HOSE END TRIGGER SWITCH

A vacuum cleaner includes a container and a power head coupled to the container. The power head includes a suction source configured to generate a working airflow, and an exhaust outlet configured to exhaust the working airflow. The vacuum cleaner also includes a suction inlet which provides entrance of the working airflow. The suction inlet is provided on at least one of the power head or the container. The vacuum cleaner also includes a suction hose removably coupled to the suction inlet and configured to conduct the working airflow. The suction hose has a tube, an end housing coupled to the tube, a trigger mounted on the end housing, and a trigger switch configured to be actuated by the trigger. The end housing defines a distal free end of the suction hose.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to vacuum cleaners and more particularly to a vacuum cleaner including a hose.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the invention provides a vacuum cleaner including a container and a power head coupled to the container. The power head includes a suction source configured to generate a suction airflow and a blower outlet configured to exhaust the suction airflow. The vacuum cleaner also includes a suction inlet which provides entrance of the working airflow and through which the working airflow is generated. The suction inlet is provided on at least one of the power head or the container. The vacuum cleaner includes a suction hose removably coupled to the suction inlet and configured to conduct the suction airflow. The suction hose has a tube, an end housing coupled to the tube, a trigger mounted on the end housing and a trigger switch configured to be actuated by the trigger. The end housing defines a distal and free end of the suction hose.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a vacuum cleaner including a container and a power head coupled to the container. The power head includes a suction source configured to generate a suction airflow, and a blower outlet configured to exhaust the suction airflow. The vacuum cleaner also includes a suction inlet which provides entrance of the working airflow and through which the working airflow is generated. The suction inlet is provided on at least one of the power head or the container. The vacuum cleaner includes a suction hose coupled to the suction inlet and configured to conduct the suction airflow. The suction hose has a tube, an end housing coupled to the tube, a trigger pivotably coupled to the end housing and a trigger switch configured to be actuated by the trigger. The end housing has an annular wall and a bracket extending from the annular wall. The trigger is configured as a lever and has a first end pivotably mounted on the bracket and a second end opposite the first end and spaced from the annular wall. The trigger switch is positioned between the first end and the second end of the trigger.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a vacuum cleaner including a container and a power head coupled to the container. The power head includes a suction source configured to generate a working airflow, a blower outlet configured to exhaust the working airflow, a power head housing which houses the suction source, and a power head switching device arranged on the housing. The vacuum cleaner also includes a suction inlet which provides entrance of the working airflow. The suction inlet is provided on at least one of the power head or the container. The vacuum cleaner includes a suction hose coupled to the suction inlet and configured to conduct the working airflow. The vacuum cleaner includes a controller. The suction hose has a tube, an end housing coupled to the tube, a trigger coupled to the end housing, and a trigger switch configured to be actuated by the trigger. The controller is configured to receive a first signal from the power head switching device, receive a second signal from the trigger switch, operate the suction source in a first condition in response to the first signal from the power head switching device, and operate the suction source in a second condition in response to the second signal from the trigger switch.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG.1illustrates a vacuum cleaner10according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vacuum10includes a container14, a power head18, a base22, and a housing26. The container14is configured to collect and store debris. The power head18includes a suction inlet30, a blower outlet31, an exhaust vent32, multiple battery bays34, a handle38, a latching assembly46, a suction source50, and a power head switching device54. In the embodiment shown inFIG.1andFIG.11, the suction inlet30is positioned on the power head18. In other embodiments, as shown inFIG.12, the suction inlet30may be positioned on the container14. The latching assembly46may be actuated to selectively couple the container14to the power head18. The suction source50is powered by a power supply55(FIG.7)). Specifically, the suction source50is powered by batteries attached to the vacuum10in the battery bays34and operates to generate a suction airflow within the vacuum10. In the illustrated embodiment, the power head18includes at least two battery bays34. In other embodiments, the power head18may include only one battery bay. In another embodiments, the suction source50may directly receive power from a cord connected to an external power source. In some embodiments, the power supply55includes rechargeable batteries removably coupled to the battery bays (one battery per each bay).

In the illustrated embodiment, the switching device54may be actuated to energize the suction source50such that when the switching device54is in an ON position, power is provided from the batteries to power the suction source50. When the switch54is in an OFF position, power is not provided to the suction source50. The switching device54may be actuated to change a condition of vacuum cleaner10. The condition may be an ON/OFF condition, a predetermined suction motor speed, a low or idle mode, a high or maximum power mode, or a maximum run-time mode.

With further reference toFIG.1, the base22includes caster wheels58, where one or more of the caster wheels58include a caster brake62for braking the caster wheels58and preventing movement of the base22. The base22further includes a foot pedal66to selectively detach the base22from the collector14. In another embodiment, the container14may be formed with the base22as one piece. In yet another embodiment, the base22may include non-slip feet or other supporting members to keep the base in a stable orientation. In another embodiment, the vacuum cleaner10may not include a base.

As illustrated inFIGS.2and3, the power head18further includes a diffuser70, a duct78, and a cap82. The suction source50includes a filter assembly86, a fan88, and a suction motor90. The suction source50is operable to generate a suction airflow through the inlet28to draw debris and airflow into the container14. When the motor90is switched on, the working airflow is generated by the fan88which is driven by the motor90. The duct78is fluidly connected to the diffuser70and to the blower outlet31for housing the working airflow. The duct78includes an outlet98for exhausting the working airflow. The outlet98of the duct78aligns with the exhaust vent32of the power head18. When the cap82is coupled to or covers the blower outlet31, the working airflow bypasses the blower outlet31and flows through the duct78and out of the outlet98. When the cap82is removed from the blower outlet31, the working airflow exhausts through the blower outlet31and through the outlet98.

Referring back toFIG.1, a suction hose42is coupled to the suction inlet30such that the suction airflow is generated through the suction hose42. In some embodiments, the suction hose42may be permanently coupled to the suction inlet30. In the illustrated embodiment, the suction hose42is detachably and selectively coupled to the suction inlet30. The suction inlet30and blower outlet31are both circular such that the blower outlet31can selectively receive the suction hose42that attaches to the suction inlet30. That is, the suction hose can be disconnected from the suction inlet30and attached to the blower outlet31. The suction hose42may be attached to the blower outlet31so that the vacuum cleaner can be used as a blower.

The function of the suction source50will now be described in more detail with reference toFIG.3. The motor90includes a shaft106, electrical connections, and a motor housing114. The electrical connections are disposed on the motor housing114for receiving power for the motor90. The motor90drives the shaft106and the shaft106may be coupled to the fan88such that rotation of the shaft106corresponds to rotation of the fan88for generating the working airflow.

The filter assembly86includes a filter housing118that supports a filter122. In the illustrated embodiment, the vacuum cleaner10is configured such that the suction airflow generated by the suction source is received by the container14through the suction inlet30and is sucked through the filter assembly86. In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner10may be used to pull a debris laden suction airflow in through the suction inlet30and deposit debris separated from the suction airflow into the container14. Some debris that is not separated from the airflow may be caught by the filter122.

With reference toFIGS.1,4and5, the suction hose42includes a proximal end204coupled to the power head18and a distal end208, or free end, opposite the proximal end204. In the illustrated embodiment, the proximal end204of the suction hose42is selectively coupled to the suction inlet30or the blower outlet31. The airflow flows through the suction hose42from the distal end208to the proximal end204. In other words, the airflow and debris enter the suction hose42through the distal end208and exit the suction hose42through the proximal end204. The suction hose42includes a tube212coupled to an end housing216. The tube212has a flexible outer wall220defining a tube cavity through which the suction airflow is conducted. The end housing216is formed from material that is more rigid than the material of the flexible outer wall220.

The suction hose42includes a hose end trigger228coupled to the end housing216. In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger228is mounted to the end housing216. In other embodiments, the trigger228can be embedded in the end housing216. The trigger228is movably coupled to the end housing216. The trigger228is pivotable relative to the end housing216. The trigger228is configured to actuate a hose end trigger switch232. The trigger228may actuate the trigger switch232by pushing and/or pulling the trigger228. In other embodiments, the trigger228and trigger switch232may be replaced with another actuator such as a button, knob, toggle, or virtual control.

With reference toFIGS.4and6, the trigger228includes an actuation portion229and a coupling portion230extending from the actuation portion229. The coupling portion230is in the form of two projections extending from the actuation portion229. The coupling portion230includes a through opening231which is configured to receive a pin. The actuation portion229is configured to be pressed by a user to actuate the trigger switch232. The actuation portion229is elongated along a longitudinal axis and is substantially straight. The longitudinal axis of the actuation portion is substantially parallel to a central axis of the end housing216. The actuation portion229has a curved cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis such that the trigger228is ergonomic.

In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation portion229physically presses on the trigger switch232when a user presses on the trigger228. In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger switch232biases the trigger228into an unpressed position, away from the end housing216. The trigger switch232may include a biasing member such that the trigger switch232and the trigger228are biased into a non-actuated position. Additionally, another spring could be used between the trigger and the end housing216to bias the trigger into the non-actuated position. The trigger228includes a first end coupled to the end housing216and a second end opposite the first end and spaced from the end housing216. The trigger228contacts the trigger switch232between the first end and the second end of the trigger228. The trigger228contacts the trigger switch232adjacent the first end of the trigger228.

Referring toFIGS.4and5, the end housing216has an annular wall236defining an end housing cavity240through which the suction airflow is conducted. The annular wall236extends around and is centered on the central axis of the end housing216. The end housing cavity240is fluidly connected to the tube cavity. The end housing216defines a suction opening244and an attachment opening248positioned opposite the suction opening244and receiving the tube212. The end housing cavity240fluidly connects the suction opening244to the attachment opening248. The tube212fluidly connects the suction opening244of the hose42to the suction inlet30or to the blower outlet31. The suction opening244has a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the attachment opening248. The end housing216includes a plurality of recesses252configured to receive bosses256mounted on the tube212such that the tube212is secured to the end housing216.

The trigger switch232is partially accommodated in the annular wall236of the end housing216. In some embodiments, the trigger switch232is mounted on the annular wall236of the end housing216. The trigger switch232extends out of the end housing216such that the trigger switch232can be actuated by the trigger228.

The end housing216includes a bracket260extending from the annular wall236. The bracket260includes a through opening264configured to receive the pin. The coupling portion230of the trigger228is configured to receive the bracket260of the end housing216. To couple the trigger228to the end housing216, the coupling portion230of the trigger228is placed over the bracket260of the end housing and the pin inserted into the through openings231,264of the trigger228and the bracket260. Accordingly, the trigger228is pivotable about the pin and relative to the end housing216. In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger228is pivotable about an axis that is perpendicular to the central axis of the end housing216.

In some embodiments, the trigger228may include pins which correspond to openings on the bracket260. In some embodiments, the bracket260may include pins which correspond to openings on the trigger228. In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket260acts as a fulcrum, and the trigger228acts as a lever. In some embodiments, the trigger228may be integral with the end housing216and may be cantilevered. In some embodiments, the bracket260may cover a portion of the trigger228.

The trigger switch232may be actuated to energize the suction source50such that power is provided from the battery to power the suction source50. The trigger switch232may also be actuated to deenergize the suction source50such that power is not provided to the suction source50. The trigger switch232may be actuated to change a condition of vacuum cleaner10. The condition may be an ON/OFF condition, a predetermined suction motor speed, a low power or idle mode, a high or maximum power mode, or a maximum run-time mode. The trigger switch232can change the condition of the vacuum cleaner in response to a combination or duration of presses of the trigger228. For example, a long press may change the condition of the vacuum cleaner to the maximum power mode, and a short press may change the condition of the vacuum cleaner to the maximum run-time mode. As another example, two successive presses may place the vacuum cleaner in an ON condition, and a single press may place the vacuum cleaner in an OFF condition. It should be understood that any combination and/or duration of presses of the trigger228can be assigned to cause any condition of the vacuum cleaner10.

A controller300for the vacuum cleaner10is illustrated inFIG.7. The controller300is electrically and/or communicatively connected to a variety of modules or components of the vacuum cleaner10. For example, the illustrated controller300is connected to the trigger228(via the trigger switch232), the power head switching device54, the suction motor90, and the power supply55. The controller300includes combinations of software and hardware that are operable to, among other things, control the operation of the vacuum cleaner10, receive input from the trigger switch232and the power head switching device54, and control the suction motor90. The controller300includes a plurality of electrical and electronic components that provide power, operational control, and protection to the components and modules within the controller300and/or vacuum cleaner10.

For example, the controller300includes, among other things, a processing unit304(e.g., a microprocessor, an electronic processor, an electronic controller, a microcontroller, or another suitable programmable device), a memory308, input units, and output units. The processing unit304and the memory308, as well as the various modules connected to the controller300are connected by one or more control and/or data buses. The use of one or more control and/or data buses for the interconnection between and communication among the various modules and components would be known to a person skilled in the art in view of the embodiments described herein.

The memory308is a non-transitory computer readable medium and includes, for example, a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area and the data storage area can include combinations of different types of memory, such as a ROM, a RAM (e.g., DRAM, SDRAM, etc.), EEPROM, flash memory, a hard disk, an SD card, or other suitable magnetic, optical, physical, or electronic memory devices. The processing unit304is connected to the memory308and executes software instructions that are capable of being stored in a RAM of the memory308(e.g., during execution), a ROM of the memory308(e.g., on a generally permanent basis), or another non-transitory computer readable medium such as another memory or a disc. Software included in the implementation of the vacuum cleaner10can be stored in the memory308of the controller300. The software includes, for example, firmware, one or more applications, program data, filters, rules, one or more program modules, and other executable instructions. The electronic processor is configured to retrieve from the memory308and execute, among other things, instructions related to the control processes and methods described herein. In other embodiments, the controller300includes additional, fewer, or different components.

The controller300also controls the vacuum cleaner10in response to a user's actuation of the power head switching device54which outputs a signal to the controller300. In response to the signal from the power head switching device54, the controller300may determine how much power from the power supply55is supplied to the motor280. In response to the signal from the power head switching device54, the controller300may operate the suction motor90in a first condition of the vacuum cleaner10. The switching device54may be actuated such that the controller300operates the suction motor90in a second condition of the vacuum cleaner10which is different from the first condition. The condition may be an ON/OFF condition, a predetermined suction motor speed, a low power mode, an idle mode, a high or maximum power mode, or a maximum run-time mode.

The controller300controls the vacuum cleaner10in response to a user's actuation of the trigger228. Depression of the trigger228actuates a trigger switch232which outputs a signal to the controller300. The trigger switch232can be communicatively connected to the controller300via a wired connection or a wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth™, Wi-Fi™). In some embodiments, the wired connection may include wires running on an exterior of the hose end housing216and the exterior of the tube212. The wires may be secured to the tube212via clips or other securing means. In some embodiments, the wired connection may include wires extending through the tube cavity224of the tube212. In some embodiments, the wired connection may include wires extending through the end housing cavity240of the end housing216. In some embodiments, the wired connection may include wires extending through or embedded in material of the flexible outer wall220of the tube212. In some embodiments, the wired connection may include wires extending through or embedded in the annular wall236of the end housing216.

In response to the signal from the trigger switch232, the controller300may determines how much power from the power supply55is supplied to the suction motor90. In response to the signal from the trigger switch232, the controller300may energize the suction motor90. The trigger switch232may also be actuated to deenergize the suction source50such that power is not provided to the suction source50. The trigger switch232may be actuated to change a condition of vacuum cleaner10. In response to the signal from the power head switching device54, the controller300may operate the suction motor90in a third condition of the vacuum cleaner10. The switching device54may be actuated such that the controller300operates the suction motor90in a fourth condition of the vacuum cleaner10which is different from the third condition. The condition may be an ON/OFF condition, a predetermined suction motor speed, a low power mode, an idle mode, a high or maximum power mode, or a maximum run-time mode. The signal sent by the trigger switch232can vary depending on the combination or duration of the presses of the trigger228. The signal sent by the trigger switch232can also vary depending on a direction in which the trigger228is pivoted.

As a result, the controller300is configured to operate the vacuum cleaner10based on signals from the trigger switch232and/or based on signals from the switching device54. For example, if a user initially switches the vacuum cleaner10on using the switching device54, the user then may turn the vacuum cleaner10off by actuating the trigger switch232. Likewise, if a user initially switches the vacuum cleaner10on using the trigger switch232, the user then may turn the vacuum off by actuating the trigger switch232. Additionally, the user may switch the vacuum cleaner ON/OFF using only the trigger228, or the user may switch the vacuum cleaner10ON/OFF using the switching device54.

In some embodiments, the switching device54may be positioned in an idle position or in an OFF position. In the idle position, the vacuum cleaner10is operated in an idle mode. In the OFF position, the vacuum cleaner10is operated in an OFF mode where no power is delivered to the suction source50and where the trigger switch232is inoperable. In such embodiments, when the switching device54is in the OFF position, actuation of the trigger switch232does not affect alter operating conditions of the vacuum cleaner10. In other words, in such embodiments, the trigger switch232is operational only when the switching device54is in the idle position.

In the idle mode, a relatively low amount of power or no power is delivered to the suction source50from the power supply55. Once the vacuum cleaner10is in the idle mode, the trigger switch232may be actuated and held in an actuated position such that the vacuum cleaner10is operated in a normal power mode. In the normal power mode, more power is delivered to the suction source50form the power supply55than in the idle mode. When the trigger switch232is released, the vacuum cleaner10is returned to operating in the idle mode. The trigger switch232may be actuated by two short successive presses so that the vacuum cleaner may operate in a boost, or high, power mode. In the boost power mode, more power is delivered to the suction source50from the power supply55than in the normal power mode.

FIGS.8and9illustrate a suction hose442having another trigger428. The suction hose442is similar to the suction hose42described above and includes a tube412coupled to an end housing416. The trigger428is similar to the trigger228described above and includes an actuation portion429and a coupling portion430extending from the actuation portion429. Unlike the trigger228, the actuation portion429of the trigger428is hook-shaped. The coupling portion430is pivotably mounted to the end housing416and defines a proximal end404of the trigger428. The trigger428has a distal end408opposite the proximal end404. The actuation portion430defines a hook which in turn defines the distal end408. In other words, the actuation portion is hook-shaped. The hook defined by the actuation portion430extends away from the end housing416. The hook shape allows an operator to conveniently hang the suction hose42to any structure (e.g., a cross-beam, stud, nail, or the like) elevated above the floor surface such that the operator can simply reach and grab the end house416and unhook it from the structure rather than bending down to the ground to pick up the suction hose42.

FIGS.8and9illustrate a suction hose542having another trigger528. The suction hose542is similar to the suction hoses42,442described above and includes a tube512coupled to an end housing516. The trigger428is similar to the trigger228described above and includes an actuation portion529and a coupling portion530extending from the actuation portion529. Unlike the trigger228, a distal end508of the trigger528is curved away from the end housing516.

Although the invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, features of one embodiment may be used in combination with features of another embodiment. As such, in some embodiments, the collector, powerhead, base and housing may be different. Additionally, the hose end trigger switch can be used with vacuum cleaners not discussed herein.