PORTABLE SURFACE CLEANING APPARATUS

Abstract

A portable surface cleaning apparatus comprises a platform that is configured to support the portable surface cleaning apparatus when the platform is placed on a floor, wherein a dirty air inlet positioned other than on the platform. A component of the portable surface cleaning apparatus may be removable or openable. The removable portion is preferably at an end opposed to the platform. The openable portion is also preferably located at an end opposed to the platform. The platform therefore provides a base on which a vacuum cleaner may be disassembled or serviced.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of Canadian Patent Application. No. 2658025, filed Mar. 11, 2009, entitled PORTABLE SURFACE CLEANING APPARATUS.

FIELD

The specification relates to portable surface gleaning apparatus and preferably, vacuum cleaners, such as cyclonic hand vacuum cleaners. More specifically, the specification relates to portable surface cleaning apparatus having a rear or air exit end configured to support the hand vacuum cleaner.

INTRODUCTION

The following is not an admission that anything discussed below is prior art or part of the common general knowledge of persons skilled in the art.

Vacuum cleaner that utilize a HEPA filter are known. In order to increase the surface area of a HEPA filter, the HEPA filter material is typically pleated and secured, e.g., glued, into a plastic filter holder. This produces a HEPA filter assembly that is then installed in a chamber of a vacuum cleaner. The HEPA filter may be mounted at various locations on a vacuum cleaner.

Various types of vacuum cleaners, including cyclonic vacuum cleaners, are known. Such vacuum cleaners include upright vacuum cleaner, canister vacuum cleaner and, more recently hand vacuum cleaner. See for example, PCT publication WO 2008/009890, PCT publication WO 2008/009888, PCT publication WO 2008/009883 and U.S. Pat. No. 7,370,387.

SUMMARY

The following introduction is provided to introduce the reader to the more detailed discussion to follow. The introduction is not intended to limit or define the claims.

According to one broad aspect, a portable surface cleaning apparatus is provided, such as a hand vacuum cleaner is disclosed. The surface cleaning apparatus has an end, other than the end that has the dirty air inlet that is configured to provide a platform on which the surface cleaning apparatus may be stood. Preferably, the end is the rear end or the air exit end. More preferably, the rear end comprises the air exit end. Accordingly, the surface cleaning apparatus may be stood on end and serviced. For example, if the surface cleaning apparatus has a removable component, the surface cleaning apparatus may be stood on end and the component removed. The platform provides a stable surface such that a user may use both hands to open or disassemble the surface cleaning apparatus. Without such a design, a user might have to use one hand to hold or secure the surface cleaning apparatus and the other hand to manipulate the openable or removable portion. Preferably, a removable component is provided. More preferably, the removable or openable component is provided on an end opposed to the platform.

For example, if a component is rotatably mountable to the surface cleaning apparatus, the surface cleaning apparatus may be stood on the platform and the component that has been removed may then be placed on the upwardly extending end and rotated until locked in place.

For example, portable surface cleaning apparatus may comprise a front end and a rear end, an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, an air treatment unit positioned in the air flow passage and a suction motor positioned in the air flow passage, and a platform that is configured to support the portable surface cleaning apparatus when the platform is placed on a floor, the dirty air inlet positioned other than on the platform.

The air treatment member may be any known in the art and preferably includes at least one cyclone. For example, in some examples, the portion comprises a first cyclone unit positioned in the air flow passage, the first cyclone unit comprising at least one cyclone having a cyclone outlet and at least one dirt collection chamber.

In some examples, the portable surface cleaning apparatus may have a portion that is either openable (e.g., a door) or removable (e.g., an operating component of the such as a cyclone and/or filter and/or motor housing) and the portion is positioned at a side opposed to the platform.

In some examples, the platform is provided on the rear end.

Preferably, the portable surface cleaning apparatus comprises a hand vacuum cleaner.

In some examples, the first cyclone unit is removably mounted to the portable surface cleaning apparatus. In some examples, the first cyclone unit is removably mounted at the front end. The first cyclone unit may comprise the front end.

In some examples, the portable surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a post motor filter having a downstream end, and the downstream end comprises the rear end.

In some examples, the rear end comprises a planar surface. The rear end may comprise the clean air outlet. The rear end may comprise a plurality of feet. The rear end may comprise the sole support for the portable surface cleaning apparatus when the rear end is placed on the floor.

In some examples, first cyclone unit and the suction motor are aligned. The first cyclone unit may be directly above the suction motor when the rear end is placed on the floor.

In some examples, the post motor filter is rotationally mounted to the portable surface cleaning apparatus. The post motor filter may be rotationally mounted to the portable surface cleaning apparatus by a bayonet mount.

In some examples, the first cyclone unit and the suction motor are arranged linearly. In some examples, the first cyclone unit, the suction motor and the post motor filter are arranged linearly.

In some examples, the suction motor is positioned in a suction motor housing and the first cyclone unit is removably mounted to the suction motor housing. In some examples, the suction motor housing has an upstream end and a downstream end, the first cyclone unit is removably mounted to the upstream end and the post motor filter is removably mounted to the downstream end.

In some examples, the first cyclone unit has a single cyclone and a single dirt collection chamber. In some examples, the portable surface cleaning apparatus further comprises a second cyclone unit downstream from the first cyclone unit. In some examples, the first cyclone unit, the second cyclone unit, the suction motor and the post motor filter are arranged linearly.

In some examples, a portable surface cleaning apparatus may comprise a front end, a rear end and an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. A first cyclone unit may be positioned in the air flow passage. The first cyclone unit may comprises at least one cyclone having a cyclone outlet and at least one dirt collection chamber. A suction motor is positioned in the air flow passage. The portable surface cleaning apparatus further comprises an optional post motor filter. The rear end is configured to support the portable surface cleaning apparatus when the portable surface cleaning apparatus is placed on a floor.

It will be appreciated that a portable surface cleaning apparatus may incorporate one or more of the features of each of these examples.

DRAWINGS

In the detailed description, reference will be made to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side plan view of an example of a hand vacuum cleaner;

FIG. 2 is a top plan view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a partially exploded rear perspective view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a partially exploded front perspective view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a cross section taken along line 6-6 in FIG. 2; and

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a side plan view of the hand vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1, showing the hand vacuum cleaner supported by a rear end;

FIG. 9 is a rear perspective view of the hand-vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1, showing the cyclone unit removed from the hand vacuum cleaner; and

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

Various apparatuses or methods will be described below to provide an example of each claimed invention. No example described below limits any claimed invention and any claimed invention may cover processes or apparatuses that are not described below. The claimed inventions are not limited to apparatuses or processes having all of the features of any one apparatus or process described below or to features common to multiple or all of the apparatuses described below. It is possible that an apparatus or process described below is not an embodiment of any claimed invention.

In the drawings attached hereto, a hand vacuum cleaner is exemplified comprising one cyclonic stage. It will be appreciated that the vacuum cleaner 100 may be of various configurations (e.g., different types of portable vacuum cleaner, different positioning and/or orientation of the cleaning or cyclonic stage or stages and the suction motor and differing cleaning or cyclonic stages that may comprise one or more cyclones and/or one or more filters). Preferably, as exemplified, the surface cleaning apparatus is one that is designed to be carried by a shoulder strap or by hand, while in use.

Referring to FIGS. 1 to 7C, a first example of a vacuum cleaner 100 is shown. The vacuum cleaner 100 is a hand vacuum cleaner, and is movable along a surface to be cleaned by gripping and maneuvering handle 102. The vacuum cleaner includes an upper portion 104, a lower portion 106, a front end 108, and a rear end 110. 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.

In the example shown, the vacuum cleaner 100 comprises a nozzle 112 and a first cyclone unit 114, which together preferably form a surface cleaning head 116 of the vacuum cleaner 100. Preferably, as exemplified, the surface cleaning head 116 is provided at the front end 108 of the vacuum cleaner 100.

Nozzle 112 engages a surface to be cleaned, and comprises a dirty air inlet 118, through which dirty air is drawn into the vacuum cleaner 100. An air flow passage extends from the dirty air inlet 118 to a clean air outlet 120 of the cleaner 100. Preferably, as in the example shown, the rear end 110 of the cleaner 100 comprises the clean air outlet 120.

Preferably, as in the example shown, the air treatment member comprises a cyclone unit 114 that is provided in the air flow passage, downstream of the dirty air inlet 118. Cyclone unit 114 may comprise the front end 108 of the vacuum cleaner 100. 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. It will be appreciated that a cyclone may not be used in some embodiments and that the air treatment member may comprise a filter.

Preferably, as in the example shown, the nozzle 112 is positioned at 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. In a particularly preferred design, the upper wall 126 of the nozzle may be a lower portion 119 of a wall 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.

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.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5, nozzle 112 has a width W_N, and cyclone unit 114 has a width W_C. In the example shown, W_N, and W_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.

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 preferably comprises a portion 119 of a wall 115 of the cyclone unit.

Preferably, one or more depending walls 128 extend downwardly from the upper nozzle wall 126. In the example shown, one or more depending wall 128 extends downwardly from the cyclone unit 114. The depending wall 128 is preferably generally U-shaped. The depending wall 128 may be continuous to define a single wall as shown, or may be discontinuous. The depending wall 128 is preferably rigid (e.g., integrally molded with cyclone unit 114). However, it may be flexible (e.g., bristles or rubber) or moveably mounted to cyclone unit 114 (e.g., hingedly mounted).

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 to 0.175 inches, more preferably from 0.04 to 0.08 inches.

The height of the depending wall (between upper nozzle wall 126 and lower end 132) may vary. In some examples, the depending wall may have a height of between about 0.05 and about 0.875 inches, preferably between about 0.125 and about 0.6 inches and more preferably between about 0.2 and about 0.4 inches. The height of depending wall may vary but is preferably constant.

As exemplified, the open end of the U-shape defines an open side 130 of 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.

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.

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.

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 preferably extend generally horizontally, and preferably linearly along a nozzle axis 113 (see FIG. 7A).

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.

It will be appreciated that nozzle 112 may be any other nozzle known in the vacuum cleaner arts and may be provided at any location on the portable surface cleaning apparatus. For example, nozzle 112 may comprise an enclosed passage.

Cyclone 122 may of any configuration and orientation. Preferably, cyclone 122 comprises 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.

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 preferably configured such that air enters the cyclone 122 in a tangential flow path, e.g., passage 139 may be arcuate. The air travels in a cyclonic path in the cyclone, and dirt in the air is separated from the air. The air exits the cyclone via an outlet passage 144, through outlet 145. As exemplified, outlet 145 is defined in a rear wall 179 of the cyclone unit 114.

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.

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 at the end opposed to the air inlet and, preferably, the dirt outlet is at the front end 108 and preferably i comprises an open end of the cyclone chamber.

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.

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 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.

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. 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, such dirt collection chamber 124 is preferably openable, and dirt collection chamber 124 may be emptied. The dirt collection chamber is openable both when the dirt collection chamber is mounted to the hand vacuum cleaner, or when it is optionally removed, as will be described hereinbelow. When front wall 158 is pivoted away from the remainder of the cyclone unit 114, separation plate 154 and arm 166 also preferably pivot away from the remainder of the cyclone unit. A latch 159 is provided, which secures front wall 158 to wall 115. 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.

The rear portion of the dirt collection chamber 124 may be closed by wall 179.

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.

The cleaner body comprises a suction motor housing 108, which houses a suction motor 164 and may be of any design. The suction motor housing 168 has an upstream end 167, and a downstream end 169. Suction motor 164 is provided in the air flow passage adjacent and downstream of the pre-motor filter 162. The suction motor 164 may be any type of suction motor. The suction motor draws air into the dirty air inlet 118 of the cleaner 100, through the air flow passage past the suction motor 164, and out of the clean air outlet 120. The suction motor 164 has a motor axis 165. Preferably, as in the example shown, the motor axis 165 and the cyclone axis 123 extend in the same direction and are preferably generally parallel. Accordingly, the first cyclone unit 114 and the suction motor 164 are generally aligned, and are preferably arranged linearly.

Preferably, as in the example shown, suction motor housing 168 further houses an optional pre-motor filter 162. Pre-motor filter 162 is provided in the air flow passage preferably adjacent and upstream of the motor 164, and preferably adjacent and downstream of the outlet passage 144, and preferably facing the outlet 145. Pre-motor filter 162 serves to remove remaining particulate matter from air exiting the cyclone 122, and may be any type of filter, such as a foam filter. One or more filters may be used. In the exemplified embodiments, the pre-motor filter 162 is preferably aligned with the cyclone axis 123, and the motor axis 165.

As exemplified, the cleaner body 160 further comprises an optional post-motor filter 161. The post motor filter may be any known in the art and may comprise a post motor filter housing 170, and a post motor filter material 166. The post motor filter 161 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. In the exemplified embodiments, the post-motor filter 161 is aligned with the cyclone axis 123, and the motor axis 165. Accordingly, the post-motor filter 161, cyclone unit 114, and motor 164 may be arranged linearly.

Post motor filter 161 serves to remove remaining particulate matter from air exiting the cleaner 100. Post-motor filter material 166 may be any type of filter material, such as a HEPA filter.

Clean air outlet 120 is provided downstream 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 adjacent the downstream end 171 of the post motor filter 161. More preferably, clean air outlet is preferably provided at a circumferential portion 105 of rear end 110, slightly forward of a planar portion 107 of rear end 110.

Rear end 110 is configured to support the hand vacuum cleaner 100 when the hand vacuum cleaner 100 is placed on a floor F, as shown in FIG. 8. Accordingly, in this embodiment, rear end 110 comprises a platform for supporting the vacuum cleaner. For example, the vacuum cleaner 100 may stand on planar or platform portion 107 of rear end 110, without occluding or obstructing air outlet 120. Accordingly, airflow (indicated by arrow A1) may still pass out of outlet 120. This may be advantageous, for example, if the dirt collection chamber 124 is removably mounted to the surface cleaning apparatus, as will be described further hereinbelow.

Referring to FIG. 9, the first cyclone unit 114 may be removably mounted to the hand vacuum cleaner 100, preferably at an end opposed to platform portion 107. 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 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. It will be appreciated that only dirt collection chamber 124 may be removably mounted or openable.

In order to remove cyclone unit 114 from the surface cleaning apparatus, the cyclone unit comprises a first mounting member 173, and the suction motor housing 168 has a second mounting member 175. The first 173 and second 175 mounting members are releasably engageable with each other. Preferably, the first 173 and second 175 are rotatably engageable with each other. For example, as shown, the first 173 and second 175 mounting members comprise a bayonet mount. In alternate examples, the first and second mounting members may be another type of mounting member, such as mating screw threads, magnets, latches or any other type of mounting members.

Referring back to FIG. 8, in examples wherein the first 173 and second 175 mounting members are rotatably engageable with each other, a user may stand vacuum cleaner 100 on rear end 110 (i.e. use rear end 110 as a platform to support vacuum cleaner 100), and more particularly on planar portion 107 of rear end 110. Cyclone unit 114 is accordingly positioned at the upper end of the vacuum cleaner. A user may, e.g., rotate the cyclone unit 114 in order to remove cyclone unit 114 from surface cleaning apparatus 100. This may allow cyclone unit 114 to be relatively easily rotated with respect to motor housing 168. 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.

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. Accordingly feet 111 may support planar portion 107 above the floor. In such a case it will be appreciated that that rear end 110 need not have a planar portion and feet 111 may comprise the platform. In alternate examples, feet 111 may be omitted, in which case planar surface 109 may comprise the platform that is used to support vacuum cleaner 100. In alternate examples, another portion of rear end 110 may be used to support vacuum cleaner 100.

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. 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. It will be appreciated that, provided the centre of gravity is above the platform, the portable surface cleaning apparatus may stand on the platform.

Referring now to FIG. 10, preferably as exemplified in this embodiment, post motor filter 161 is 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.

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.

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.

Claims

1. A portable surface cleaning apparatus comprising:

(a) a front end and a rear end;

(b) an air flow passage extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet;

(c) a air treatment unit positioned in the air flow passage;

(d) a suction motor positioned in the air flow passage;

(e) a platform that is configured to support the portable surface cleaning apparatus when the platform is placed on a floor, the dirty air inlet positioned other than on the platform.

2. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the portable surface cleaning apparatus has a portion that is either openable or removable and the portion is positioned at a side opposed to the platform.

3. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the platform is provided on the rear end.

4. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the portion comprises a first cyclone unit positioned in the air flow passage, the first cyclone unit comprising at least one cyclone having a cyclone outlet and at least one dirt collection chamber

5. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 4 wherein the first cyclone unit is removably mounted to the portable surface cleaning apparatus.

6. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 5 wherein the first cyclone unit is removably mounted at the front end.

7. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 4 wherein the first cyclone unit comprises the front end.

8. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a post motor filter having a downstream end and the downstream end comprises the platform.

9. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the platform comprises a planar surface.

10. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the clean air outlet is provided adjacent the rear end.

11. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the platform has a plurality of feet.

12. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the platform comprises the sole support for the portable surface cleaning apparatus when the platform is placed on the floor.

13. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 4 wherein the first cyclone unit and the suction motor are aligned.

14. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 13 wherein the first cyclone unit is directly above the suction motor when the platform is placed on the floor.

15. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein a post motor filter is rotationally mounted to the portable surface cleaning apparatus.

16. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein a post motor filter is rotationally mounted to the portable surface cleaning apparatus by a bayonet mount.

17. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 4 wherein the first cyclone unit and the suction motor are arranged linearly.

18. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 17 wherein the first cyclone unit, the suction motor and a post motor filter are arranged linearly.

19. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the suction motor is positioned in a suction motor housing and the first cyclone unit is removably mounted to the suction motor housing.

20. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 19 wherein the suction motor housing has an upstream end and a downstream end, the first cyclone unit is removably mounted to the upstream end and a post motor filter is removably mounted to the downstream end.

21. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first cyclone unit has a single cyclone and a single dirt collection chamber.

22. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a second cyclone unit downstream from the first cyclone unit.

23. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 22 wherein the first cyclone unit, the second cyclone unit, the suction motor and a post motor filter are arranged linearly.

24. The portable surface cleaning apparatus of claim 1 wherein the portable surface cleaning apparatus comprises a hand vacuum cleaner.