CN110325085B - Handheld Vacuum Cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

A hand-held vacuum cleaner (10) comprising a fluid flow path extending from a dirty air inlet (14) to a clean air outlet (18), a body (22), and a motor assembly (22) positioned in the body and along the fluid flow path 114). The motor defines an axis of motor rotation. The hand-held vacuum cleaner (10) also includes a cyclone chamber (30) in the fluid flow path. The cyclone chamber (30) defines the separator axis. The separator axis and the motor rotation axis form an obtuse angle extending between the cyclone chamber (30) and the motor assembly (114). The hand-held vacuum cleaner (10) also includes a pre-motor filter in the fluid flow path downstream of the cyclone chamber (30) and upstream of the motor assembly (114), a plenum in the fluid flow path immediately upstream of the motor assembly (114) (386), and a sensor (402) on the plenum. Sensor (402) is operable to measure properties of the fluid flow path.

Description

Handheld Vacuum Cleaner

technical field

The present invention relates to hand-held vacuum cleaners, and more particularly, to cyclonic hand-held vacuum cleaners.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a hand-held vacuum cleaner including a fluid flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, a body having a handle, and a motor assembly positioned in the body and along the fluid flow path. The motor defines an axis of motor rotation. The hand-held vacuum cleaner also includes a cyclone chamber in the fluid flow path. The cyclone chamber includes a cyclone dirty fluid inlet and a cyclone clean fluid outlet. The cyclone chamber defines the separator axis. The separator axis and the motor rotation axis form an obtuse angle extending between the cyclone chamber and the motor assembly. The hand-held vacuum cleaner also includes a pre-motor filter in the fluid flow path downstream of the cyclone chamber and upstream of the motor assembly, a plenum in the fluid flow path immediately upstream of the motor assembly, and a sensor on the plenum. The sensor is operable to measure a characteristic of the fluid flow path.

In another embodiment, the present invention provides a method of controlling a vacuum cleaner having a fluid flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet. The method includes monitoring the user activated switch, activating a motor of the vacuum cleaner when the user activated switch is activated, providing airflow along the fluid flow path, and determining when the user activated switch is activated twice within a predetermined time period. The method also includes continuously activating the motor without further activating the user-activated switch after determining that the user-activated switch has been activated twice within the predetermined time period.

Other aspects of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the detailed description and drawings.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a handheld vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the handheld vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the handheld vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 taken along line 3-3 shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the hand-held vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1, shown in an in-use position with the separator axis oriented vertically.

5A is a partial cross-sectional view of the handheld vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 showing the battery latch in a locked position.

5B is a partial cross-sectional view of the handheld vacuum cleaner of FIG. 5 showing the battery latch in a released position.

6 is a perspective view of the handheld vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 showing the inlet nozzle in phantom.

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the handheld vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 .

8 is a cross-sectional view of the handheld vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 with the cyclone assembly partially removed from the body.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of an alarm transmission system for the handheld vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling the handheld vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 .

11 is a perspective view of the handheld vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 coupled to a surface cleaning accessory according to an embodiment of the present invention.

12 is a cross-sectional view of the handheld vacuum cleaner and surface cleaning accessory of FIG. 11 in a storage position.

13 is a cross-sectional view of the handheld vacuum cleaner and surface cleaning accessory of FIG. 11 in a use position.

14 is a bottom perspective view of a handheld vacuum cleaner according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Before explaining any embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways.

Detailed ways

1 to 8 illustrate the hand-held vacuum cleaner 10 . Handheld vacuum cleaner 10 includes a fluid flow path extending from dirty air inlet 14 to clean air outlet 18 . The handheld vacuum cleaner 10 also includes a body 22 (ie, a main housing) and a cyclone assembly 26 removably coupled to the body 22 . The cyclone assembly 26 includes a cyclone chamber 30 defining a separator axis 34 , a dirt collection area 38 and an inlet nozzle 42 defining an inlet axis 46 . Handheld vacuum cleaner 10 includes front portion 50 , rear portion 54 , first side 58 , second side 62 , top 66 and bottom 70 . Similarly, the body 22 includes a front portion 74 , a rear portion 78 , a first side 82 , a second side 86 , a top 90 and a bottom 94 . In the illustrated embodiment, the dirty air inlet 14 is located on the front 50 of the hand-held vacuum cleaner 10 , and the clean air outlet 18 is located on the first side 58 and the second side 62 toward the rear 54 of the hand-held vacuum cleaner 10 . As described in more detail below, the dirty air inlet 14 extends along an inlet axis 46 .

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 , the body 22 includes a handle 98 and a bottom surface 102 on the base 94 on which the hand-held vacuum cleaner 10 is configured to rest on a horizontal surface 106 (ie, supported on, resting on, a horizontal surface 106 ). 106) (Fig. 3). Handle 98 of body 22 extends along handle axis 110 ( FIG. 3 ) and includes trigger 100 . The handheld vacuum cleaner 10 also includes a motor assembly 114 positioned within the body 22 and operable to generate airflow through the fluid flow path. In particular, the motor assembly 114 includes a motor 118 having a motor shaft 122 defining a motor axis of rotation 126 and a fan 130 coupled to the motor shaft 122 for common rotation. In the illustrated embodiment, the handle axis 110 intersects the motor assembly 114 . Additionally, the motor rotation axis 126 intersects the inlet axis 46 . In other words, the inlet axis 46 intersects the motor assembly 114 . In particular, motor rotation axis 126 intersects inlet axis 46, forming an acute angle 134 (FIG. 3) extending between dirty air inlet 14 and motor 118 (ie, counterclockwise from inlet axis 46 as viewed in FIG. 3). In the illustrated embodiment, inlet axis 46 intersects handle axis 110 but not handle 98 .

For the purposes of this description, two axes that intersect to form an angle include two axes that are non-parallel and intersect when viewed in at least one plane. In some embodiments, two axes that intersect to form an angle may comprise two coplanar axes and intersect at a single point. In other embodiments, two axes that intersect to form an angle may include two axes that are skewed relative to each other (ie, not coplanar), but when viewed from a certain perspective (eg, side view, top view, etc. ) when viewed, the axes intersect.

With continued reference to FIGS. 1-3 , the handheld vacuum cleaner 10 includes a battery 138 (ie, a removable rechargeable battery pack) to power the motor assembly 114 and other electrical components. The battery 138 includes a first side surface 142 and a second side surface 146 opposite the first side surface 142 . The body 22 includes a socket 150 having an inlet 154 for receiving the battery 138 . In other words, the battery 138 is configured to be selectively received within the socket 150 . As described in more detail below, the battery 138 is inserted into the socket 150 through the inlet 154 along the battery insertion axis 158 . In other words, the body 22 is configured to be insertable into the socket 150 through the bottom surface 102 . Additionally, at least a portion of the battery 138 is located between the cyclone chamber 30 and the bottom surface 102 .

Referring to FIG. 3 , the battery insertion axis 158 intersects the separator axis 34 . Additionally, the battery insertion axis 158 is offset from the handle axis 110 and in some embodiments is parallel to the handle axis 110 . In an alternate embodiment, the battery insertion axis is along the separator axis and intersects the handle axis (eg, Figure 14). Also, the motor rotation axis 126 intersects the battery insertion axis 158 . Additionally, the battery insertion axis 158 intersects the inlet axis 46 . In particular, battery insertion axis 158 intersects inlet axis 46 to form an obtuse angle 162 extending between dirty air inlet 14 and battery 138 (ie, counterclockwise from inlet axis 46 as viewed in FIG. 3 ).

In the illustrated embodiment, the socket 150 is defined by a first wall 166 , a second wall 170 opposite the first wall 166 , and a curved third wall 174 extending between the first wall 166 and the second wall 170 . In one embodiment, the first wall 166 and the second wall 170 are connected only by the third wall 174 . In other words, in the illustrated embodiment, the socket 150 includes a first hole 178 at the first side 82 of the body 22 and a second hole 182 at the second side 86 of the body 22 . Additionally, the first hole 178 and the second hole 182 extend toward the socket inlet 154 so that the battery 138 is accessible to the user in the installed position (ie, the battery 138 is fully inserted into the socket 150, eg, FIG. 5A ) and the removed position (ie, the battery 138 is at least partially inserted) removed from the socket 150, eg Figure 5B). In the illustrated embodiment, the first hole 178 and the second hole 182 are continuous with the socket inlet 154 . In other words, hole 178 , hole 182 and inlet 154 form a slot that opens into first side 82 of body 22 , opens into second side 86 of body 22 , and opens into bottom 94 of body 22 . The first side surface 142 and the second side surface 146 of the battery 138 extend parallel to the insertion axis 158 when the battery 138 is positioned within the receptacle 150 . In alternative embodiments, the holes 178, 182 are discontinuous or only partially continuous with the socket inlet 154, but are still configured so that the battery can be grasped or engaged by a user through the holes, eg, to aid in insertion and removal of the battery.

When the battery 138 is positioned within the socket 150 , each of the first side surface 142 and the second side surface 146 of the battery 138 substantially passes through the holes 178 , The holes 182 are exposed so that the first side surface 142 and the second side surface 146 can be grasped by a user. In some embodiments, the first side surface 142 and the second side surface 146 are substantially exposed, with at least 25% of the surfaces 142 , 146 passing through the apertures 178 at the respective first and second sides 82 , 86 of the body 22 , 182 exposed. In other embodiments, first side surface 142 and second side surface 146 are substantially exposed, with at least 50% of surface 142 , surface 146 passing through aperture 178 at respective first side 82 and second side 86 of body 22 , the hole 182 is exposed. In other embodiments, first side surface 142 and second side surface 146 are substantially exposed, with at least 75% of surface 142 , surface 146 passing through holes 178 , holes 182 at respective first and second sides of body 22 exposed. In other embodiments, the first side surface 142 and the second side surface 146 are substantially exposed, and 100% of the surfaces 142 , 146 pass through the holes 178 , the holes 178 , the holes 146 at the respective first and second sides 82 , 86 of the body 22 . 182 exposed (ie, fully exposed). In this way, when the battery 138 is located within the socket 150, the battery 138 is easily grasped by a user (ie, at the first side surface 142 and the second side surface 146).

Referring to FIGS. 1-3 , the battery 138 also includes a first surface 186 , a second surface 190 , a third surface 194 and a fourth surface 198 , each extending between the first side surface 142 and the second side surface 146 . In the illustrated embodiment, the first surface 186 is opposite the third surface 194 and the second surface 190 is opposite the fourth surface 198 . At least one of first surface 186 , second surface 190 , and fourth surface 198 includes electrical contacts 202 that are selectively electrically connected to electrical contacts 206 formed in receptacle 150 . In the illustrated embodiment, the electrical contacts 206 in the receptacle 150 are formed on the third wall 174 of the receptacle 150 , corresponding to the electrical contacts 202 on the first surface 186 .

When the battery 138 is positioned within the socket 150, the third surface 194 of the battery 138 is substantially exposed such that the third surface 194 is in the direction of the socket inlet 154 (ie, exposed at the bottom surface 102 of the body 22). In some embodiments, the third surface 194 of the battery 138 is fully exposed. Alternatively, the socket access 154 may be selectively closed by a lid or door at least partially covering the third surface 194 of the battery. Also, the first surface 186 , the second surface 190 and the fourth surface 198 are in facing relationship with the body 22 when the battery 138 is positioned within the socket 150 . More specifically, the first surface 186 is in facing relationship with the third wall 174 of the main body 22 , the second surface 190 is in facing relationship with the first wall 166 of the main body 22 , and the fourth surface 198 is in facing relationship with the second wall 170 of the main body 22 into a face-to-face relationship. Additionally, when the battery 138 is located within the receptacle 150 , at least a portion of the battery 138 is located between the cyclone chamber 30 and the handle 98 . In other words, the socket 150 is formed in the body 22 between at least a portion of the cyclone assembly 26 (eg, the cyclone chamber 30 ) and the handle 98 .

Referring to Figure 14, a handheld vacuum cleaner 1010 is shown according to an alternative embodiment. The hand-held vacuum cleaner 1010 is similar to the hand-held vacuum cleaner 10, with only the differences described herein. In particular, the handheld vacuum cleaner 1010 includes a body 1022 that includes a front portion 1074 , a first side 1082 , a second side 1086 , a handle 1098 , and a socket 1150 having an inlet 1154 . The handheld vacuum cleaner 1010 also includes a motor assembly 1114 located within the body 1022 , a dirty air inlet 1014 located at the front 1050 of the handheld vacuum cleaner 1010 , and a cyclone chamber 1030 in fluid communication with the dirty air inlet 1014 and the motor assembly 1114 . The vacuum cleaner 1010 also includes a battery 1138 having a first side surface 1142 and a second side surface 1146 opposite the first side surface 1142 . Similar to battery 138 , battery 1138 is configured to be selectively received by socket access 1154 and movable by a user between an installed position in socket 1150 and a removal position separate from body 1022 .

With continued reference to FIG. 14 , when the battery 1138 is positioned within the socket 1150 , the body 1022 includes a first aperture 1178 through the first side 1082 aligned with at least a portion of the battery first side 1142 . When the battery 1138 is positioned within the receptacle 1150 , at least a portion of the first side surface 1142 of the battery is viewable by the user through the first aperture 1178 . In some embodiments, the body 1022 may include a second aperture (not shown) through the second side 1086 . When the battery 1138 is positioned within the receptacle 1150 , the second hole may be a mirror image of the first hole 1178 that is aligned with at least a portion of the battery second side surface 1146 . When the battery 1138 is positioned within the socket 1150, at least a portion of the second side surface 1146 of the battery is viewable by a user through the second aperture. When the battery 1138 is positioned within the receptacle 1150, each of the first side surface 1142 and the second side surface 1146 is at least 25% exposed on the side 1082, the side 1086 of the body 1022, such that the first side 1142 and the second side 1146 Can be grasped by the user. Similar to holes 178, 182, the first hole 1178 and the second hole extend toward the socket inlet 1154 so that the battery 1138 can be grasped by a user between the installed and removed positions. In this way, the holes provide a visual indication to the user that the battery 1138 is installed within the socket 1150. The battery insertion axis 1158 is along the separator axis 1034 in the alternative handheld vacuum cleaner 1010 of FIG. 14 and may be parallel to the separator axis 1034 .

Referring to FIG. 3 and the handheld vacuum cleaner 10 , when the bottom surface 102 is placed on the horizontal surface 106 , the separator axis 34 is inclined relative to the vertical axis 210 . Furthermore, when the bottom surface 102 is placed on the horizontal surface 106, the inlet axis 46 is within 10 degrees of horizontal. In an alternative embodiment, the inlet axis 46 is parallel to the horizontal surface 106 when the bottom surface 102 is placed on the horizontal surface 106 .

4 and 13, inlet axis 46 and separator axis 34 intersect to form an acute angle 214 extending between dirty air inlet 14 and cyclone chamber 30 (ie, counterclockwise from inlet axis 46 as shown in Figure 3). The acute angle 214 is in the range of about 30 degrees to about 70 degrees such that when the hand-held vacuum cleaner 10 is operated under normal operating conditions (eg, FIGS. 4, 13 ), the dirty air inlet 14 is directed downward and the separator axis 34 is vertical Orientation. In an alternate embodiment, the acute angle 214 is in the range of about 40 degrees to about 60 degrees. In further embodiments, the acute angle 214 is in the range of about 45 degrees to about 55 degrees. In some embodiments, the acute angle 214 is approximately 50 degrees.

Referring to FIG. 2 , the body 22 includes a rearward facing surface 218 opposite the dirty air inlet 14 . In other words, the rearward facing surface 218 is formed on the rear portion 78 of the body 22 and faces the user during operation. User interface 222 is located on rearward facing surface 218 adjacent handle 98 . User interface 222 may include buttons, switches, touch screens, dials, or other user manipulation interfaces. In the illustrated embodiment, the user interface 222 includes a visual indicator or display 422 operable to display information on the user-facing surface 218 . Visual indicator 422 may be a screen, LED, graphical interface, or other visual indicator. User interface 222 is electrically connected to battery 138 and vacuum cleaner controller 410, and is connected to and operable to control and display information about features of the vacuum cleaner, such as battery life, power settings, system performance, or other information. User interface 222 may be connected to and operable to control and display information regarding features on attached accessory tools (eg, brushed motors or sensors). In the illustrated embodiment, the user interface 222 may be configured to change the operation of a brushroll (eg, brushroll 578 of FIG. 12). In particular, activation of the user interface 222 changes the operation of the brushroll between carpet mode and hard floor mode, or between a high brushroll speed and a low brushroll speed or off brushroll speed.

The inlet nozzle 42 is positioned at the front 50 of the hand-held vacuum cleaner 10 when the cyclone assembly 26 is coupled to the body 22 . In the illustrated embodiment, the dirty air inlet 14 includes an inlet hole 226 formed in the inlet nozzle 42 . As part of the dirty air inlet 14 , the inlet nozzle 42 houses a first air passage 230 (eg, a first air duct) and a second air passage 234 (eg, a second air duct) downstream of the first air passage 230 . The first air passage 230 extends along the inlet axis 46 (ie, the first axis) and the second air passage 234 defines a second axis 238 extending toward the cyclone inlet 302 . The first axis 46 and the second axis 238 intersect to form an angle 242 when viewed in a vertical cross-section taken from the side (eg, 58 , 62 ) of the hand-held vacuum cleaner 10 (eg, FIG. 3 ). In the illustrated embodiment, the second air passage 234 includes a tangential inlet 246 to the cyclone chamber 30 . In other words, the first air channel 230 extends from the front 50 and the second air channel 234 extends toward the bottom 70 and toward the first side 58 toward the cyclone inlet 302 of the handheld vacuum cleaner 10 .

Referring to FIG. 3 , inlet axis 46 and handle axis 110 intersect to form an obtuse angle 250 extending between dirty air inlet 14 and handle 106 . In other words, the angle 250 formed by the intersection of the inlet axis 46 and the handle axis 110 is greater than 90 degrees in the direction from the inlet axis 46 toward the handle 98 (ie, counterclockwise from the inlet axis 46 as viewed in FIG. 3 ) and less than 180 degrees.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the inlet nozzle 42 includes an upstream portion 254 having a first cross-sectional area 258 and a downstream portion 262 having a second cross-sectional area 266 . The inlet nozzle 42 also includes an upstream height 270 measured perpendicular to the inlet axis 46 and a downstream height 274 measured parallel to the separator axis 34 . Downstream height 274 is greater than upstream height 270 . In some embodiments, downstream height 274 is at least 1.3 times greater than upstream height 270 . Alternatively, the downstream height 274 is at least 1.5 times greater than the upstream height 270 . In some embodiments, the downstream height 274 is greater than the upstream height 270 by a range of 1.5 to 3 times. In yet another embodiment, the downstream height 274 is at least 3 times greater than the upstream height 270 . In other words, the height of the inlet nozzle 42 increases in the downstream direction.

Typically, the upstream height 270 is measured at the point where the inlet nozzle 42 begins to increase in height in the downstream direction. In some embodiments, upstream height 270 is measured at height 290 at inlet 14 (ie, at inlet aperture 226 ). In other embodiments, the upstream height 270 is measured between the inlet 14 and the downstream height 274 . In the illustrated embodiment, the upstream end of the inlet nozzle 42 includes a space 278 for a latching accessory (eg, accessory 554 of FIG. 2 ). In other words, in some embodiments, the height of the inlet nozzle 42 in the downstream direction increases over the entire length of the inlet nozzle 42 . In other embodiments, the inlet nozzle 42 increases over at least a portion of the length of the inlet nozzle 42 . In other words, the inlet nozzle height may increase in the upstream and downstream directions with a minimum height therebetween. In the embodiment shown, the height 270 is approximately 53 millimeters. In some embodiments, the downstream height 274 is measured where the inlet nozzle 42 and the cyclone chamber 30 meet (FIG. 3). In the embodiment shown, the downstream height 274 is approximately 90 millimeters.

With continued reference to FIG. 6 , the second cross-sectional area 266 is at least 1.5 times larger than the first cross-sectional area 258 . In an alternate embodiment, the second cross-sectional area 266 is at least 3 times larger than the first cross-sectional area 258 . Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4 , the cyclone assembly 26 defines a separator height 298 ( FIG. 4 ) extending along the separator axis 34 and a downstream height 274 ( FIG. 3 ) parallel to the separator axis 34 is greater than the separator height 298 half of . In other words, the inlet nozzle 42 expands in both a horizontal direction (ie, transverse to the separator axis 34 ) and a vertical direction (ie, parallel to the separator axis 34 ). The increased second cross-sectional area 266 (ie, the increased downstream height 274 ) provides improved structural integrity of the connection of the inlet nozzle 42 to the remainder of the cyclone assembly 26 . In other words, the size and shape of the inlet nozzle 42 provides improved strength and reliability of the inlet nozzle 42 connected to the remainder of the cyclone assembly 26 .

Cyclone chamber 30 is in fluid communication with dirty air inlet 14 and motor assembly 114 . Additionally, the cyclone chamber 30 (ie, the cyclone) includes a cyclone dirty fluid inlet 302 , a dirt outlet 306 and a clean fluid outlet 310 . In the illustrated embodiment, the cyclone chamber 30 includes a primary cyclone stage 314 and a secondary cyclone stage 318 ( FIG. 4 ) located between the dirty fluid inlet 302 and the clean fluid outlet 310 . In alternative embodiments, the cyclone chamber 30 may include more or less than two cyclone stages. In particular, the cyclone chamber 30 includes a perforated shroud 322 through which the air cleaned by the main cyclone stage 314 flows. Downstream of the perforated shroud 322 is a secondary cyclone stage 318 that includes a secondary dirty air tangential inlet 326 ( FIG. 4 ), a secondary funnel 330 and a secondary dirt outlet 334 . Air cleaned by secondary cyclone stage 318 flows to cleaning fluid outlet 310 . In alternate embodiments, the illustrated cyclone chamber 30 may be replaced with an alternate dirt separator (eg, through-wall cyclone, bagged separator, etc.).

As described above, the inlet axis 46 and the separator axis 34 intersect to form an acute angle 214 extending between the dirty air inlet 14 and the cyclone chamber 30 . In other words, the angle 214 formed by the intersection of the inlet axis 46 and the separator axis 34 is less than 90 degrees in the direction from the inlet axis 46 toward the cyclone chamber 30 (ie, counterclockwise when viewed in FIG. 3 ). Additionally, the separator axis 34 and the motor rotation axis 126 intersect to form an obtuse angle 342 extending between the cyclone chamber 30 and the motor assembly 114 . In other words, the angle 342 formed by the intersection of the separator axis 34 and the motor rotation axis 126 is approximately 90 degrees in the direction from the cyclone chamber 30 toward the motor assembly 114 (ie, counterclockwise as viewed in FIG. 3 ) to 180 degrees. In some embodiments, the obtuse angle 342 extending between the cyclone chamber 30 and the motor assembly 114 is in the range of about 90 degrees to about 165 degrees. In alternative embodiments, the obtuse angle 342 extending between the cyclone chamber 30 and the motor assembly 114 is in the range of about 135 degrees to about 150 degrees. In further alternative embodiments, the obtuse angle 342 extending between the cyclone chamber 30 and the motor assembly 114 is approximately 140 to 145 degrees.

Referring to FIG. 1 , the dirt collection area 38 is configured to receive debris that has been separated in the cyclone chamber 30 from the dirt outlet 306 , the dirt outlet 334 . Specifically, the dirt collection area 38 contains debris separated by the main cyclone stage 314 at the dirt outlet 306 . Debris separated by the secondary cyclone stage 318 is contained at the dirt outlet 334 . In the illustrated embodiment, the dirt collection area 38 includes an expanded portion 346 . The dirt collection area 38 includes a bottom door 350 that can be opened to empty the dirt. Specifically, latch 354 secures door 350 in the closed position, and latch 354 is actuated to pivot door 350 to the open position about pivot 358 .

Referring to FIG. 7 , the cyclone assembly 26 also includes a pre-motor filter 362 in the fluid flow path downstream of the cyclone chamber 30 and upstream of the motor assembly 114 . Specifically, the pre-motor filter 362 includes an upstream surface 366 facing the cyclone cleaning fluid outlet 310 and a downstream surface 370 opposite the upstream surface 366 . The pre-motor filter 362 is positioned within the filter chamber 374 downstream of the cyclone cleaning fluid outlet 310 . In the illustrated embodiment, the motor rotation axis 126 and the separator axis 34 intersect at or below the pre-motor filter 362 . The filter chamber 374 also includes a screen 378 and a plurality of ribs 382 located between the screen 378 and the pre-motor filter 362 .

With continued reference to FIG. 7 , the plenum 386 is located in the fluid flow path immediately upstream of the motor assembly 114 . In the illustrated embodiment, plenum 386 is positioned within body 22 immediately downstream of pre-motor filter 362 and screen 378 . In other words, the screen 378 is located between the pre-motor filter 362 and the plenum 386 . The plenum 386 is funnel-shaped and may be referred to as a flared plenum. The plenum 386 directs airflow from the pre-motor filter 362 to the inlet 390 of the motor assembly 114 . The inlet 390 of the motor assembly 114 is open and the screen 378 is located upstream and separated from the open motor inlet 390 . In some embodiments, the fluid flow path through the plenum 386 includes a volumetric flow rate of at least 20 cubic feet per minute (CFM) measured at the suction port (ie, the inlet port 226). The plenum 386 includes a wall portion 394 that faces the downstream surface 370 of the pre-motor filter 362 . A cavity 398 is formed between the plenum 386 and the body 22 .

With continued reference to FIG. 7, the handheld vacuum cleaner 10 also includes a sensor 402 operable to measure characteristics of the fluid flow path (eg, air pressure, volumetric air flow rate, etc.). In the illustrated embodiment, sensor 402 is located on plenum 386 . Specifically, sensor 402 is located on wall portion 394 of plenum 386 facing downstream surface 370 of pre-motor filter 362 . In other words, the sensor 402 is located within the cavity 398 and at least a portion of the sensor 402 is in fluid communication with the airflow within the plenum 386 via an aperture 406 formed in the plenum 386 . In alternative embodiments, the sensors 402 may be positioned at different locations along the air flow path. Additionally, more than one sensor 402 may be used to measure one or more airflow characteristics. As described in more detail below, measurements from sensor 402 are used to control handheld vacuum cleaner 10 .

或任何其他无线因特网或网络通信)，向用户的个人设备418提供信息。具体地，个人设备418包括设备控制器426，电耦合到设备控制器426的接收器430，以及电耦合到控制器426的显示器434。具体地，接收器430被配置为接收由发送器414发送的信息，且显示器434被配置成响应该信息向用户提供显示。例如，如果传感器指示过滤器需要维护或者如果系统有堵塞，则监控传感器402的吸尘器控制器410可以通过发射器414向视觉指示器422和个人设备418提供警报。在一些实施例中，个人设备418是手机。在其他实施例中，个人设备418是个人计算机。Referring to Figure 9, a schematic diagram of an information delivery system 408 is shown. Information transmission system 408 includes a vacuum cleaner controller 410 (eg, a microprocessor, etc.), a sensor 402 and a transmitter 414 . As explained in more detail below, the handheld vacuum cleaner 10 includes a transmitter 414 that is electrically coupled to the controller 410 and that is operable to transmit wireless communication signals (eg, via radio signals,

or any other wireless Internet or network communication) to provide information to the user's personal device 418. Specifically, the personal device 418 includes a device controller 426 , a receiver 430 electrically coupled to the device controller 426 , and a display 434 electrically coupled to the controller 426 . Specifically, receiver 430 is configured to receive information transmitted by transmitter 414, and display 434 is configured to provide a display to a user in response to the information. For example, the vacuum controller 410 monitoring the sensor 402 may provide an alert to the visual indicator 422 and the personal device 418 via the transmitter 414 if the sensor indicates that the filter needs maintenance or if the system is clogged. In some embodiments, personal device 418 is a cell phone. In other embodiments, personal device 418 is a personal computer.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the cyclone assembly 26 is removable from the body 22 . Specifically, when the cyclone assembly 26 is removed from the body 22, the inlet nozzle 42, the cyclone chamber 30 and the dirt collection area 38 are removed as a single unit. In other words, the dirty air inlet 14 and the cyclone chamber 30 are part of the cyclone assembly 26 . Release actuator 438 is configured to release cyclone assembly 26 from body 22 when actuated by a user. In the illustrated embodiment, the release actuator 438 is positioned on the bottom 94 of the body 22 and is accessible from the bottom 94 of the body 22 . Additionally, actuator 438 is positioned between cyclone assembly 26 and battery 138 . Specifically, the actuator 438 is positioned between the extended portion 346 of the dirt collection area 38 and the battery 138 .

4 and 8, the release actuator 438 may be in a locked position (FIG. 4) that prevents removal of the cyclone assembly 26 from the body 22 and a released position (FIG. 8) that allows removal of the cyclone assembly 26 from the body 22 ) to move between. Movement of actuator 438 between the locked and released positions is along actuation axis 442 . In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation axis 442 is parallel to the battery insertion axis 158 . Specifically, the actuator 438 includes a user actuation portion 446 and a locking portion 450 that engages the cyclone assembly 26 when the actuator 438 is in the locked position ( FIG. 4 ). Specifically, the locking portions 450 engage corresponding hook portions 454 formed on the cyclone assembly 26 when the actuator 438 is in the locked position. Additionally, the locking portion 450 includes an inclined surface 458 such that when the cyclone assembly 26 is coupled to the body 22, the hook portion 454 on the cyclone assembly 26 engages the inclined surface 458 to move the actuator 438 to the release position. A spring 562 is positioned between the actuator 438 and the body 22 to bias the actuator 438 toward the locked position.

With continued reference to FIG. 8 , a lip 466 is formed on the body 22 and the inlet nozzle 42 includes a corresponding notch 470 . In an alternative embodiment, a lip is formed on the inlet nozzle 42 and a corresponding notch is formed on the body 22 . In the illustrated embodiment, the lip 466 is received within the recess 470 when the cyclone assembly 26 is coupled to the body 22 . Specifically, cyclone chamber 30 is positioned between lip 466 and actuator 438 when cyclone assembly 26 is coupled to body 22 . The lip 466 and the notch 470 define a pivot axis 474 about which the cyclone assembly 26 is configured to pivot relative to the body 22 . To secure the cyclone assembly 26 to the body 22 , a lip 466 is inserted into the recess 470 to provide support for the cyclone assembly 26 at the top 90 of the body 22 . Cyclone assembly 26 is then pivoted about axis 474 toward body 22 until actuator 438 securely engages hook portion 454 formed on cyclone assembly 26 . Likewise, to remove the cyclone assembly 26 , the user depresses the user actuated portion 446 of the actuator 438 to release the hook portion 454 . Once released, the cyclone assembly 26 pivots away from the body 22 about the axis 474 and then the notch 470 disengages from the lip 466 on the body 22 . When the cyclone assembly 26 is removed from the body 22 , the downstream surface 370 of the pre-motor filter 362 is exposed on the cyclone assembly 26 and the screen 378 is exposed on the body 22 .

With continued reference to the figures, a seal 478 is formed between the body 22 and the cyclone assembly 26 when the cyclone assembly 26 is coupled to the body 22 . In the illustrated embodiment, seal 478 is the only seal formed between cyclone assembly 26 and body 22, thereby minimizing the potential for leakage. The compression of the pre-motor filter 362 forms a seal 478 between the body 22 and the cyclone assembly 26 . Specifically, the pre-motor filter 362 includes a circumferential surface or flange 482 around the outer circumference of the pre-motor filter 362 , which is compressed by the stroke seal 478 . The body 22 may include corresponding protrusions 486 (eg, annular ribs) that engage the flange portion 482 of the pre-motor filter 362 when the cyclone assembly 26 is coupled to the motor filter 362 . In other words, the annular rib 486 compresses the face or flange 482 on the pre-motor filter 362 to form a hermetic seal between the cyclone assembly 26 and the body 22 . The face or flange 482 may include a resilient surface integral with the filter 362, forming a contact surface with the body.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-5B , the battery socket 150 includes a latch movable between a blocking position ( FIG. 5A ) that prevents the battery 138 from being removed from the socket 150 ( FIG. 5A ) and a release position ( FIG. 5B ) that allows the battery 138 to be removed from the socket 150 490. The latch 490 is a single integrally molded part. In other words, the latch 490 is elastically deformed to move between the blocking position (FIG. 5A) and the release position (FIG. 5B). In the illustrated embodiment, the latch 490 flexes as a cantilever between a blocking position and a release position. The latch 490 includes a user actuated portion 494 and a locking portion 498 that engages the battery 138 when the latch 490 is in the blocking position. Specifically, the locking portion 498 abuts the surface 502 of the battery 138 when the latch 490 is in the blocking position.

Additionally, the latch 490 includes a secure connector 506 secured to the body 22 . The locking portion 498 of the latch 490 is positioned between the fixed link 506 and the user actuated portion 494 . More specifically, the locking portion 498 includes a connecting portion 510 that extends to the fixed connector 506 . In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting portion 510 is wavy. When the latch 490 is moved between the blocking position and the releasing position, the connecting portion 510 is deformed. Optionally, the latch 490 also includes a spring 514 (eg, an integrally molded spring) integrally formed with the latch 490 that urges the latch 490 toward the blocking position. The spring 514 contacts the body 22, pressing the latch 490 toward the blocking position. Additional springs, such as spring 518 (separate from latch 490), may be positioned between latch 490 and body 22 to further position latch 490 into the blocking position. In this way, connecting portion 510, spring 514, and spring 518 all urge latch 490 toward the blocking position.

With continued reference to FIG. 5A , the battery receptacle 150 also includes an ejection assist assembly 522 that presses the battery 138 away from the electrical contacts 202 and out of a position engageable by the locking portion 498 . In other words, the ejection assist assembly 150 assists in removing the battery 138 from the socket 150 when the battery 138 is released from the body 22 . In particular, the ejection assist assembly 522 includes an ejector 526 (eg, an elastomeric cover) and a spring 530 that urges the ejector 526 toward the socket 150 . The ejector 526 is configured to extend into the receptacle 150 when the battery 138 is removed from the receptacle 150 (ie, not fully within the receptacle 150 ). In this way, when the user actuates the latch 490 to release the battery 138, the ejector 526 pushes the battery 138 out of the position engageable by the locking portion 498, allowing the user to remove the unlatched battery.

With continued reference to FIG. 5B , the battery socket 150 and the battery 138 are coupled together when the battery 138 is inserted into the socket 150 through the tongue and groove connection 534 . One of the fourth surface 198 and the second surface 190 is coupled with the body 22 with the tongue and groove connection 534 when the battery 138 is positioned within the socket 150 . In the illustrated embodiment, the second surface 190 of the battery 138 includes the tongue 538 of the tongue and groove connection 534 and the first wall 166 of the socket 150 includes the corresponding groove 542 of the tongue and groove connection 534 . In an alternate embodiment, the tongue is positioned on the socket 150 and the slot is positioned on the battery 138 .

Additionally, the battery 138 includes a ramp 546 that moves the latch 490 from the blocking position to the releasing position when the battery 138 is inserted into the socket 150 . In other words, when the battery 138 is inserted into the socket 150, the engagement of the locking portion 498 with the ramp 546 deflects the latch 490 to the released position (FIG. 5B) until the battery 138 is fully inserted. Once the battery 138 is fully inserted into the socket 150, the latch 490 is biased back to the locked state by at least the spring 514, the spring 518 or the connecting portion 510 (FIG. 5A).

Actuation of the user actuation portion 494 deflects the locking portion 498 to the release position (FIG. 5B). In particular, the user-actuated portion 494 of the latch 490 is constrained by the body 22 to translate only along a single axis 550 . As user actuation portion 494 translates along axis 550, sliding in a direction away from the battery in one example, the remainder of latch 490 elastically deforms or deflects, causing locking portion 498 to move to the release position. In the release position (FIG. 5B), the locking portion 498 is spaced from the surface 502 on the battery 138, and the locking portion is disengaged from the battery. In some embodiments, the single axis 550 is transverse to the direction of the battery insertion axis 158 . In other embodiments, the single axis 550 is generally along the battery insertion axis 158, in which case the user-actuated portion of the latch is pulled toward the user. Once released, the ejection assist assembly 522 at least partially ejects the battery 138 from the socket 150 and the user is able to completely remove the battery 138 from the socket 150 . Various latch shapes can be configured to provide elastic deformation, causing the locking portion to move to the release position when the user-actuated portion is moved in the direction desired by the application.

Referring to Figures 11-13, the handheld vacuum cleaner 10 can be operated with a cleaning accessory. Specifically, the inlet nozzle 42 is selectively coupled to the cleaning accessory. In the illustrated embodiment, the cleaning attachment is a surface cleaning attachment 554 having a rigid rod 558 having an end 562 mounted to the dirty air inlet 14 and an opposite end 566 mounted on the surface cleaning head 570 . Rod 558 is linear and defines rod axis 574 . Rod axis 574 is collinear with inlet axis 46 . As described above, the bottom door 350 of the cyclone assembly 26 is openable even when the rod 558 is mounted to the dirty air inlet 14 . In alternative embodiments, the hand-held vacuum cleaner 10 is coupled to alternative cleaning accessories (eg, extension wands, miniature surface cleaning heads, crevice tools, etc.).

Referring to FIG. 12 , the handheld vacuum cleaner 10 may be stored with the surface cleaning accessory 554 in an upright storage position. Referring to Figure 13, when the handheld vacuum cleaner 10 is attached to the surface cleaning attachment 554 and oriented in the inclined use position, the separator axis 34 is vertical. Since the separator axis 34 is vertical when the handheld vacuum cleaner 10 is in the use position (FIGS. 4 and 13), the effectiveness of the cyclone chamber 30 during use (ie, operation) is improved. In other words, the operation of the cyclone chamber 30 is improved when the separator axis 34 remains vertical during use (ie, when the hand-held vacuum cleaner 10 is used as a hand-held ( FIG. 4 ) or with the surface cleaning attachment 554 ( FIG. 13 ) .

With continued reference to FIGS. 1 and 12 , the inlet nozzle 42 includes an electrical connection 286 proximate the dirty air inlet 14 . Electrical connection 286 provides power to the cleaning accessory. In the illustrated embodiment, electrical connection 286 provides power to rotate brush roller 578 positioned within surface cleaning head 570 . In alternate embodiments, the electrical connections 286 may provide power to lights, sensors or other electrical components in the cleaning accessory.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3 , trigger 100 actuates a microswitch in electrical communication with cleaner controller 410 . When the user activates the trigger 100, the microswitch provides an electrical output to the controller 410, signaling the controller to activate the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner controller may be configured to provide power when the user holds the trigger on the microswitch. In one embodiment, the controller 410 is programmed to recognize two actuations of the trigger within a short period of time, eg, two actuations of the trigger within 1 second, 1.5 seconds, or 2 seconds, indicating a double-tap of the trigger . When the vacuum controller receives a double tap of the trigger, the vacuum controller provides power without the user holding the trigger, remaining on until the user actuates the trigger again.

As such, controller 410 includes instructions for controlling a method of hand-held vacuum cleaner 10 that includes monitoring user-activated switches (ie, trigger 100 and/or microswitches), and activating motor 118 when the user-activated switch is activated , which provides airflow along the fluid flow path. The method also includes determining when the user-activated switch has been activated by the user twice within a predetermined time period (ie, 1 second, 1.5 seconds, 2 seconds, etc.), and determining when the user-activated switch has been activated twice within the predetermined time period The motor is continuously activated from time to time without further activation of the user-activated switch. The method also includes deactivating the motor 118 the next time the user-activated switch is activated. In other words, when the user activated switch is activated twice within the predetermined time period, the motor 118 will continue to operate until the user activates the user activated switch for the third time.

In operation, when the trigger 100 is actuated by the user, the battery 138 provides power to the motor 118 to rotate the fan 130, thereby creating an intake airflow that is drawn in with the debris through the inlet nozzle 42. The air stream entrained with debris flows into the cyclone chamber 30 where the air stream and debris rotate about the separator axis 34 . The airflow and the rotation of the debris in the main cyclone stage 314 causes the debris to separate from the airflow and the debris to be expelled from the dirt outlet 306 . The separated debris then falls from the dirt outlet 306 into the dirt collection area 38 . The clean air passes through the perforated shroud 322 into the secondary cyclone stage 318 , where the debris is separated from the airflow and discharged to the dirt collection area 38 through the dirt outlet 334 . The clean air flow then passes through the cyclone clean air outlet 310 to the filter chamber 374 , and then passes through the pre-motor filter 362 . Downstream of the pre-motor filter 362 , airflow is directed by the plenum 386 to the inlet 390 to the motor assembly 114 . After passing through the motor assembly 114 , the airflow is expelled from the handheld vacuum cleaner 10 through a clean air outlet 18 formed in the body 22 .

After using the handheld vacuum cleaner 10 , the user may open the door 350 to empty the dirt collection area 98 . After multiple uses, debris may have collected on, for example, shroud 322 or generally within cyclone chamber 30 . If so, the user can remove the cyclone assembly 26 from the body 22 by depressing the actuator 438 . Removing the cyclone assembly 26 from the body 22 provides improved access to the cyclone chamber through the filter chamber 374 or door 350 at the bottom.

或其他无线电信号)向个人设备418发送警报。在其他实施例中，通过有线或无线互联网或网络通信发送向个人设备418发送警报。发送警报还包括用户清洁沿流体流动路径的可能堵塞位置以移除堵塞的指示，其在设备显示器434上示出。向用户发送警报还包括激活位于手持真空吸尘器10上的视觉指示器422。在一些实施例中，方法582还可包括当压力值超过预定阈值时禁止通过流体流动路径的气流的步骤。在一些实施例中，控制器426以应用程序(也称为APP)的形式执行指令，其使得用户能够通过显示器434与手持真空吸尘器10对接。As described above, the sensor 402 measures the characteristics of the airflow and is used in the method 582 of controlling the hand-held vacuum cleaner 10 (FIG. 10). The method 582 includes measuring a pressure value of the airflow through the fluid flow path (step 586). Specifically, the pressure value of the airflow is measured downstream of the pre-motor filter 362 within the plenum 386 . The method 582 also includes determining whether the pressure value exceeds a predetermined threshold, which is indicative of a blockage in the fluid flow path (step 590). When the pressure value exceeds the predetermined threshold, method 582 includes the vacuum cleaner sending an alert to the user (step 594). Sending the alert to the user at step 594 includes sending the alert to the user's personal device 418 (eg, cell phone, personal computer, etc.), and optionally providing information on the display 434 to the personal device identifying a plurality of possible jam locations to the user. In some embodiments, direct wireless data communication via the vacuum cleaner to the device (eg,

or other radio signals) to send an alert to the personal device 418. In other embodiments, the alert is sent to the personal device 418 via wired or wireless Internet or network communications. Sending the alert also includes an indication by the user to clean possible blockage locations along the fluid flow path to remove the blockage, which is shown on the device display 434 . Sending an alert to the user also includes activating a visual indicator 422 located on the handheld vacuum cleaner 10 . In some embodiments, method 582 may further include the step of disabling airflow through the fluid flow path when the pressure value exceeds a predetermined threshold. In some embodiments, controller 426 executes instructions in the form of an application program (also referred to as an APP) that enables a user to interface with handheld vacuum cleaner 10 through display 434 .

Various features and advantages of the invention are set forth in the following claims.

Claims (4)

1. A method of controlling a vacuum cleaner having a fluid flow path extending from a dirty air inlet to a clean air outlet, the method comprising: monitoring a user-activated switch that can be activated when a trigger of the vacuum cleaner is pressed; when the user presses and holds the trigger against the user activated switch, when the user activated switch is activated and the user holds the trigger, activating the motor of the vacuum cleaner to provide airflow along the fluid flow path; determining when the user-activated switch is activated by a user double-clicking a trigger twice within a predetermined time period; and After determining that the user-activated switch has been activated by a user double-tapping the trigger twice within a predetermined period of time, the motor is continuously activated without further activation of the user-activated switch so that the user does not hold the trigger Activates the motor continuously. 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising deactivating the motor the next time the user activated switch is activated. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined period of time is 2 seconds. 4. The method of claim 1, wherein the predetermined period of time is 1 second.

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