Patent Publication Number: US-4733433-A

Title: Grip unit for a suction hose of a vacuum cleaner system

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a grip unit for a suction hose of a vacuum cleaner system. The air connection as well as the electrical connection with further components such as a suction tube, nozzle and the like are established with this grip unit. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Such grip units appear in many variations with almost every modern vacuum cleaner, especially floor vacuum cleaners. These grip units are so configured that they include a lower part and an upper part which is attached to the latter. In this way, the lower part and the upper part provide an air conduit as well as possibilities for building in electrical components. When parts of this type are assembled, care must be taken that the air channel is well sealed with respect to the ambience. This makes assembly difficult and expensive. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     In view of the above, it is an object of the invention to provide a grip unit for providing an air connection while at the same time providing an electrical connection. It is also an object of the invention to configure the unit so that it is simple to produce and provides a conduit for the air which is well sealed. 
     The grip unit according to the invention is for a suction hose of a vacuum cleaner system and for defining air and electrical connections to further components of the vacuum cleaner system such as a suction pipe, nozzle and the like, the grip. The grip unit includes a one-piece tubular member defining a longitudinal axis. An elongated insert member adapted for insertion into the tubular member has first and second longitudinal ends and electrical interconnection means for providing an electrical circuit between these ends. The insert member includes channel means for accommodating the electrical interconnection means. Air passage means are formed in the insert member for conducting air therethrough. Finally, the insert member includes sealing means for sealing the air passage means with respect to the ambience when the insert member is inserted into the tubular member. 
     The grip unit for the suction hose of a vacuum cleaner system achieves a conduction of air which is well sealed with respect to the ambience because of its closed and simple construction. In addition, the assembly of the grip unit is substantially simplified. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING 
     The drawing will now be described wherein: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the insert member of the grip unit according to the invention; 
     FIG. 2 is an elevation view, partially in section, of the tubular member showing the insert member of FIG. 1 mounted therein; and, 
     FIG. 3 is an end view of the grip unit of the invention taken along line III--III of FIG. 2. 
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION 
     Referring to FIG. 1, a central ring 2 has a forward edge 3 and a rearward edge 4 on which are provided respective peripheral sealing lips 5 and 6. 
     Two cable channels 7 and 8 are provided on respective longitudinal ends of the ring 2 and are displaced from each other by 180°. The cable channel 7 includes a plug 10 mounted at its end 9. The plug 10 lies loosely in the channel 7. The plug 10 can, for example, be used to establish an electrical connection to an accessory device attached to the left end of the grip unit. On the other hand, if the grip unit is attached to a suction hose, the plug 10 can establish an electrical connection to a suction pipe. A second hand grip on the far end of the suction pipe could then serve to connect an accessory device to the suction pipe. 
     Stranded conductors 11 and 12 are connected to the plug 10. These are then guided in cable channel 7 up to the central ring 2. At the ring 2, the two conductors 11 and 12 are separated and guided around the ring 2 and are brought together again in order to be guided in cable channel 8 to a protective housing 13. The appendage 24 (FIG. 2) on the ring 2 is provided only for the purpose of guiding the conductors. The housing 13 is formed as one piece and protects the cable 22 against bending when the grip unit is in use. The cable 22 conducts electrical energy from a vacuum cleaner power unit. 
     In this preassembled condition, the complete insert part 1 shown in FIG. 1 is inserted into the tubular member 14 wherein it appears as shown in FIG. 2. In FIG. 2, only the tubular member 14 is shown in section. With part 1 inserted in this manner, the central ring 2 forms the air guide which is in this way separated from the electrical parts. The sealing lips 5 and 6 assure that the air channel 28 is sealed with respect to the ambience. Reference numeral 26 identifies an inwardly extending wall portion of the tubular member 14. The wall portion 26 and the portion of the tubular member 14 thereabove conjointly define a circular wall section at this location. 
     The production of the grip unit 1 is very substantially simplified since the insert part 1 is preassembled. The insert part 1 is than simply inserted into the tubular member 14 and secured. FIG. 3 shows an end view of the grip unit with the insert part 1 mounted in the tubular member 14. 
     A suction hose or suction pipe would be tightly connected to the grip unit at the right end thereof as viewed in FIG. 2. The grip unit according to the invention and the suction hose or suction pipe then conjointly constitute a part. The vacuum cleaner power unit is connected to this part. When the suction hose or suction pipe is connected to the grip unit, the suction hose or suction pipe is accommodated on the curved surface 20 of housing 13 and is arranged against the central ring 2. 
     It is understood that the foregoing description is that of the preferred embodiments of the invention and that various changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.