 116B, and 120B, the return air inlet 236 is provided at the lower end 114 and the return airflow path 246 extends from the return air inlet 236 along the lower end 114 below the suction motor 128. Accordingly, when the hand vacuum 100 is oriented with the upper end 112 disposed above the lower end 114 and the hand vacuum axis 116 oriented horizontally, the suction motor 128 is thus oriented with its inlet facing generally downwardly toward the return airflow path 246 below.

[0521] As another example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 82B, 86B, 96B, 99B, and 123B, the return air inlet 236 is provided at the lower end 114 and the return airflow path 246 extends from the return air inlet 236 along the lower end 114 forward of the suction motor 128. Accordingly, when the hand vacuum 100 is oriented with the upper end 112 disposed above the lower end 114 and the hand vacuum axis 116 oriented horizontally, the suction motor 128 is thus oriented with its inlet facing generally forwardly toward the return airflow path 246. Conversely, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 84B, 89A, and 108B, the return air inlet 236 is provided at the lower end 114 and the return airflow path 246 extends from the return air inlet 236 along the lower end 114 rearward of the suction motor 128. Accordingly, when the hand vacuum 100 is oriented with the upper end 112 disposed above the lower end 114 and the hand vacuum axis 116 oriented horizontally, the suction motor 128 is thus oriented with its inlet facing generally rearwardly toward the return airflow path 246.

[0522] The hand vacuum 100 may further have a return air valve 234 positioned at the return air inlet 236. The return air valve 234 may have a closed position in which the return air valve 234 may be at any location that will block air flow through the return airflow path 246 during a cleaning mode of operation (e.g., it may be positioned over the return air inlet 236). In the closed position, the return air valve 234 may thus seal the return airflow path246. In this way, when the return air valve 234 is in the closed position, the suction motor 128 of the hand vacuum 100 may only be in fluid communication with the dirty air inlet 122 of the hand vacuum 100 and the hand vacuum 100 may therefore be operable the clean a surface. The return air valve 234 may be moveable from the closed position to an open position (which may also be referred to as an evacuation position when docked to a docking station 214). In the open position, the suction motor 128 of the hand vacuum 100 may be operable to draw in air through the return air inlet 236 and along the return airflow path 246. That is, the suction motor 128 may be in fluid communication with the return air inlet 236. Optionally, in the open position, the return air valve 234 may block the airflow path 126 through the hand vacuum 100 such that the suction motor 128 may be cut off from fluid communication with the dirty air inlet 122. In such an embodiment, when the suction motor is actuated, all air drawn to the suction motor enters through the return air inlet 236.

[0523] For example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 82A, 84A, 86A, 88, 91, 95, 98, 101, 104, 107, 111, and 115, the return air valve 234 is in the closed position. The return air inlet 236, and thus the return airflow path 246, is therefore sealed. Accordingly, as shown, the suction motor 128 is only in fluid communication with the dirty air inlet 122 and operable to generate suction along the airflow path 126 to clean a surface. In the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 82B, 84B, 86B, 89A, 92B, 93B, 96B, 99B, 102B, 105B, 108B, 112B, and 116B, which show the hand vacuum 100 docked to the docking station 214, the return air valve 234 is in the open position. The return air inlet 236, and thus the return airflow path 246, is therefore open and the suction motor 128 is in communication with the docking station 214 through the return air inlet 236. Accordingly, as shown, when the hand vacuum 100 is docked to the docking station 214 and in an evacuation mode, the suction motor 128 is in fluid communication with the dirty air inlet 122 through the docking station 214 and operable to generate suction along the station airflow path 224 to draw the contents of the dirt collection chamber 144 and / or the air treatment chamber 140 through the opening of the openable portion 146 and into the docking station 214. Optionally, as shown in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 82B, 84B, 86B, 89A, 99B, 102B, 105B, 108B, 112B, and 116B, when the return air valve 234 is moved to the open position, the return air valve may seal the airflow path 126 or cause the airflow path 126 to be sealed.

[0524] As described previously, the return air valve 234 may be electromechanically actuated (e.g., by an independent motor or solenoid), which may automatically move return airvalve 234 to the open position when the hand vacuum 100 is docked to the docking station 214 and return the return air valve 234 to the closed position when the hand vacuum 100 is removed. The return air valve 234 may alternatively be mechanically actuated (e.g., driven to the open position by the return air conduit 226 or other suitable engagement actuator when docked and returned to the closed position by a biasorsuch as a magnet, spring, torsion spring, etc., when removed from the docking station 214).

[0525] For example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 82A / B, 84A / B, 86A / B, 88-89A, 92A / B, 93A / B, 96A / B, 99A / B, 102A / B, 105A / B, 108A / B, 112A / B, and 116A / B, as the hand vacuum 100 is docked to the docking station 214, the return air conduit 226 (see e.g., FIG. 84B, 96B, 99B, 102B, 105B, 108B, 116B) or a valve engagement actuator 254 extending outwardly therefrom (see e.g., FIG. 82B, 86B, 89B / C, 92B, 93B, 112B) engages the return air valve 234 and pushes the return air valve 234 from the closed position to the open position. As shown in FIG. 82A, 84A, 86A, 88, 92A, 93A, 96A, 99A, 102A, 105A, 108A, 112 A, and 116A, when the hand vacuum 100 is removed from the docking station 214 and the return air conduit 226 or valve engagement actuator 254 is disengaged from the return air valve 234, the biasing force of the biasor may automatically return the return air valve 234 to the closed position.

[0526] Optionally, the biasing force biasing the return air valve 234 to the closed position may be overcome by suction force generated by the suction motor 128. In this way, when the hand vacuum 100 is in use to clean a surface, if the airflow path 126 becomes clogged with debris, the return air valve 234 may function as a bleed valve. That is, the suction force of the suction motor 128 may overcome the biasing force to open the return airflow path 246 and thereby provide relief airflow. This may advantageously prevent burnout of the suction motor 128.

[0527] The return air valve 234 may be any valve type suitable for sealing the return air inlet 236 in the closed position and moveable to an open position. For example, suitable types of valves may include a pivotable door, a slidable door, a plug / stopper, ora linkage including a combination thereof. Any other type of valve may be used.

[0528] For example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 86A / B, 92A / B, 93A / B, 96A / B, 102A / B, and 116A / B, the return air valve 234 is a door that is pivotably mounted at the return air inlet 236. In such embodiments, as shown, the return air valve 234 may be driven to rotate inwardly into the hand vacuum 100 to the open position by the return air conduit 226 or valve engagement actuator 254 when docking to the docking station 214. The return airvalve 234 may then be driven to rotate in the reverse direction to the closed position by the biasor (e.g., a torsion spring) when removed from the docking station 214.

[0529] As another example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 84A / B and 99A / B, the return air valve 234 is a door that is slidably / translatably mounted at the return air inlet 236. In such embodiments, as shown, the return air valve 234 may be driven to slide rearwardly along the hand vacuum 100 to the open position by the return air conduit 226 or valve engagement actuator 254 when docking to the docking station 214. The return air valve 234 may then be driven to slide in the reverse direction to the closed position by biasor (e.g., a tension or compression spring) when removed from the docking station 214. As another example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 108A / B and 112A / B, the return air valve 234 is a plug that is slidably / translatably mounted at the return air inlet 236. In such embodiments, as shown, the return air valve 234 may be driven to slide inwardly into the hand vacuum 100 to the open position by the return air conduit 226 or valve engagement actuator 254 when docking to the docking station 214. The return air valve 234 may then be driven to slide in the reverse direction to the closed position by the biasor (e.g., a tension or compression spring) when removed from the docking station 214.

[0530] As yet another example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 82A / B, 88-89C, and 105A / B, the return air valve 234 is part of a valve assembly including a series of operatively connected links. In such a case, a driving force may be provided to any portion of the valve assembly to move the valve assembly from one position to another. In the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 82A / B and 105A / B, the return air valve 234 is a door pivotably mounted at the return air inlet 236. Similar to as described previously, the return air valve 234 may be driven to rotate inwardly into the hand vacuum 100 to the open position by the return air conduit 226 (see e.g., FIG. 105B) or valve engagement actuator 254 (see e.g., FIG. 82B) when docking to the docking station 214. As shown, rotation of the return air valve 234 drives a link of the valve assembly having a plug / stopper valve to cut off the airflow path 126 through the hand vacuum 100. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 88-89C, the return air valve 234 is a plug / stopper slidably mounted at the return air inlet 236. Similar to as described previously, a linkof the valve assembly may be driven to slide inwardly into the hand vacuum 100 by the return air conduit 226 or valve engagement actuator 254 (as shown) when docking to the docking station 214. As shown, translation of the link drives translation of the return air valve 234, via the valve assembly,to the open position in which the return air valve 234 also cuts off the airflow path 126 through the hand vacuum 100. In each embodiment, the valve assembly, and thus the return air valve 234, may then be driven to rotate and / or slide in the reverse direction to the closed position by the biasor (not shown) when removed from the docking station 214. In the alternative to a return air valve 234, or optionally in addition, a front portion 235 of the hand vacuum 100 may be moveable (e.g., slidable / translatable) relative to a rear portion 237 of the hand vacuum 100 between a closed position and an open position. In such embodiments, the return air inlet 236 may be provided in the rear portion 237 at the interface of the front portion 235 and the rear portion 237. In this way, the front and rear portions 235, 237 may together function as a return air valve to open and close the return airflow path 246. In a closed position, the front portion 235 may be aligned with the rear portion 237 such that the airflow path 126 through the front portion 235 may be connected to the airflow path 126 through the rear portion 235. Accordingly, in the closed position, the suction motor 128 of the hand vacuum 100 may only be in fluid communication with the dirty air inlet 122 of the hand vacuum 100 along the normal hand vacuum airflow path 126 and the hand vacuum 100 may be operable the clean a surface. In such embodiments, the return air inlet 236 may be blocked by part of the front portion 235. It will be appreciated that a seal such as a gasket or the like may be provided on the rear portion 237 to seal or assist in sealing the return air inlet 236 when the hand vacuum cleaner is in the cleaning configuration exemplified in Figure 119. Alternatively, the airflow path 126 may pass through the return air inlet 236 from the front portion 235 to the rear portion 237. In either case, the return air inlet 236 may be severed from direct fluid communication with an exterior of the hand vacuum 100 (e.g., the ambient or a docking station when docked), and the return airflow path 246 may thereby be sealed. In the open position, the return air inlet 236 may be opened to direct fluid communication with the exterior of the hand vacuum 100 and the suction motor 128 of the hand vacuum 100 may be operable to draw in air through the return air inlet 236 and along the return airflow path 246. Optionally, in the open position, the front portion 235 may be offset from the rear portion 237 such that the airflow path 126 through the front portion 235 is blocked by part of a front end of the rear portion 237. In this way, the suction motor 128 may be cut off from fluid communication with the dirty air inlet 122 and, when the suction motor 128 is actuated, all air drawn to the suction motor 128 enters through the return air inlet 236. In the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 119 and 122, the front portion 235 is in the closed position. The return air inlet 236, and thus the return airflow path 246, is therefore sealed.Accordingly, as shown in each embodiment, the suction motor 128 is only in fluid communication with the dirty air inlet 122 and operable to generate suction along the airflow path 126 to clean a surface. In the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 120B and 123B, which show the hand vacuum 100 docked to the docking station 214, the front portion 235 is in the open position. The return air inlet 236, and thus the return airflow path 246, is therefore open. As shown in each embodiment, the suction motor 128 is in communication with the docking station 214 through the return air inlet 236. Accordingly, as shown, when the hand vacuum 100 is docked to the docking station 214 and in an evacuation mode, the suction motor 128 is in fluid communication with the dirty air inlet 122 through the docking station 214 and operable to generate suction along the return airflow path 246 and the station airflow path 224 to draw the contents of the dirt collection chamber 144 and / or the air treatment chamber 140 through the opening of the openable portion 146 and into the docking station 214.

[0531] For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 119, the return air inlet 236 is provided at the front end of the rear portion 237 at the interface of the front and rear portion 235, 237 such that the airflow path 126 passes through the return air inlet 236 from the front portion 235 to the rear portion 237 when the front portion 235 is in the closed position. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 120B, translating the front portion 235 relative to the rear portion 237 to the open position concurrently seals the airflow path 126 and opens the return air inlet 236 to the exterior of the hand vacuum 100. Optionally, part of the rear portion 237 (exemplified as a front end of the suction motor housing 1981 post-motor filter housing 202) may block the airflow path 126 from the front portion 235 when in the open position. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 122, the return air inlet 236 is a port provided through the front end of the rear portion 237 (exemplified as through a front end of the pre-motor filter housing 200). As shown, the return air inlet 236 may be blocked by part of a rear end of the front portion 235 (exemplified as a rear wall of the air treatment assembly 120) when the front portion 235 is in the closed position. Accordingly, as shown in FIG. 123, translating the front portion 235 relative to the rear portion 237 moves the rear end of the front portion 235 away from the return air inlet 236 and thereby opens the return air inlet 236 to the exterior of the hand vacuum 100. Optionally, as shown, translating the front portion 235 relative to the rear portion 237 may concurrently seal the airflow path 126 from the front portion 235 to the rear portion 237. For example, as shown in FIG. 123A, the chamber air outlet 170 through the second end wall 1622 of the air treatment chamber 140 may be aligned with a port 241 in the pre-motor filter housing 200when the front portion 235 is in the closed position. The airflow path 126 may therefore pass through the chamber air outlet 170 and the port 241. Accordingly, as shown in FIG.

[0532] 123B, when the front portion 235 is in the open position, the chamber air outlet 170 and the port 241 may be offset such that the second end wall 1622 of the air treatment chamber 140 blocks the port 241 and the front end of the pre-motor filter housing 200 blocks the chamber air outlet 170. The airflow path 126 may therefore be sealed.

[0533] The front portion 235 and the rear portion 237 may be divided at any location between the front and rear ends 108, 110 of the hand vacuum 100 suitable for exposing the return airflow path 246 when the front portion 235 is moved to the open position. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 120, the front portion 235 includes the air treatment assembly 120 and a portion of the main body housing 138, which includes the pre-motor filter housing 200. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 123, the front portion 235 includes the air treatment assembly 120 only. In the latter embodiment, the return airflow path 246 passes through the pre-motor filter 130 between the return air inlet 236 and the suction motor 128, which may advantageously provide additional air filtration prior to reaching the suction motor 128.

[0534] The front portion 235 may be moved between the open and closed positions by any suitable means. For example, the front portion 235 may be held in the closed position in alignment with the rear portion 237 by a lock (e.g., one or more latches, retractable pins, and the like). The lock may be manually actuated by the user (e.g., by a release button, switch, and the like) to unlock the front portion 235 and the user may then move the front portion 235 to the open position. The lock may alternatively be automatically actuated as the hand vacuum 100 is docked to the docking station 214 such that the docking motion unlocks the front portion 235 enabling movement of the front portion 235 to the open position.

[0535] For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 119-120, the front portion 235 is manually released by a user by actuating a lock. The unlocked front portion 235 may be subsequently moved by the user from the closed position (FIG. 119) to the open position (FIG. 120A) prior to docking the hand vacuum 100 to the docking station (FIG. 120B). As shown, in the open position, the return air inlet 236 is exposed such that the return air conduit 226 of the docking station 214 is insertable into the return air inlet 236 to establish fluid communication therebetween. This may advantageously ensure proper alignment of the hand vacuum 100 and docking station 214. As another example, in the embodimentillustrated in FIG. 123, the front portion 235 is automatically released by actuating a lock as a user docks the hand vacuum 100 to the docking station 214. As exemplified, during the docking motion in which the hand vacuum 100 is brought into contact with abutting surfaces of the docking station 214, one such abutting surface (e.g., the return air conduit 226) may contact an actuator (e.g., on the lower end 114 of the hand vacuum cleaner 100) to unlock the front portion 235. The unlocked front portion 235 may be subsequently moved by the user from the closed position (FIG. 123A) to the open position (FIG. 123B) during docking the hand vacuum 100 to the docking station 214. This may advantageously enable one-handed docking. As shown, when the hand vacuum 100 is docked with the front portion 235 in the open position, an abutment surface around the station air outlet 232 may seal around the return air inlet 236 to establish fluid communication therebetween.

[0536] Evacuation Airflow Path

[0537] A hand vacuum cleaner using any one or more aspects discussed herein, including one or more of the other aspects set out herein in the general description and / or the detailed discussion, may have an evacuation airflow path. Optionally, in accordance with this aspect, the evacuation airflow path may bypass the pre-motor filter.

[0538] In addition to the return airflow path 246 described in the previous section, the hand vacuum 100 may further have an evacuation air inlet 248 at an upstream end of an evacuation airflow path 250. The evacuation air inlet 248 may be provided at any location on the hand vacuum 100 suitable for drawing airfrom the ambient when the hand vacuum 100 is docked to the docking station 214. For example, the evacuation air inlet 248 may be provided at the upper end 112, the lower end 114, ora lateral side of the hand vacuum 100 at any location between the front and rear ends 108, 110 thereof. The evacuation air inlet 248 may alternatively be provided at the rear end 110 of the hand vacuum 100 at any location between the upper and lower ends 112, 114 thereof. When the hand vacuum 100 is docked to the docking station 214 and in the evacuation mode, the suction motor 128 may be in fluid communication with the evacuation air inlet 248 through the docking station 214 and operable to generate suction to draw airfrom the ambient into evacuation air inlet 248 along the evacuation airflow path 250 to assist in emptying the contents of the dirt collection chamber 144 and / or the air treatment chamber 140 into the docking station 214. The evacuation air inlet 248 may therefore be spaced apart from the clean air outlet 124 (which may exhaust to the ambient) to minimize the amount of heatedexhaust air being recirculated through the hand vacuum 100. This may prevent the suction motor 128 from overheating.

[0539] For example, in the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 112B and 116B, the evacuation air inlet 248 is provided at the upper end 112 of the hand vacuum 100. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 120B, the evacuation air inlet 248 is provided proximate the upper end 112 of the hand vacuum 100 interior to the main body housing 138. In the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 99B, the evacuation air inlet 248 is provided at lateral side of the hand vacuum 100. In the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 89A, 105B, and 108B, the evacuation air inlet 248 is provided at the rear end 110 of the hand vacuum 100. As shown in the illustrated embodiments, the evacuation air inlet 248 is spaced apart from the clean air outlet 124.

[0540] When the hand vacuum 100 is docked to the docking station 214 and in the evacuation mode, the suction motor 128 may be in fluid communication with both the dirty air inlet 122 and the evacuation air inlet 248 through the docking station 214 and operable to generate suction along the station airflow path 224 and the evacuation airflow path 250 to draw the contents of the dirt collection chamber 144 and / or the air treatment chamber 140 through the opening of the openable portion 146 and into the docking station 214. In such embodiments, the air drawn into the hand vacuum 100 through the evacuation air inlet 248 may assist in emptying the dirt and debris collected in / on the components of the hand vacuum 100 into the docking station 214. Alternatively, when the hand vacuum 100 is docked to the docking station 214, the dirty air inlet 122 may be blocked such that, in the evacuation mode, the suction motor 128 may be in fluid communication with the evacuation air inlet 248 only through the docking station 214 and operable to generate suction along the evacuation airflow path 250 to empty the dirt and debris collected in / on the components of the hand vacuum 100 into the docking station 214.

[0541] The air drawn into the hand vacuum 100 through the evacuation air inlet 248 may follow an evacuation airflow path 250 extending from the evacuation air inlet 248 to the opening of the openable portion(s) 146 of the air treatment assembly 120 when the hand vacuum 100 is docked to the docking station 214. One or more of the pre-motor filter 130, the porous outlet 172, the air treatment chamber 140, and the dirt collection chamber 144 may be positioned in the evacuation airflow path 250. If the evacuation airflow path 250 extends through the pre-motor filter 130 and / or the porous outlet 172, the airflow may travel in the opposite direction to the airflow path 126 when the hand vacuum 100 is inuse to clean a surface. In this way, the evacuation airflow path 250 may advantageously strip particulate matter from the upstream side (with respect to the hand vacuum cleaner being used to clean a surface) of the pre-motor filter 130 and / or the porous outlet 172, thereby cleaning the pre-motor filter 130 and / or the porous outlet 172. The stripped particulate matter may then be carried along the evacuation airflow path 250 downstream to the docking station 214. If the evacuation airflow path 250 extends through the air treatment chamber 140 and / or the dirt collection chamber 144, the airflow may also carry particulate matter collected therein through the opening of the openable portion(s) 146 into the docking station 214. Accordingly, when the hand vacuum 100 is docked to the docking station 214 such that the station air outlet 232 is in fluid communication with the return air inlet 236, the suction motor 128 may be operable to generate suction along the return airflow path 246, the station airflow path 224 (described previously herein), and the evacuation airflow path 250. In this way, the suction motor 128 may be operable to draw particulate matter collected in the air treatment chamber 140 and / or dirt collection chamber 144 and, in some embodiments, to draw particulate matter collected on the premotorfilter 130 and / or the porous outlet 172, into the docking station 214.

[0542] The hand vacuum 100 may have an evacuation air valve 252 positioned to close the evacuation air inlet 248. The evacuation air valve 252 may have a closed position in which the evacuation air valve 252 is positioned over the evacuation air inlet 248. In the closed position, the evacuation air valve 252 may thus seal the evacuation airflow path 250. In this way, when the evacuation air valve 252 is in the closed position, the suction motor 128 of the hand vacuum 100 may be in fluid communication with the dirty air inlet 122 of the hand vacuum 100 and may therefore be operable the clean a surface. The evacuation air valve 252 may be moveable to an evacuation position when docked to the docking station 214. In the evacuation position, the suction motor 128 of the hand vacuum 100 may be operable to draw in air through the evacuation air inlet 248 and along the evacuation airflow path 250.

[0543] The evacuation air valve 252 may be any valve type as described previously with respect to the return air valve 234 and may be at any location that will block air flow through the evacuation air inlet 248 during a cleaning mode of operation. The evacuation air valve 252 may be independently moved between the closed and evacuation positions in any way similar to as described with respect to the return air valve 234. Alternatively, the evacuation air valve 252 may be part of the valve assembly (e.g., a linkage assembly) through which the evacuation air valve 252 may be connected to the return air valve 234.In such embodiments, movement of the return air valve 234 between the closed and open positions may simultaneously drive movement of the evacuation air valve 252 via links of the valve assembly between the closed and evacuation positions. In this way, only one driving action on the valve assembly (e.g., docking the hand vacuum 100) may move both valves 234, 252 to their respective open / evacuation positions and only one biasor of the valve assembly (e.g., magnet, spring) may return both valves 234, 252 to their respective closed positions.

[0544] For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 88-89C, the evacuation air valve 252 is a slideably / translatably mounted in the hand vacuum 100. The evacuation air valve 252 is part of a valve assembly in which it is operatively linked to the return air valve 234. As shown in FIG. 89B to 89C, when the hand vacuum 100 is docked to the docking station 214, the actuator (e.g., a valve engagement actuator) 254 drives a link of the valve assembly and thereby translates the return air valve 234 and the evacuation air valve 252 from their respective closed positions (see e.g., FIG. 89B) to the open position and evacuation position, respectively (see e.g., FIG. 89C). In this way, the return airflow path 246 and the evacuation airflow path 250 are concurrently opened. At the same time, the airflow path 126 is sealed by the return air valve 234. As shown in FIG. 89A, the evacuation airflow path 250 passes through both the pre-motor filter 130 and the porous outlets 172, as well as both the air treatment chamber 140 and the dirt collection chamber 144. Accordingly, when the hand vacuum 100 is docked to the docking station 214 such that the station air outlet 232 is in fluid communication with the return air inlet 236, the suction motor 128 may be operable to generate suction along the return airflow path 246, the station airflow path 224, and the evacuation airflow path 250, to draw particulate matter collected on the pre-motor filter 130 and the porous outlet 172, and particulate matter collected in the air treatment chamber 140 and dirt collection chamber 144, into the docking station 214.

[0545] As another example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 99A / B, the evacuation air valve 252 is a pivotably mounted in the hand vacuum 100. The evacuation air valve 252 is part of a valve assembly in which it is operatively linked to the return air valve 234. As shown, when the hand vacuum 100 is docked to the docking station 214, the return air conduit 226 acts as an actuator to translate the return air valve 234 from the closed position to the open position and, via the valve assembly, drives the evacuation air valve 252 to rotate from the closed position (see e.g., FIG. 99A) to the evacuation position (see e.g., FIG. 99B). In this way, the return airflow path 246 and the evacuation airflow path 250are concurrently opened. At the same time, the airflow path 126 is sealed by the return air valve 234. As shown in FIG. 99B, the evacuation airflow path 250 bypasses the premotor filter 130 and the porous outlets 172. Instead, the evacuation air valve 252 opens the evacuation air inlet 248 positioned in a header upstream of the pre-motor filter 130 (i.e., upstream in the airflow path 126 in normal use) and concurrently opens a portion of the treatment chamber sidewall 166 to open a treatment chamber evacuation port 255. In this way, the evacuation airflow path 250 passes through the air treatment chamber 140 and dirt collection chamber 144 only. Accordingly, when the hand vacuum 100 is docked to the docking station 214 such that the station air outlet 232 is in fluid communication with the return air inlet 236, the suction motor 128 may be operable to generate suction along the return airflow path 246, the station airflow path 224, and the evacuation airflow path 250, to draw particulate matter collected in the air treatment chamber 140 and dirt collection chamber 144 into the docking station 214.

[0546] As another example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 105A / B, the evacuation air valve 252 is a pivotably mounted in the hand vacuum 100. The evacuation air valve 252 is part of a valve assembly in which it is operatively linked to the return air valve 234. As shown, when the hand vacuum 100 is docked to the docking station 214, the return air conduit 226 rotates the return air valve 234 from the closed position to the open position and, via the valve assembly, drives the evacuation air valve 252 to rotate from the closed position (see e.g., FIG. 105A) to the evacuation position (see e.g., FIG. 105B). In this way, the return airflow path 246 and the evacuation airflow path 250 are concurrently opened. At the same time, the airflow path 126 is sealed by the evacuation air valve 252. As shown in FIG. 105B, the evacuation airflow path 250 passes through both the premotorfilter 130 and the porous outlets 172, as well as both the air treatment chamber 140 and the dirt collection chamber 144. Accordingly, the suction motor 128 may be operable similar to as described previously (with respect to FIG. 88-89C) to draw particulate matter from the pre-motor filter 130, the porous outlet 172, the air treatment chamber 140, and dirt collection chamber 144, into the docking station 214.

[0547] As another example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 108A / B, the evacuation air valve 252 is a pivotably mounted in the hand vacuum 100. As shown, when the hand vacuum 100 is docked to the docking station 214, the return air conduit 226 translates the return air valve 234 from the closed position to the open position. During translation, the return air valve 234 engages the evacuation air valve 252 and drives the evacuation air valve 252 to rotate from the closed position (see e.g., FIG. 108A) to the evacuationposition (see e.g., FIG. 108B). In this way, the return airflow path 246 and the evacuation airflow path 250 are concurrently opened. At the same time, the airflow path 126 is sealed by the return air valve 234. As shown in FIG. 108B, the evacuation airflow path 250 passes through both the pre-motor filter 130 and the porous outlets 172, as well as both the air treatment chamber 140 and the dirt collection chamber 144. Accordingly, the suction motor 128 may be operable similar to as described previously (with respect to FIG. 88-89C) to draw particulate matter from the pre-motor filter 130, the porous outlet 172, the air treatment chamber 140, and dirt collection chamber 144, into the docking station 214.

[0548] As another example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 112A / B, the evacuation air valve 252 is a slideably / translatably mounted in the hand vacuum 100. The evacuation air valve 252 is part of a valve assembly in which it is operatively linked to the return air valve 234. As shown, when the hand vacuum 100 is docked to the docking station 214, the valve engagement actuator 254 translates the return air valve 234 from the closed position to the open position and, via the valve assembly, drives the evacuation air valve 252 to translate from the closed position (see e.g., FIG. 112A) to the evacuation position (see e.g., FIG. 112B). In this way, the return airflow path 246 and the evacuation airflow path 250 are concurrently opened. At the same time, the airflow path 126 is sealed by the return air valve 234. As shown in FIG. 110 and 112B, the evacuation airflow path 250 bypasses the pre-motor filter 130, the porous outlet 172, and the air treatment chamber 140 through an evacuation air passage 256 extending from the evacuation air inlet 248 to a dirt chamber air inlet 258. In the illustrated embodiment, the evacuation air passage 256 bypasses the pre-motor filter 130, the porous outlet 170, and the air treatment chamber 140. The hand vacuum includes a dirt chamber valve 260, which may be made of a rigid or optionally a resilient material and which, when the hand vacuum 100 is in use, covers the dirt chamber air inlet 258 (see e.g., FIG. 112A). When the hand vacuum 100 is docked to the docking station 214 such that the evacuation airflow path 250 is open, the suction generated by the suction motor 128 may move the dirt chamber valve 260 to an open position in which the resilient material of the dirt chamber valve 260 is bent away from the dirt chamber air inlet 258 (see e.g., FIG. 112B). Accordingly, when the hand vacuum 100 is docked to the docking station 214 such that the station air outlet 232 is in fluid communication with the return air inlet 236, the suction motor 128 may be operable to generate suction along the return airflow path 246, the station airflow path 224, and the evacuation airflow path 250, to draw particulate matter collected in the dirtcollection chamber 144 into the docking station 214. The dirt chamber valve 260 may direct the airflow along the walls of the dirt chamber 144, which may generate a cyclonic airflow in the dirt collection chamber 144 and may thereby advantageously improve emptying thereof. When the suction force is removed, the dirt chamber valve 260 may return to covering the dirt chamber air inlet 258. Any other valve type as described herein may be used.

[0549] As yet another example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 116A / B, the evacuation air valve 252 is a slideably / translatably mounted in the hand vacuum 100. The evacuation air valve 252 is part of a valve assembly in which it is operatively linked to the return air valve 234. As shown, when the hand vacuum 100 is docked to the docking station 214, the return air conduit 226 rotates the return air valve 234 from the closed position to the open position and, via the valve assembly, drives the evacuation air valve 252 to translate from the closed position (see e.g., FIG. 116A) to the evacuation position (see e.g., FIG.

[0550] 116B). In this way, the return airflow path 246 and the evacuation airflow path 250 are concurrently opened. At the same time, the airflow path 126 is sealed by the return air valve 234. As shown in FIG. 116B, the evacuation airflow path 250 passes through the pre-motor filter 130, the porous outlet 172, and the air treatment chamber 140. The evacuation airflow path 250 also passes through the dirt collection chamber 144 from an evacuation air passage 256 extending from the evacuation air inlet 248 to a dirt chamber air inlet 258. That is, in the illustrated embodiment, the evacuation air passage 256 branches off downstream of the pre-motor filter 130 into one branch through the porous outlet 170 and the air treatment chamber 140 and another branch through the dirt collection chamber 144. The hand vacuum includes a dirt chamber valve 260 which, when the hand vacuum 100 is in use, is biased to prevent airflow to the dirt chamber air inlet 258 (see e.g., FIG. 116A). When the hand vacuum 100 is in docked to the docking station 214 an actuator 262 of the docking station 214 is operable to drive the dirt chamber valve 260 to an open position in which airflow is free to travel to the dirt chamber air inlet 258 (see e.g., FIG. 116B). Accordingly, when the hand vacuum 100 is docked to the docking station 214, the suction motor 128 may be operable similar to as described previously (with respect to FIG. 88-89C) to draw particulate matter from the pre-motor filter 130, the porous outlet 172, and the air treatment chamber 140, into the docking station 214. Additionally, the suction motor 128 may be operable similar to as described previously (with respect to FIG. 112A / B) to draw particulate matter collected in the dirt collection chamber 144 into the docking station 214. The dirt chamber air inlet 258 may direct theairflow along the walls of the dirt chamber 144, which may generate a cyclonic airflow in the dirt collection chamber 144 and may thereby advantageously improve emptying thereof. Any other valve type as described herein may be used.

[0551] In the alternative to an evacuation air valve 252, or optionally in addition, a front portion 235 of the hand vacuum 100 may be moveable (e.g., slidable / translatable) relative to a rear portion 237 of the hand vacuum 100 between a closed position and an open position. In such embodiments, the evacuation air inlet 248 may be provided at a rear end of the front portion 235 at the interface of the front portion 235 and the rear portion 237. In this way, the front and rear portions 235, 237 may together function as an evacuation air valve to open and close the evacuation airflow path 250. It will be appreciated that a seal such as a gasket or the like may be provided on one or both of the front portion 235 and the rear portion 237 to seal or assist in sealing the evacuation air inlet 248 to prevent the ingress of ambient air through, e.g., the lower surface of the hand vacuum cleaner when the hand vacuum cleaner is in the cleaning configuration exemplified in Figure 119. In a closed position, the front portion 235 may be aligned with the rear portion 237 such that the airflow path 126 through the front portion 235 may be connected to the airflow path 126 through the rear portion 235. Accordingly, in the closed position, the suction motor 128 of the hand vacuum 100 may only be in fluid communication with the dirty air inlet 122 of the hand vacuum 100 along the normal hand vacuum airflow path 126 and the hand vacuum 100 may be operable the clean a surface. In such embodiments, the evacuation air inlet 248 may be blocked by part of a front end of the rear portion 237. In this way, the evacuation air inlet 248 may be closed from direct fluid communication with an exterior of the hand vacuum 100 (e.g., the ambient), and the evacuation airflow path 250 may thereby be sealed. In the open position, the evacuation air inlet 248 may be opened to direct fluid communication with the exterior of the hand vacuum 100 and, when the hand vacuum 100 is docked to the docking station 214, the suction motor 128 of the hand vacuum 100 may be operable to draw in air through the evacuation air inlet 248 and along the evacuation airflow path 250. Optionally, in the open position, the front portion 235 may be offset from the rear portion 237 such that the airflow path 126 from the front portion 235 is blocked by part of a front end of the rear portion 237.

[0552] For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 119-120, the front portion 235 of the hand vacuum 100 is translatable relative to the rear portion 237 between a closed position and an open position. The front and rear portions 235, 237 function as a return air valve to open / close the return air inlet 236 (as described in the previous section) and as anevacuation air valve to open / close an evacuation air inlet 248. When the front portion 235 is in the closed position as shown in FIG. 119, the evacuation air inlet 248 and the return air inlet 236 are closed. Accordingly, as shown, the evacuation airflow path 250 and the return airflow path 246 are sealed. The suction motor 128 is therefore only in fluid communication with the dirty air inlet 122 and operable to generate suction along the airflow path 126. When the front portion 235 is translated to the open position as shown in FIG. 120A, the evacuation air inlet 248 and the return air inlet 236 are opened. In this way, the return airflow path 246 and the evacuation airflow path 250 are concurrently opened. At the same time, the airflow path 126 from the front portion 235 is sealed by a front end of the rear portion 237 (shown as a front end of the suction motor housing 198 I post-motor filter housing 202 in the illustrated embodiment). When the front portion 235 is in the open position and the hand vacuum 100 docked to the docking station 214 as shown in FIG. 120B, the return air inlet 236 is in fluid communication with the station air outlet 232, and the suction motor 128 is in fluid communication with the evacuation air inlet 248 through the docking station 214. In this way, as shown in FIG. 120B, when the hand vacuum 100 is docked to the docking station 214 and in an evacuation mode, the suction motor 128 may be operable to generate suction along the return airflow path 246, the station airflow path 224, and the evacuation airflow path 250. As shown, the evacuation airflow path 250 passes through both the pre-motor filter 130 and the porous outlet 172, as well as the air treatment chamber 140. Accordingly, when the hand vacuum 100 is docked to the docking station 214 and in the evacuation mode, the suction motor 128 may be operable to generate suction to draw particulate matter collected on the premotor filter 130 and the porous outlet 172, and particulate matter collected in the air treatment chamber 140, through the opening of the openable portion 146 and into the docking station 214.

[0553] The evacuation air inlet 248 may be provided at any suitable location at the interface of the front and rear portion 235, 237. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG.

[0554] 119-120, the evacuation air inlet 248 is provided in the front portion 235 proximate the upper end 112 of the hand vacuum 100. The evacuation air inlet 248 is provided at a rear end of the front portion 235 (shown as the pre-motor filter housing 200) facing toward the rear portion 237. In this way, as shown in FIG. 119, the evacuation air inlet 248 is sealed by a front end of the rear portion 237 (shown as the suction motor housing 198 I postmotor filter housing 202) when the front portion 235 is in the closed position. Accordingly, translating the front portion 235 relative to the rear portion 237 moves the evacuation airinlet 248 away from the rear portion 237 and opens the evacuation air inlet 248 to the exterior of the hand vacuum 100.

[0555] The front portion 235 and the rear portion 237 may be divided at any location between the front and rear ends 108, 110 of the hand vacuum 100 suitable for exposing the evacuation airflow path 250 when moved to the open position. For example, in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 120, the front portion 235 includes the air treatment assembly 120 and a portion of the main body housing 138, which includes the pre-motor filter housing 200. In such embodiments, as shown, the evacuation air inlet 248 may be provided in the pre-motor filter housing 200 such that the evacuation airflow path 250 passes through the pre-motor filter 130, which may advantageously strip particulate matter from the upstream side (with respect to the hand vacuum cleaner being used to clean a surface) of the pre-motor filter 130. In alternate embodiments, the front portion 235 may include the air treatment assembly 120 only and the rear portion 237 may include the main body housing 138, including the pre-motor filter housing 200. In such embodiments, the return air inlet 236 may be provided in the pre-motor filter housing 200 such that the return airflow path 246 passes through the pre-motor filter 130, which may advantageously provide additional air filtration before reaching the suction motor 128. The front portion 235 may be moved between the open and closed positions by any suitable means as described previously herein.

[0556] It will be appreciated that in any embodiment described herein, the dirty air inlet 122 may be blocked such that ambient air is drawn into the hand vacuum 100 through the evacuation air inlet 248 only. This may increase the suction force generated along the evacuation airflow path 250. The dirty air inlet 122 may be blocked by inserting the dirty air inlet into a closed nozzle receiving chamber of the dock or by a closeable valve. Alternatively, the dirty air inlet 122 may be open such that ambient air is drawn into the hand vacuum 100 through the both the dirty air inlet 122 and the evacuation air inlet 248. In such embodiments, air drawn in through the dirty air inlet 122 may pass through one or both of the air treatment chamber 140 and the dirt collection chamber 144, and air drawn in through the evacuation air inlet 248 may also pass through one or both of the air treatment chamber 140 and the dirt collection chamber 144. Optionally, air drawn in through the dirty air inlet 122 and the evacuation air inlet 248 may pass through the same one(s), different one(s), or at least one common one of the air treatment chamber 140 and the dirt collection chamber 144.In embodiments in which the evacuation airflow path 250 passes through the pre-motor filter 130 and / or porous outlet(s) 172, this may advantageously improve the cleaning of the pre-motor filter 130 and / or porous outlet(s) 172.

[0557] It will be appreciated that the valve assembly may be moved between the closed (cleaning) and open (emptying) positions by any means, such as an actuator on the dock (which may be a non-moveable rigid abutment pin or surface, an abutment pin or surface that is moveable (e.g., by a solenoid) between a non-engaging position and an engaging position, an actuator on the hand vacuum cleaner (which may be manually moveable or electromechanically moveable) etc.

[0558] As disclosed, a valve assembly is a combination of valves and mechanical links. Optionally, as disclosed, in a first position a valve may close a first passage and open a second passage and, in a second position, the valve may open the first passage and close the second passage. Accordingly, a valve assembly may have only two valves and one mechanical link which enables both valves to move concurrently. Alternately, a valve assembly may have three valves (a first of which is operable to open and close two passages) and the second and third of which each open and close a single passage. In such a case, a single mechanical link may be used to connect the first and second valves and a second mechanical link may be used...

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A hand vacuum cleaner comprising:(a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet located at a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a clean air outlet located rearward of the dirty air inlet;(b) an air treatment assembly comprising an air treatment chamber provided in the air flow path, the air treatment chamber comprising a front end, a rear end, an air treatment chamber air inlet and an air treatment chamber air outlet;(c) a motor and fan assembly provided in the airflow path;(d) a handle, which during use of the hand vacuum cleaner, is useable to direct the hand vacuum cleaner to clean a surface;(e) a return air path which is connectable in air flow communication with a docking station whereby, in an evacuation mode when the hand vacuum cleaner is docked with a docking station air outlet port, air travels from the docking station air outlet port to the return air path; and,(f) a valve operable between a closed position in which the hand vacuum cleaner is operable to clean a surface and an evacuation position in which the return airflow path is in airflow communication with the motor and fan assembly,wherein a hand vacuum cleaner axis extends centrally through the hand vacuum cleaner from the front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner and, when the hand vacuum cleaner axis is oriented horizontally, the motor and fan assembly and the return air path are provided at a lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner, andwherein the motor and fan assembly has an air inlet which faces rearwardly.

2. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein the valve is located rearwardly of the motor and fan assembly.

3. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein a plane that is transverse to the hand vacuum cleaner axis extends through the air treatment assembly and the motor and fan assembly.

4. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 3 wherein the plane also extends through the return airflow path.

5. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 3 wherein the valve is located rearwardly of the motor and fan assembly.

6. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 1 further comprising a pre-motor filter wherein a plane that is transverse to the hand vacuum cleaner axis extends through the premotor filter and the motor and fan assembly.

7. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 6 wherein the plane also extends through the return airflow path.

8. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 6 wherein the valve is located rearwardly of the motor and fan assembly.

9. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 6 wherein a plane that is transverse to the hand vacuum cleaner axis extends through the return airflow path and the motor and fan assembly.

10. A hand vacuum cleaner comprising:(a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet located at a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a clean air outlet located rearward of the dirty air inlet;(b) an air treatment assembly comprising an air treatment chamber provided in the air flow path, the air treatment chamber comprising a front end, a rear end, an air treatment chamber air inlet and an air treatment chamber air outlet;(c) a motor and fan assembly provided in the airflow path;(d) a handle, which during use of the hand vacuum cleaner, is useable to direct the hand vacuum cleaner to clean a surface;(e) a return air path which is connectable in air flow communication with a docking station whereby, in an evacuation mode when the hand vacuum cleaner is docked with a docking station air outlet port, air travels from the docking station air outlet port to the return air path; and,(f) a valve operable between a closed position in which the hand vacuum cleaner is operable to clean a surface and an evacuation position in which the return airflowpath is in air flow communication with the motor and fan assembly, wherein the valve is located rearwardly of the air treatment chamber,wherein a hand vacuum cleaner axis extends centrally through the hand vacuum cleaner from the front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner and, when the hand vacuum cleaner axis is oriented horizontally, the motor and fan assembly and the return air path are provided at a lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner.

11. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 10 further comprising an energy store wherein the energy store is provided at the lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner.

12. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 11 wherein the energy store is provided rearward of the motor and fan assembly.

13. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 12 wherein, when the hand vacuum cleaner is oriented with the hand vacuum cleaner axis extending horizontally, a horizontal plane extends through the energy store and the motor and fan assembly.

14. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 13 wherein the plane also extends through the air treatment assembly.

15. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 13 wherein the valve is located rearwardly of the motor and fan assembly.

16. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 15 wherein the energy store is located rearwardly of the valve.

17. A hand vacuum cleaner comprising:(a) an air flow path from a dirty air inlet located at a front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a clean air outlet located rearward of the dirty air inlet;(b) an air treatment assembly comprising an air treatment chamber provided in the air flow path, the air treatment chamber comprising a front end, a rear end, an air treatment chamber air inlet and an air treatment chamber air outlet;(c) a motor and fan assembly provided in the airflow path;(d) a handle, which during use of the hand vacuum cleaner, is useable to direct the hand vacuum cleaner to clean a surface;(e) a return air path which is connectable in air flow communication with a docking station whereby, in an evacuation mode when the hand vacuum cleaner is docked with a docking station air outlet port, air travels from the docking station air outlet port to the return air path;(f) a valve operable between a closed position in which the hand vacuum cleaner is operable to clean a surface and an evacuation position in which the return airflow path is in airflow communication with the motor and fan assembly; and,(g) an energy store wherein the energy store is provided at the lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner,wherein a hand vacuum cleaner axis extends centrally through the hand vacuum cleaner from the front end of the hand vacuum cleaner to a rear end of the hand vacuum cleaner and, when the hand vacuum cleaner axis is oriented horizontally, the motor and fan assembly and the return air path are provided at a lower end of the hand vacuum cleaner.

18. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 17 wherein, when the hand vacuum cleaner is oriented with the hand vacuum cleaner axis extending horizontally, a horizontal plane extends through the energy store and the motor and fan assembly.

19. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 18 wherein the plane also extends through the air treatment assembly.

20. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 18 wherein the valve is located rearwardly of the motor and fan assembly.21.The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 20 wherein the energy store is located rearwardly of the valve.

22. The hand vacuum cleaner of claim 1 wherein the dirty air inlet is provided at an upper end of the hand vacuum cleaner.

Images