U.S. patent application number 12/720599 was filed with the patent office on 2010-09-16 for configuration of a motor housing for a surface cleaning apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to G.B.D. CORP.. Invention is credited to Wayne Ernest Conrad.
Application Number | 20100229335 12/720599 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42729291 |
Filed Date | 2010-09-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100229335 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Conrad; Wayne Ernest |
September 16, 2010 |
CONFIGURATION OF A MOTOR HOUSING FOR A SURFACE CLEANING
APPARATUS
Abstract
A surface cleaning apparatus comprises a suction motor and fan
housing wherein at least a portion of the suction motor and fan
housing forms part of an outer casing of the surface cleaning
apparatus and a portion of the housing is recessed inwardly.
Inventors: |
Conrad; Wayne Ernest;
(Hampton, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BERESKIN AND PARR LLP/S.E.N.C.R.L., s.r.l.
40 KING STREET WEST, BOX 401
TORONTO
ON
M5H 3Y2
CA
|
Assignee: |
G.B.D. CORP.
Nassau
BS
|
Family ID: |
42729291 |
Appl. No.: |
12/720599 |
Filed: |
March 9, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/412 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 9/1691 20130101;
A47L 9/22 20130101; A47L 5/24 20130101; A47L 9/00 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/412 |
International
Class: |
A47L 9/22 20060101
A47L009/22 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 11, 2009 |
CA |
2658011 |
Claims
1. A surface cleaning apparatus comprising: (a) an air flow passage
extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet; (b) at
least one air treatment member positioned in the air flow passage;
(c) a suction motor and fan positioned in the air flow passage;
and, (d) a suction motor and fan housing wherein at least a portion
of the suction motor and fan housing forms part of an outer casing
of the apparatus and a portion of the housing is recessed
inwardly.
2. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the motor
housing comprises a fan portion in which the fan is positioned and
a motor portion in which the motor is positioned, the fan portion
having a larger cross sectional area then the motor portion.
3. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the motor
portion is recessed inwardly from the fan portion.
4. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the motor
portion is downstream from the fan portion.
5. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the suction
motor and fan housing has an upstream end and a downstream end and
a longitudinally extending sidewall between the upstream end and
the downstream end, and the sidewall proximates the profile of the
suction motor and fan.
6. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 5 wherein at least a
portion of the sidewall forms part of the outer casing.
7. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 5 wherein at least a
majority of the sidewall forms part of the outer casing.
8. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the suction
motor and fan comprises a fan housing and a suction motor, the fan
portion has an inner surface that is spaced from the fan housing by
a first distance and the motor portion has an inner surface that is
spaced from the suction motor by a second distance and the second
distance is about the same as the first distance.
9. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the suction
motor and fan comprises a fan housing and a suction motor, the fan
portion has an inner surface that is spaced from the fan housing by
a first distance and the motor portion has an inner surface that is
spaced from the suction motor by a second distance and each of the
first distance and the second distance is up to 1 inch.
10. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a
post motor filter positioned in a post motor filter housing and the
post motor filter housing has a cross sectional area that
proximates that of the motor portion.
11. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 10 wherein the post
motor filter housing is provided adjacent the motor portion.
12. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 2 wherein an air
treatment portion of the surface cleaning apparatus that houses the
at least one air treatment member has an outer surface and the air
treatment portion has a cross sectional area that is less than
twice that of the fan portion.
13. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the at least
one air treatment member comprises a cyclone unit.
14. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 13 wherein the cyclone
unit has an outer surface that forms a portion of the outer surface
of the surface cleaning apparatus.
15. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the surface
cleaning apparatus comprises a hand vacuum cleaner.
16. The surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the apparatus
has a generally linear air flow from the at least one air treatment
member to the suction motor and fan housing.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of the filing date of
Canadian Patent Application. No. 2658011, filed Mar. 11, 2009,
entitled CONFIGURATION OF A MOTOR HOUSING FOR A SURFACE CLEANING
APPARATUS.
FIELD
[0002] The specification relates to surface cleaning apparatus, and
preferably, to hand vacuum cleaners. In a particularly preferred
embodiment, the specification relates to the configuration of a
housing for a suction motor and fan housing of a cyclonic hand
vacuum cleaner.
INTRODUCTION
[0003] The following is not an admission that anything discussed
below is prior art or part of the common general knowledge of
persons skilled in the art.
[0004] PCT publication WO 2008/009890 (Dyson Technology Limited)
discloses a handheld cleaning appliance comprising a main body, a
dirty air inlet, a clean air outlet and a cyclonic separator for
separating dirt and dust from an airflow. The cyclone separator is
located in an air flow passage leading from the air inlet to the
air outlet. The cyclonic separator is arranged in a generally
upright orientation (i.e., the air rotates about a generally
vertical axis in use). A base surface of the main body and a base
surface of the cyclonic separator together form a base surface of
the appliance for supporting the appliance on a surface. See also
PCT publication WO 2008/009888 (Dyson Technology Limited) and PCT
publication WO 2008/009883 (Dyson Technology Limited).
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 7,370,387 (Black & Decker Inc.) discloses
a hand-holdable vacuum cleaner that uses one or more filters and/or
cyclonic separation device. and means for adjusting an angle of air
inlet relative to a main axis of said vacuum cleaner. In
particular, the vacuum cleaner further comprises a rigid, elongate
nose having the air inlet at one end thereof, the nose being
pivotal relative to a main axis of the vacuum cleaner through an
angle of at least 135 degrees.
SUMMARY
[0006] The following introduction is provided to introduce the
reader to the more detailed discussion to follow. The introduction
is not intended to limit or define the claims.
[0007] According to one broad aspect, a surface cleaning apparatus
is provided wherein the housing for a suction motor and fan is
configured to reduce the volume and weight of the housing and
wherein a portion of the housing forms part of the outer wall of
the surface cleaning apparatus. Typically, surface cleaning
apparatus, such as vacuum cleaners, have a suction motor and fan
assembly that comprises a fan mounted on a shaft of a motor. The
fan is rotated to draw air through the fan. The air that exits the
fan is directed to flow past the motor to cool the motor. The outer
diameter of the fan is greater then the outer diameter of the
motor. Accordingly, a housing for a motor and fan need not have a
constant diameter and define a cylinder whose diameter is based on
the greatest diameter of the suction motor and fan assembly, namely
that of the fan.
[0008] Accordingly, it is preferred that the housing for the
suction motor and fan assembly have a portion that surrounds that
fan that tends to follow the general configuration of a suction
motor and fan assembly. For example, the portion of the housing
that surrounds the longitudinally extending sidewalls of the
suction motor and fan assembly may have a portion having a reduced
cross sectional area measured transverse to the longitudinal
direction for those parts of the suction motor and fan assembly
that have a smaller diameter or width. For example, the housing may
have a portion that surrounds the fan that conforms to the diameter
of the fan and a portion that surrounds the suction motor that
conforms to the diameter of the suction motor. It will be
appreciated that, in a particularly preferred embodiment, the
housing may be designed to maintain a generally constant gap
between the inner wall of the housing and the outer wall of the
suction motor and fan assembly. However, a weight and volume saving
may be achieved by reducing the cross sectional area in the region
or regions of the suction motor and fan assembly that have a
reduced diameter.
[0009] For example, in an embodiment, a surface cleaning apparatus
may comprise an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet
to a clean air outlet with at least one air treatment member is
positioned in the air flow passage. A suction motor and fan is
positioned in the air flow passage. A suction motor and fan housing
is provided wherein at least a portion of the suction motor and fan
housing forms part of an outer casing of the apparatus and a
portion of the housing is recessed inwardly.
[0010] In some examples, the motor housing comprises a fan portion
in which the fan is positioned, and a motor portion in which the
motor is positioned. The fan portion may have a larger cross
sectional area then the motor portion.
[0011] In some examples, the motor portion is recessed inwardly
from the fan portion.
[0012] In some examples, the motor portion is downstream from the
fan portion.
[0013] In some examples, the suction motor and fan housing has an
upstream end and a downstream end and a longitudinally extending
sidewall between the upstream end and the downstream end, and the
sidewall proximates the profile of the suction motor and fan. In
some examples, at least a portion of the sidewall forms part of the
outer casing. In some examples, at least a majority of the sidewall
forms part of the outer casing.
[0014] In some examples, the suction motor and fan comprises a fan
housing and a suction motor. The fan portion may have an inner
surface that is spaced from the fan housing by a first distance,
and the motor portion may have an inner surface that is spaced from
the suction motor by a second distance. And the first and second
distance may be about the same. The first distance and the second
distance may be up to 1 inch.
[0015] In some examples, the surface cleaning apparatus further
comprises a post motor filter positioned in a post motor filter
housing and the post motor filter housing has a cross sectional
area that proximates that of the motor portion.
[0016] In some examples, the post motor filter housing is provided
adjacent the motor portion.
[0017] In some examples, an air treatment portion of the surface
cleaning apparatus that houses the at least one air treatment
member has an outer surface and the air treatment portion has a
cross sectional area that is less than twice that of the fan
portion.
[0018] In some examples, the at least one air treatment member
comprises a cyclone unit.
[0019] In some examples, the cyclone unit has an outer surface that
forms a portion of the outer surface of the surface cleaning
apparatus.
[0020] In some examples, the surface cleaning apparatus comprises a
hand vacuum cleaner.
[0021] In some examples, the apparatus has a generally linear air
flow from the at least one air treatment member to the suction
motor and fan housing.
[0022] It will be appreciated that a surface cleaning apparatus may
incorporate one or more of the features of each of these
examples.
DRAWINGS
[0023] In the detailed description, reference will be made to the
following drawings, in which:
[0024] FIG. 1 is a side plan view of an example of a hand vacuum
cleaner;
[0025] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG.
1;
[0026] FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the hand vacuum cleaner of
FIG. 1;
[0027] FIG. 4 is a partially exploded rear perspective view of the
hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;
[0028] FIG. 5 is a partially exploded front perspective view of the
hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;
[0029] FIG. 6 is a cross section taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 2;
and
[0030] FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the hand vacuum
cleaner of FIG. 1;
[0031] FIG. 8 is a side plane view of the hand vacuum cleaner of
FIG. 1, showing the hand vacuum cleaner supported by a rear
end;
[0032] FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the hand-vacuum cleaner
of FIG. 1, showing the cyclone unit removed from the hand vacuum
cleaner; and,
[0033] FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the hand-vacuum
cleaner of FIG. 1, showing a post motor filter removed from the
hand vacuum cleaner.
DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EXAMPLES
[0034] Various apparatuses or methods will be described below to
provide an example of each claimed invention. No example described
below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may
cover processes or apparatuses that are not described below. The
claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses or processes
having all of the features of any one apparatus or process
described below or to features common to multiple or all of the
apparatuses described below. It is possible that an apparatus or
process described below is not an embodiment of any claimed
invention.
[0035] In the drawings attached hereto, the surface cleaning
apparatus is exemplified as used in a hand vacuum cleaner that uses
a cyclone. It will be appreciated that the vacuum cleaner 100 may
be of various types (e.g., an upright vacuum cleaner, canister
vacuum cleaner or alternate portable vacuum cleaner such as a hand
or shoulder strap carriable vacuum cleaner) and configurations
(e.g., different positioning and orientation of the cleaning or
cyclone unit and the suction motor and differing cleaning or
cyclone units that may comprise one or more cyclones and/or one or
more filters).
[0036] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7C, a first example of a surface
cleaning apparatus 100 is shown. In the embodiment shown, the
surface cleaning apparatus 100 is a hand vacuum cleaner 100 (also
referred to herein as cleaner 100), and is movable along a surface
to be cleaned by gripping and maneuvering handle 102. The vacuum
cleaner 100 has an outer casing 101, and includes an upper portion
104, a lower portion 106, a front end 108, and a rear end 110. In
the example shown, handle 102 is provided at the upper portion 104.
In alternate examples, handle 102 may be provided elsewhere on the
vacuum cleaner 100, for example at the rear end 110, and may be of
any design.
[0037] Preferably, vacuum cleaner 100 comprises at least one air
treatment portion positioned in the air flow path. Preferably, as
in the example shown, the vacuum cleaner 100 comprises a nozzle 112
and an air treatment portion 114, which together form a surface
cleaning head 116 of the vacuum cleaner 100. Preferably, as
exemplified, the surface cleaning head 116 is provided at the front
end 108 of the vacuum cleaner 100.
[0038] Nozzle 112 engages a surface to be cleaned, and comprises a
dirty air inlet 118, through which dirty air is drawn into the
vacuum cleaner 100. An air flow passage extends from the dirty air
inlet 118 to a clean air outlet 120 of the cleaner 100. Preferably,
as in the example shown, the rear end 110 of the cleaner 100
comprises the clean air outlet 120.
[0039] The air treatment portion 114 houses at least one air
treatment member. In the example shown, air treatment portion 114
is a cyclone unit 114, and the air treatment member is a cyclone
122. In alternate examples, air treatment member may be another
type of air treatment member, such as a filter.
[0040] Cyclone unit 114 is provided in the air flow passage,
downstream of the dirty air inlet 118. Cyclone unit 114 may have an
outer casing 115, which forms a portion of outer casing 101 of
vacuum cleaner 100. Cyclone unit 114 may comprise the front end 108
of the vacuum cleaner 100. Preferably, as in the example shown, the
cyclone unit 114 is a one piece assembly comprising one cyclone
122, and one dirt collection chamber 124, which are integrally
formed. In alternate examples, the cyclone unit 110 may include
more than one cyclonic stage, wherein each cyclonic stage
comprising one or more cyclones and one or more dirt chambers.
Accordingly, the cyclones may be arranged in parallel and/or in
sequence. Further, in alternate examples, the cyclone 122 and dirt
collection chamber 124 may be separately formed.
[0041] Preferably, as in the example shown, the nozzle 112 is
positioned at the lower portion 106 of the vacuum cleaner 100.
Preferably, as exemplified, nozzle 112 is positioned at the bottom
of the vacuum cleaner 100, and, preferably, beneath the cyclone
unit 114. Accordingly, as exemplified, nozzle 112 may be on lower
surface 157 of cyclone unit 114 and may have a common wall
therewith. In a particularly preferred design, the upper wall 126
of the nozzle may be a lower wall 119 of a casing 115 of the
cyclone unit 114. As shown in FIG. 6, dirt chamber 124 surrounds
the lower portion of cyclone 122. Accordingly, the upper wall of
nozzle 112 may be part of the lower wall of the dirt chamber. It
will be appreciated that if dirt chamber 124 does not extend around
the lower portion of cyclone 122, then the upper wall of nozzle 112
may be part of a lower wall of cyclone 122.
[0042] Preferably, as in the example shown, the nozzle 112 is
fixedly positioned at the lower portion 106 of the vacuum cleaner
100. That is, the nozzle 112 is not movable (e.g., rotatable) with
respect to the remainder of the vacuum cleaner 100, and is fixed at
the lower portion 106 of the vacuum cleaner 100.
[0043] As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, nozzle 112 has a width W.sub.N,
and cyclone unit 114 has a width W.sub.C. In the example shown,
W.sub.N, and W.sub.C are about the same. An advantage of this
design is that the nozzle may have a cleaning path that is
essentially as wide as the hand vacuum itself.
[0044] Preferably, nozzle 112 comprises an airflow chamber 136
wherein at least a portion, and preferably a majority, of the lower
surface 134 of the chamber is open. Such a design is exemplified in
FIG. 7A wherein, as mentioned hereinabove, nozzle 112 comprises an
upper nozzle wall 126. In the example shown, the upper nozzle wall
126 comprises a lower wall 119 of a casing 115 of the cyclone
unit.
[0045] Preferably, one or more depending walls 128 extend
downwardly from the upper nozzle wall 126. In the example shown,
one depending wall 128 extends downwardly from the cyclone unit
114. The depending wall 128 is preferably generally U-shaped. In
one embodiment, depending wall is provided rearward of opening 138.
In other embodiments, depending walls may alternately or in
addition be provided on the lateral sides of opening 138. It is
preferred that depending walls are provided on each lateral side of
opening 138 and rearward thereof. Further, depending walls 128 may
extend a substantial distance to the front end 108 and, preferably,
essentially all the way to front end 108. The depending wall 128
may be continuous to define a single wall as shown, or may be
discontinuous. The depending wall 128 is preferably rigid (e.g.,
integrally molded with cyclone unit 114). However, it may be
flexible (e.g., bristles or rubber) or moveably mounted to cyclone
unit 114 (e.g., hingedly mounted).
[0046] Preferably, the lower end 132 of depending wall 128 is
spaced above the surface being cleaned when the hand vacuum cleaner
is placed on a surface to be cleaned. In the example shown, a
plurality of optional wheels 135 are mounted to the depending wall
128, and extend lower than the lower end 132 of the depending wall
128. Accordingly, in use, when wheels 135 are in contact with a
surface, the lower end 132 of the depending wall 128 is spaced from
the surface to be cleaned. As exemplified in FIG. 6, when vacuum
cleaner 100 is placed on a floor F, lower end 132 of depending wall
128 is spaced a distance H above the floor. Preferably distance H
is from 0.01 inches to 0.175 inches, more preferably from 0.04 to
0.08 inches.
[0047] The height of the depending wall (between upper nozzle wall
126 and lower end 132) may vary. In some examples, the depending
wall may have a height of between about 0.05 and about 0.875,
preferably between about 0.125 and about 0.6 and more preferably
between about 0.2 and about 0.4 inches. The height of depending
wall may vary but is preferably constant.
[0048] As exemplified, the open end of the U-shape defines an open
side 130 of the nozzle 114, and forms the dirty air inlet 118 of
the cleaner 100. In the example shown, the open side 130 is
provided at the front of the nozzle 114. In use, when wheels 135
are in contact with a surface, the open side 130 sits above and is
adjacent a surface to be cleaned (e.g. floor F). As mentioned
hereinabove, preferably, lower end 132 of depending walls 128 is
spaced above floor F. Accordingly, some air may enter nozzle 114 by
passing underneath depending wall 132. In such a case, the primary
air entry to nozzle 114 is via open side 130 so that dirty air
inlet 118 is the primary air inlet, with a secondary air inlet
being under depending wall 128.
[0049] In the example shown, the lower end 132 of the depending
wall 128 defines an open lower end 134 of the nozzle 114. The open
lower end 134 preferably extends to the front end 108 of the
cleaner 108, and merges with the open side 130. In use, the
exemplified nozzle has an open lower end 134 that faces a surface
to be cleaned.
[0050] It will be appreciated that wheels 135 are optional.
Preferably, wheels 135 are positioned exterior to the air flow
passage through nozzle 112, e.g., laterally outwardly from
depending wall 128. Preferably a pair of front wheels 135 are
provided. Preferably, the wheels are located adjacent front end
108. Optionally, one or more rear wheels 180 may be provided. In an
alternate embodiment, no wheels may be provided.
[0051] The upper nozzle wall 126, depending wall 128, and open
lower end 134 of the nozzle 112 define the open sided airflow
chamber 136 of the nozzle. In use, when wheels 135 are in contact
with a horizontal surface, the nozzle 112 and the airflow chamber
136 extend generally horizontally, and preferably linearly along a
nozzle axis 113 (see FIG. 7A). It will be appreciated that nozzle
112 may be any nozzle known in the air and may be an enclosed
passage.
[0052] An opening 138 is provided in the upper nozzle wall 126, and
is in communication with the airflow chamber 136. Opening 138 may
be of any size and configuration and at various locations in upper
nozzle wall 126. In use, when wheels 135 are in contact with a
surface, the opening 138 faces a surface to be cleaned, air enters
the dirty air inlet 118, passes horizontally through the airflow
chamber 136, and passes into the opening 138. Opening 138 is in
communication with a cyclone inlet passage 139, which is in
communication with a cyclone air inlet 140 of cyclone 122.
[0053] If the surface cleaning apparatus uses a cyclone, then
cyclone 122 may of any configuration and orientation. Preferably,
cyclone 122 comprises a chamber wall 142, which in the example
shown, is cylindrical. The cyclone chamber is located inside
chamber wall 142. The cyclone 122 extends along an axis 123, which,
in the example shown, is preferably parallel to the nozzle axis,
and preferably extends generally horizontally when cleaner 100 is
in use and wheels 135 are seated on a surface. The cyclone 122 has
an air inlet 140 and an air outlet 145, which preferably are at the
same end of cyclone 122. Preferably the air inlet and the air
outlet are distal to front end 108. The cyclone air inlet and
cyclone air outlet may be of any configuration known in the art and
the cyclone air outlet may be covered by a screen or shroud or
filter as is known in the art.
[0054] As exemplified, the cyclone air inlet 140 may be defined by
an aperture in the chamber wall 142. As can be seen in FIG. 5, the
inlet passage 139 is configured such that air enters the cyclone
122 in a tangential flow path, e.g., passage 139 may be arcuate.
The air travels in a cyclonic path in the cyclone, and dirt in the
air is separated from the air. The air exits the cyclone via an
outlet passage 144, through outlet 145. Outlet 145 may be defined
in a rear wall 179 of the cyclone unit 114.
[0055] As exemplified in FIG. 6, a plate 174 may be provided
adjacent outlet passage 144, spaced from and facing the inlet 176
to outlet passage 144. Plate 174 may be mounted to cyclone 122 via
legs 178. In the example shown, plate 174, and legs 178 form an
assembly 182 that is removably mounted in cyclone 122. In some
examples, a screen may be mounted around legs 178.
[0056] The dirt that is separated from the air exits the cyclone
via dirt outlet 146, and enters dirt collection chamber 124. The
dirt collection chamber may be internal or external to the cyclone
chamber. Preferably, as exemplified, the dirt collection chamber is
external. The dirt collection chamber may be in communication with
the cyclone chamber by any means known in the art. Accordingly, one
or more dirt outlets may be provided. Preferably, the dirt outlet
is an open end of the cyclone chamber, preferably at the end
opposed to the air inlet and, preferably, the dirt outlet is at the
front end 108.
[0057] Preferably, as in the example shown, dirt collection chamber
124 comprises two portions. A first portion 148 is provided
immediately adjacent the dirt outlet 146, and is at the front end
108 of the cleaner 100. A second portion 150 is concentric with the
cyclone 122. A lower portion 152 of the second portion 150 is below
the cyclone. As exemplified, nozzle 112 is positioned below first
portion 148, and lower portion 152. Accordingly, dirt chamber 124
may comprise an annular chamber surrounding the cyclone 122.
[0058] A separation plate 154 may be provided in the dirt
collection chamber 124, adjacent the dirt outlet 146. The
separation plate 154 aids in preventing dirt in dirt collection
chamber 124 from re-entering cyclone 122. Preferably, plate 154 is
spaced from dirt outlet 146 and preferably faces dirt outlet 146.
Plate 154 may be mounted by any means to any component in cyclone
unit 114. As exemplified, the separation plate is mounted on an arm
156, which preferably extends from a front wall 158 at the front
end 108 of the cleaner 100.
[0059] Cyclone unit 114 may be emptied by any means known in the
art. For example, one of the ends of the cyclone unit 114 may be
openable and/or removable. As exemplified in FIGS. 4 and 5, front
wall 158 is pivotally mounted to the cyclone unit wall 115 and
serves as an openable door of the dirt chamber 124. The dirt
collection chamber is preferably openable both when the dirt
collection chamber is mounted to the hand vacuum cleaner, or when
it is optionally removed, as will be described hereinbelow. When
front wall 158 is pivoted away from the remainder of the cyclone
unit 114, separation plate 154 and arm 156 also pivot away from the
remainder of the cyclone unit. A latch 159 is provided, which
secures front wall 158 to wall 115. In alternate examples, front
wall 158 may be removable from cyclone unit wall 115, or the rear
wall 179 of the cyclone unit 114 may be openable.
[0060] The rear portion of the dirt collection chamber 124 may be
closed by wall 179.
[0061] The clean air exiting cyclone 122 passes through outlet 145
of outlet passage 144, exits surface cleaning head 116, and passes
into the cleaner body 160. In the example shown, the cleaner body
160 is positioned rearward of the surface cleaning head 116.
[0062] The cleaner body comprises a suction motor and fan housing
168 (also referred to herein as housing 168), which houses a
suction motor 164 and fan 121. Suction motor 164 and fan 121 are
provided in the air flow passage. Preferably, fan 121 is upstream
of motor 164. The suction motor 164 may be any type of suction
motor, and the fan 121 may be any type of fan. The suction motor
drives the fan (e.g., by being mounted on a shaft extending out of
motor 164), which rotates to draws air into the dirty air inlet 118
of the cleaner 100, through the air flow passage and through the
fan 121 (i.e., between blades of the fan), past the suction motor
164, and out of the clean air outlet 120.
[0063] The suction motor and fan housing 168 has a fan portion 190,
in which the fan 121 is positioned, and a motor portion 192, in
which the motor 164 is positioned. Preferably, the motor portion
192 is downstream of the fan portion 190. In the example shown, the
suction motor 164 and fan 121 are arranged linearly, and extend
along a common motor axis 165. More preferably, as shown, axis 165
is parallel and aligned with cyclone axis 123. Accordingly, the
vacuum cleaner 100 has a generally linear airflow from the cyclone
122 to the housing 168.
[0064] As shown, the suction motor and fan housing 168 has an
upstream end 167, a downstream end 169, and a longitudinally
extending sidewall 194 extending between the upstream end 167 and
the downstream end 169. Preferably, at least a portion of the
suction motor and fan housing 168 forms at least a part of the
outer casing 101 of the surface cleaning apparatus 100. More
preferably, at least a portion of the sidewall 194 forms a part of
the outer casing, and most preferably, a majority of the sidewall
194 forms part of the outer casing 101. Preferably, as in the
example shown, the entirety of the sidewall 194 forms a central
part of the outer casing 101 (i.e. spaced from both front end 108
and rear end 110).
[0065] Preferably, at least a portion of the suction motor and fan
housing 168 is recessed inwardly. For example, as shown, the motor
164 has a smaller cross sectional area than the fan 121.
Accordingly, the motor portion 190 is recessed inwardly (i.e.
towards axis 165) from the fan portion 192, and the fan portion 192
has a larger cross sectional area than the motor portion 190. Most
preferably, the longitudinally extending sidewall 194 proximates
the profile of the suction motor 164 and fan 121.
[0066] In the preferred embodiment, the air flow passage of the
vacuum cleaner 100 passes through the housing 168, through fan 121
as well as between fan 121 and fan portion 190 of housing 168, and
between suction motor 164 and suction motor portion 192 of housing
168. In order for air to be able to flow through housing 168, an
inner surface 198 of the housing 168 is spaced from an outer
surface of the suction motor 164 and fan 121.
[0067] In some embodiments, inner surface 198 of the housing 168 is
spaced from an outer surface of the suction motor 164 by up to 1
inch, preferably from 0.0625 to 0.75 inches and more preferably
from 0.125 to 0.25 inches. Similarly, the housing 168 may be spaced
from an outer surface of the fan 121 by a similar distance. For
example, an inner surface 198a of the fan portion 190 of the
housing 168 may be spaced from the fan 121 by a first distance, and
an inner surface 198b of the motor portion 192 of the housing 168
may be spaced from the motor 164 by a second distance. The second
distance may be about the same as the first distance.
[0068] Preferably, as in the example shown, suction motor and fan
housing 168 further houses a pre-motor filter 162. Preferably,
housing 168 further comprises a pre-motor filter portion 199
upstream of the fan portion 121, in which the pre-motor filter 162
is housed. Pre-motor filter 162 serves to remove remaining
particulate matter from air exiting the cyclone 122, and may be any
type of filter, such as a foam filter. One or more filters may be
used. Preferably, as exemplified embodiments, the pre-motor filter
162 is aligned with the cyclone axis 123, and the motor axis
165.
[0069] In the exemplified embodiment, the pre-motor filter 162 has
a larger cross sectional area than the fan 121, and pre-motor
filter portion 199 has a larger cross sectional area than fan
portion 190. Accordingly, fan portion 190 is recessed inwardly from
pre-motor filter portion 199.
[0070] In alternate embodiments, a pre-motor filter may not be
provided, or the pre-motor filter 162 may be provided in a separate
housing.
[0071] The cleaner body 160 preferably further comprises a
post-motor filter 161. The post motor filter may comprise a post
motor filter housing 170, and a post motor filter material 166. The
post motor filter housing is preferably adjacent the motor portion
192, and the post motor filter material 166 is provided in the air
flow passage downstream of, and preferably adjacent, the suction
motor 164. The post motor filter 161 has an upstream end 169, and a
downstream end 171. The downstream end 171 preferably comprises the
rear end 110 of the vacuum cleaner 100. Preferably as in the
exemplified embodiments, the pre-motor filter 162 is aligned with
the cyclone axis 123, and the motor axis 165. Accordingly, the
pre-motor filter 162, cyclone unit 114, and motor 164 may be
arranged linearly.
[0072] Preferably as in the exemplified embodiment, the post motor
filter housing 170 has a cross sectional area that proximate the
cross sectional area of the motor portion 192.
[0073] Post motor filter 161 serves to remove remaining particulate
mater from air exiting the cleaner 100. Post-motor filter material
166 may be any type of filter material, such as a HEPA filter.
[0074] Clean air outlet 120 is provided downstream of post-motor
filter material 166. Preferably as in the example shown, clean air
outlet 120 comprises a plurality of apertures formed in housing
170. Preferably, as shown, clean air outlet 120 comprises a
plurality of apertures provided in housing 170 at the downstream
end 171 of the post motor filter 161. More preferably, clean air
outlet is provided at a circumferential portion 105 of rear end
110, slightly forward of a planar portion 107 of rear end 110.
[0075] Preferably, rear end 110 is configured to support the hand
vacuum cleaner 100 when the hand vacuum cleaner 100 is placed on a
floor F, as shown in FIG. 8. For example, the vacuum cleaner 100
may stand on planar portion 107 of rear end 110, without occluding
or obstructing air outlet 120. Accordingly, airflow (indicated by
arrow A1) may still pass out of outlet 120. This may be
advantageous, for example, when removing the dirt collection
chamber 124 from the surface cleaning apparatus, as will be
described further hereinbelow.
[0076] Referring to FIG. 9, the first cyclone unit 114 is
preferably removably mounted to the hand vacuum cleaner 100.
Preferably as in the exemplified embodiment, cyclone unit 114 is
removably mounted at the front end 108 of the vacuum cleaner 100,
to the upstream end 167 of the suction motor and fan housing 168.
In the example shown, the cyclone unit 114 comprises the dirt
collection chamber 124. Accordingly, the cyclone unit 114 may be
removed in order to empty dirt collection chamber 124. For example,
cyclone unit 114 may be removed from vacuum cleaner 100, may be
held over a garbage bin, the front wall 158 may be opened, and the
dirt may be emptied from dirt chamber 124.
[0077] In order to remove cyclone unit 114 from the surface
cleaning apparatus, the cyclone unit may comprise a first mounting
member 173, and the suction motor and fan housing 168 may have a
second mounting member 175. The first 173 and second 175 mounting
members are releasably engageable with each other. Preferably, the
first 173 and second 175 are rotatably engageable with each other.
For example, as shown, the first 173 and second 175 mounting
members comprise a bayonet mount. In alternate examples, the first
and second mounting members may be another type of mounting member,
such as mating screw threads, magnets, latches or any other type of
mounting members.
[0078] Referring back to FIG. 8, in examples wherein the first 173
and second 175 mounting members are rotatably engageable with each
other, a user may wish to stand vacuum cleaner 100 on rear end 110
(i.e. use rear end 110 to support vacuum cleaner 100), and more
particularly on planar portion 107 of rear end 110, in order to
remove cyclone unit 114 from surface cleaning apparatus 100. This
may allow cyclone unit 114 to be relatively easily rotated with
respect to motor housing 168. As clean air outlet 120 is provided
in circumferential portion 105 of rear end 110, planar portion 107
may be used to support vacuum cleaner 100, without occluding or
obstructing clean air outlet 120.
[0079] Preferably as in the example shown, planar portion 107
comprises a planar surface 109, and feet 111. In the example shown,
feet 111 of planar portion 107 are in contact with floor F when
planar portion 107 is used to support vacuum cleaner 100. In
alternate examples, feet 111 may be omitted, and planar surface 109
may be used to support vacuum cleaner 100. If feet 111 are
provided, it will be appreciated that the end need not be planar.
In alternate examples, another portion of rear end 110 may be used
to support vacuum cleaner 100. Feet 111 and/or planar portion 107
comprise a platform on which the vacuum cleaner may be stood.
[0080] As mentioned hereinabove, cyclone unit 114 and motor 164 are
preferably generally aligned. Accordingly, when vacuum cleaner 100
is supported by rear end 110, cyclone unit 114 and motor 164 may be
generally vertically aligned. That is, the first cyclone unit 114
may be directly above the motor 164. Furthermore, in the preferred
embodiment, the cyclone unit 114 has a cross sectional area that is
less than twice that of the fan portion 121 of housing 168. More
preferably, the cyclone unit 114 has a cross sectional area that is
less than one and a half times that of the fan portion 121 of
housing 168. This may allow vacuum cleaner 100 to balance on rear
end 110, without any additional support. That is, when the rear end
110 is placed on the floor F, the rear end 110 may comprise the
sole support for the vacuum cleaner 100.
[0081] Referring now to FIG. 10, in the exemplified embodiment,
post motor filter 161 is preferably removably mounted to the hand
vacuum cleaner 100. Preferably, the upstream end 169 of the post
motor filter 161 is removably mounted to the downstream end 169 of
motor housing 168. Preferably, post motor-filter is rotationally
mounted to the hand vacuum cleaner 100, for example by a bayonet
mount as shown.
[0082] One or more additional wheels 180 may be mounted to housing
161, preferably at lower portion 106, and may be used in
conjunction with wheels 135. Preferably, a single rear wheel 180 is
provided. Preferably, rear wheel 180 is located on a centre line of
the vacuum cleaner and rearward of the depending wall 128.
[0083] In alternate examples (not shown), hand vacuum cleaner 100
may further comprise a second cyclone unit downstream of the first
cyclone unit 114. The second cyclone unit may be provided in motor
housing 168, or in a separate housing. Preferably, the second
cyclone unit is linearly arranged with the first cyclone unit 114,
suction motor 164, and post motor filter 161.
* * * * *