CN114650754A - vacuum cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

A battery pack for a vacuum cleaner includes a plurality of battery cells arranged in a generally planar array. It also includes a first protrusion extending along an axis generally perpendicular to the plane of the array, the first protrusion including at least one electrical terminal, and a second protrusion extending along an axis generally parallel to the axis of the first protrusion. The axial length of the second protrusion is at least 10% of the axial length of the first protrusion.

Description

vacuum cleaner

technical field

The present invention relates to the field of vacuum cleaners, in particular hand-held vacuum cleaners and "stick" vacuum cleaners of the general type, including hand-held vacuum cleaners attached to the head of the cleaner by means of an elongated rigid rod.

Background technique

Broadly speaking, there are four types of vacuum cleaners: "upright" vacuums, "canister" vacuums (also known as "canister" vacuums), "hand-held" vacuums, and "rod" vacuums . Upright vacuum cleaners and cartridge vacuum cleaners are well known. They tend to be mains operated for relatively heavy duty cleaning applications.

Handheld vacuum cleaners are relatively small, highly portable vacuum cleaners that are particularly well-suited for relatively low-duty applications such as stain cleaning of household floors and upholstery, interior cleaning of cars and boats, and the like. Unlike uprights and cartridges, they are designed to be held in the hand during use and tend to be powered by onboard battery packs.

Broadly speaking, there are two different types of stick vacuums. In a sense, the first type is an ultra-slim upright vacuum, although usually battery-powered rather than mains-powered. The second type of stick vacuum cleaner is a derivative of the hand-held vacuum cleaner and includes a hand-held vacuum cleaner combined with a rigid, elongated suction wand that effectively reaches the ground, allowing the user to clean the ground while cleaning the ground. Can remain standing. The ground tool is typically fixedly attached to the end of the rigid elongated suction wand, or alternatively integral with the bottom end of the wand.

The battery packs of vacuum cleaners (such as hand-held and stick vacuums) are often removable, for example, to allow battery replacement if the battery deteriorates, or to allow the user to replace the Change between groups. However, the ability to remove the battery pack typically comes at the expense of the stability and/or strength of the connection between the battery pack and the vacuum cleaner. For example, in some cases the battery can visibly "wobble" when attached to a vacuum, which can lead to excessive wear (e.g. at the interface electrical contacts) or to the impression of poor quality. Alternatively or as well, in some cases it can be difficult to properly align the battery pack and vacuum to attach them together, and attempting to attach the battery pack when the battery pack is misaligned can result in damage to the battery pack and/or Damage to the vacuum cleaner.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to alleviate or eliminate at least one of the above disadvantages and/or to provide an improved or alternative battery pack or vacuum cleaner.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a battery pack for a vacuum cleaner, the battery pack comprising:

a plurality of battery cells arranged in a substantially planar array;

a first protrusion extending along an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the array, the first protrusion including at least one electrical terminal;

a second protrusion extending along an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the first protrusion,

Wherein, the axial length of the second protrusion is at least 10% of the axial length of the first protrusion.

The first and second protrusions may assist the user in attaching the battery pack to the vacuum cleaner. For example, the first and second protrusions may be configured to be received within corresponding recesses of the vacuum cleaner when the battery is attached to the vacuum cleaner. These two protrusions can be used as alignment guides during attaching the battery to the vacuum, whereas if a single protrusion is used, the user is more free to attempt to attach the battery pack to the vacuum while the battery pack wraps around the protrusion The axis rotates slightly, which can be frustrating to the user and can damage the battery pack and the interface contacts on the vacuum. Alternatively or additionally, the first and second protrusions may provide structural support, making the interface between the battery pack and the vacuum cleaner more secure. Two sets of interface protrusions and recesses can provide a larger contact area between the battery pack and the vacuum cleaner, and can distribute the engagement between the battery pack and the vacuum cleaner over a larger space, providing a more stable and secure interface .

An axial length of the second protrusion that is at least 10% of the axial length of the first protrusion may increase the above-mentioned effects, further increasing the contact area, the alignment function and/or the stability of the connection.

The first protrusions may intersect the plane of the array at an angle of not less than 65 degrees, eg, not less than 70 degrees. Alternatively or additionally, the first protrusion may intersect the plane of the array at an angle of less than 90 degrees, eg, less than 85 degrees or less than 80 degrees. A first protrusion that is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the array but extends at a slight angle to the plane of the array can provide an arrangement that is particularly suitable for inserting the first protrusion into the pistol grip of a vacuum while holding the battery pack such that the flat Or the array is roughly parallel to the palm, which is beneficial to the user for simple and convenient operation.

For the avoidance of doubt, the battery pack may have additional battery cells in addition to the battery cells forming a generally planar array. For example, a battery pack may include two generally planar arrays arranged on top of each other.

The battery pack is preferably rechargeable.

The axial length of the second protrusion may be at least 20% of the axial length of the first protrusion, eg at least 30% or at least 40%.

A second protrusion having such a relatively long axial length may add to the above-mentioned advantages.

The axial length of the second protrusion may be less than 80% of the axial length of the first protrusion, eg less than 70% or less than 60%.

In some cases, increasing the length of the second protrusions may provide diminishing returns to the advantages described above, and a less long second protrusion may make the battery pack smaller, lighter, and/or less bulky, and may avoid the second protrusion being too large Bends easily.

Alternatively or additionally, a second protrusion that is substantially shorter than the first protrusion may allow the first and second protrusions to be inserted sequentially into corresponding recesses of the vacuum cleaner, which may guide the battery during attachment of the battery pack to the vacuum cleaner precise alignment of the group, rather than requiring the user to align it exactly at the start.

The battery pack may also include a charging port disposed at least partially on the second protrusion.

At least partially accommodating the charging port on the second protrusion may provide a space saving arrangement. In contrast, if the charging port (and associated wiring, etc.) is located elsewhere, the battery pack may have to be made larger, which in turn may make it heavier and/or more expensive.

The second protrusion may have a surface extending substantially parallel to the axis of the first protrusion.

Such surfaces may form bearing surfaces that slide over corresponding surfaces of the vacuum cleaner and serve to guide the movement of the battery pack into position on the vacuum cleaner along the axis of the first protrusion, and/or between the battery pack and the vacuum cleaner. A relatively large contact area is provided between the cleaners (thereby providing a stronger and/or more stable connection between them). The surface may generally face away from the first protrusion.

The surface may be curved such that it is convex when viewed along the axis of the second protrusion.

Surfaces curved in this way can allow for slight rotational misalignment when attaching the battery pack to the vacuum cleaner.

The surface may be substantially arcuate when viewed along the axis of the second protrusion, the center of the arc of the surface being located in the first protrusion. Thus, the surface can accommodate slight misalignments when the battery pack is rotated about the first protrusion. Alternatively, the surface may be substantially arcuate, and the center of the arc may be between the first and second protrusions (to accommodate slight rotation of the battery pack about the axis between the protrusions), or the center of the arc may be at the second protrusion (thereby accommodating slight rotation of the battery pack around the second protrusion).

The second protrusion may include a track or groove extending generally parallel to the axis of the first protrusion.

Such a track or groove may interlock with a complementary groove or track in the vacuum cleaner to provide a guiding function during insertion of the second protrusion into the recess in the vacuum cleaner, and/or to provide a more secure connection between the protrusion and the recess connect.

The battery pack may also include a selectively releasable latch mechanism for securing the battery pack to the vacuum cleaner.

The use of a selectively releasable latch mechanism may advantageously allow simple removal of the vacuum cleaner's battery pack, eg for external charging or replacement. The latch mechanism provided on the battery pack may allow for easier operation of the latch when holding the vacuum cleaner with one hand and the battery pack with the other hand, compared to arrangements where the latch is provided on the vacuum cleaner.

Optionally, the latching mechanism includes a latching member for engaging a complementary member of the vacuum cleaner to secure the battery pack, the latching member being movable between an engaged position and a released position;

The latch mechanism further includes a manually operable actuator movable between an engaged position and a released position; and

The latch member and the actuator are connected such that movement of the actuator from the engaged position to the released position moves the latch member from the engaged position to the released position, but movement of the latch member from the engaged position to the released position does not cause The actuator moves from the engaged position to the released position.

Thus, the user may move the release member to the release position in order to release the latch element and detach the battery pack, but if the latch member is moved to the release position (eg, through the surface of the vacuum cleaner during insertion of the first protrusion into the recess), the release The widgets don't move, so they don't confuse users or get stuck in their skin.

The latch mechanism may include at least two or at least three latch members configured to engage corresponding complementary features in the vacuum cleaner.

The use of multiple latches provides multiple points for securing the battery pack to the vacuum cleaner. This in turn means stronger connections. Additionally, the latching members can be distributed around the battery pack, extending the connection over a wider area, resulting in a more stable connection.

The battery pack may further include a button-operated switch arranged to control power supply to the electrical terminals, the button of the button-operated switch being arranged on the first protrusion.

The button may have a line of action substantially parallel to the axis of the first protrusion.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a vacuum cleaner comprising a handle, a vacuum motor, a dust separator and a battery pack according to the first aspect of the present invention, the vacuum cleaner having a first protrusion for accommodating the battery pack A recess and a second recess for accommodating the second protrusion of the battery pack.

A second aspect of the present invention may provide a vacuum cleaner having an advantageously firm or stable connection to the battery pack, and/or wherein the attachment of the battery pack is advantageously easy, for the reasons described above.

The vacuum cleaner is preferably a hand-held vacuum cleaner or a stick vacuum cleaner.

The handle may take the form of a pistol grip, and the first recess may be provided in the pistol grip.

This can provide an advantageously simple and/or compact arrangement.

Where the handle takes the form of a pistol grip and the battery pack includes a button-operated switch, the pistol grip may include a trigger member positioned to be pulled by the user's fingers in a manner similar to a pistol trigger, which triggers The member has an actuating member configured to operate a push-button operated switch.

This may provide an advantageously comfortable and/or easy-to-understand way of operating the vacuum cleaner.

The vacuum cleaner may have a front portion that includes a dirty air inlet, and the first and second recesses may be positioned generally in front of each other.

The positioning of the first and second recesses means that both are clearly visible if the user is looking at the vacuum cleaner from the side. This makes it easier to align the first and second protrusions of the battery pack with their respective recesses when attaching the battery, as opposed to an arrangement where only one recess is visible in that direction.

Description of drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

1 is a front perspective view of a vacuum cleaner according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a front perspective view of the battery pack of the vacuum cleaner of Figure 1;

3 is a cross-sectional side view of the battery pack of FIG. 2;

Figure 4 is a top view of the battery pack, viewed along the axis of its first protrusion;

Figure 5 is a front view of the battery pack;

Figure 6 is another cross-sectional side view of the battery pack; and

7 is a cross-sectional side view of the battery pack and lower portion of the vacuum cleaner.

Corresponding reference characters indicate corresponding features throughout the specification and drawings.

Detailed ways

Figure 1 shows a vacuum cleaner 2 according to an embodiment of the invention. In this case, the vacuum cleaner 2 is a hand-held vacuum cleaner. It has a handle 4 in the form of a pistol grip, a front strut 6, a trigger 8 for opening and closing the vacuum cleaner, and an upper housing 10 housing a vacuum motor (not visible) for drawing air through the vacuum cleaner 2 . Air is drawn through the vacuum cleaner 2 from an inlet 12 on the front of the vacuum cleaner, the inlet 12 being configured to have a tool attached thereto, such as a vacuum cleaner head (or an elongated rigid suction wand, if the hand-held vacuum cleaner 2 is formed part of the stick vacuum cleaner). Air drawn in through inlet 12 then passes through primary cyclone 14 and secondary cyclone 16 of cyclone dust separator 18 , through a vacuum motor (not visible), and then enters filter assembly 20 before being exhausted through vent 22 . The nature of these components of the vacuum cleaner 2 is not critical to the present invention and will therefore not be described in detail.

The vacuum cleaner is powered by a battery pack 30 located below the pistol grip 4 and the front strut 6 . The battery pack 30 is shown separately in FIGS. 2 to 6 . It has a base 32 containing a set of battery cells 34 . The battery cells 34 are arranged in a planar array, the planes 36 of which are horizontal in FIG. 3 . The battery pack 30 also has a raised area 38 adjacent the base 32 that houses the battery control circuitry 40 . A first protrusion 50 and a second protrusion 52 extending along respective axes 54 , 56 extend from the raised area 38 and thus indirectly from the base 32 .

The axis 54 of the first protrusion 50 is generally perpendicular to the plane 36 of the array of battery cells 34 . More specifically, in this case, axis 54 intersects plane 36 at an angle of approximately 75 degrees. The second protrusion 52 extends along an axis 56 which is generally parallel to the axis 54 of the first protrusion 50, in this case perfectly parallel.

The axial length 58 of the second protrusion 52 is at least 10% of the axial length 60 of the first protrusion 50 . More specifically, in this case, the axial length 58 of the second protrusion 52 is approximately 50% of the axial length 60 of the first protrusion 50 .

The first protrusion 50 comprises a set of electrical contacts in the form of a socket 70 through which power from the battery unit 34 can be supplied to the vacuum cleaner 2 (in particular the vacuum motor) or through which control signals or other information can be passed. point delivery. The first protrusion 50 also includes a button operated switch (not visible), the button 72 of which extends from the distal end of the first protrusion. The button 72 has a line of action parallel to the axis 54 of the first protrusion. In other words, when the button 72 is pressed, it moves in a direction parallel to the axis 54 .

The second protrusion 52 has a front surface 74 , a left side surface 76 and a right side surface 78 generally facing away from the first protrusion 50 , and a rear surface 80 generally facing the first protrusion 50 . As described below, the front and side surfaces 74, 76, 78 each extend parallel to the axis of the first protrusion. The side surfaces 76 , 78 are flat and the front surface 74 is convex when viewed along the axis 56 of the second protrusion 52 and flat when viewed from the side. More specifically, when viewed along the axis 56 of the second protrusion 52, the front surface 74 is generally arcuate, and the center of the arc is located between the first and second protrusions. The rear surface 80 is convex when viewed along the axis of the second protrusion and concave when viewed from the side.

The front surface 74 has a pair of grooves 82 , each groove 82 extending parallel to the axis 54 of the first protrusion 50 and having a flare 84 . The front surface 74 also houses the upper half of the charging port 86, which in this case takes the form of a socket for receiving a charging plug (not shown). The lower half of the charging port 86 is received at the front of the raised area 38, allowing easy connection between the charging port 86 and the battery control circuit.

The battery pack 30 has a latching mechanism 88 for securing the battery pack to the vacuum cleaner 2 . The latch mechanism 88 includes a manually operated actuator 90 having a button 91 disposed thereon, and a bracket 92 having a front latch member 94 and two side latch members 96 disposed thereon. Each latch member 94, 96 is configured to engage a complementary member (not shown) of the vacuum cleaner to secure the battery pack. In this case, each latch member 94, 96 has a lower contact surface 98 and an upper cam surface 100, the function of which will be described below.

The actuator 90 has a lobe 101 that is rotatably received in a dished socket 102 on the front of the base 32 so as to define a pivot axis 104 . The actuator 90 also has another lobe 106 positioned to engage a hook 108 provided on the front of the bracket 92 . The actuator 90 is movable between an engaged position (as shown), in which case the actuator 90 is pivotable about a pivot axis 104, and a released position, in which the actuator 90 is rearward pivot. In this embodiment, the actuator 90 is biased into the engaged position (visible in FIG. 3 ) by the coil spring 110 .

The latch members 94, 96 are movable between an engaged position (as shown) and a release position, in which case the latch members 94, 96 are located further forward in the release position by sliding the carriage horizontally. Location. The carrier is biased rearwardly by a coil spring (not shown) to bias the latch member into the engaged position.

The hooks 108 of the bracket 92 and the lobes 106 of the actuator 90 link the latch members 94, 96 and the actuator 90 such that movement of the actuator 90 from the engaged position to the released position moves the latch members 94, 96 out of engagement The position moves to the released position, but moving the latch members 94, 96 from the engaged position to the released position does not move the actuator 90 from the engaged position to the released position. If the actuator 90 is pivoted rearward to move it to the release position, the lobes 106 bear on the hooks 108 of the bracket 92, forcing it forward, thereby moving the latch members 94, 96 to the release position. However, if the latch member is pushed forward to the release position, the hook 108 becomes spaced from the lobe 106 and the actuator 90 can remain in the engaged position under the influence of the coil spring 110 .

FIG. 7 shows the battery pack 30 aligned for attachment to the vacuum cleaner 2 . The vacuum cleaner 2 has a first recess 120 for accommodating the first protrusion 50 of the battery pack 30 and a second recess 122 for accommodating the second protrusion 52 . The first recess 120 is provided at the lower half of the pistol grip 4 , and the second recess 122 is provided at the bottom of the front strut 6 . Thus, the first and second recesses 120 , 122 are positioned one behind the other, in this case the second recess 122 is positioned in front of the first recess 120 .

The first recess 120 has a pair of flanges 130 at the lower rear ends on both sides, and a set of electrical contacts in the form of drop pins 132 for receiving within the socket 70 of the first protrusion 50 for electrical connection between the vacuum cleaner and the battery Group. The second recess 122 has a window cutout 134 positioned to align with the charging port 86 and a pair of rails 138 positioned to be received within the grooves 82 in the front surface 74 of the second protrusion 52 . Located between the pistol grip 4 and the front strut 6 is another flange 136 . As described below, the flanges 130 , 136 are complementary features that are engaged by the latch members 94 , 96 .

In order to attach the battery pack 30 to the vacuum cleaner 2, the battery pack is positioned below the pistol grip 4 and the front strut 6 such that the first and second protrusions 50, 52 are aligned with their respective recesses 120, 122, as shown in Figure 7 shown. The battery pack 30 is then moved generally upward along the axis 54 of the first protrusion 50 (actually the axis 56 of the second protrusion 52 ) to insert the distal end of the first protrusion 50 into the bottom of the first recess 120 . Further movement of the battery in this direction inserts the first protrusion 50 deeper into the first recess 120 and inserts the distal end of the second protrusion 52 into the bottom of the second recess 122 . When the second protrusion 52 enters the second recess 122 , the rails 138 enter the groove 82 through their mouths 84 .

At this point, both protrusions 50 , 52 are partially received in their respective recesses 120 , 122 . With these two spaced points of contact between the battery pack 30 and the vacuum cleaner 2, it is difficult to misalign the battery and the vacuum cleaner. Otherwise, such misalignment can result in excessive wear and even damage to the pin 132 by attempting to insert the pin 132 into the socket 70 while misaligned.

In particular, as the battery pack 30 moves further along the axis 54 of the first protrusion 50 , the front surface 74 and side surfaces 76 , 78 of the second protrusion 52 bear on corresponding surfaces inside the second recess 122 . Since these surfaces are parallel to the axis 54 of the first protrusion, they will continue to provide support and stability as the battery continues to move into place. Likewise, the rails 138 slide along the grooves 82 and provide further stability and support.

Further movement of the battery pack 30 along the axis 54 of the first protrusion 50 causes the pin 132 to enter the socket, electrically connecting the battery pack 30 and the vacuum cleaner. As the battery pack 30 approaches its final position, the underside of the flange 130 in the first recess 122 rests on the cam surface 100 of the side latch member 96 while the underside of the flange 136 rests on the front latch member 94 . cam surface 100. Accordingly, the latch members 94, 96 and thus the bracket 92 are pushed forward and the latch members approach the release position.

When the battery pack 30 reaches its final position, the latch members 94, 96 reach the top of their respective flanges 130, 136, whereupon they are free to travel back to the engaged position again (due to the spring pushing the bracket 92 back). The contact surfaces 98 of the latching members then rest on top of their respective flanges 130, 136, securing the battery pack 30 so that it cannot be removed from the vacuum cleaner. With the battery pack 30 secured in place, the button 72 is located below the actuating member (not visible) mounted to the trigger 8 . When the user's finger pulls the trigger 8 in a manner similar to pulling the trigger of a pistol, the actuating member (not visible) depresses the button 72, thereby operating the button actuating switch (not visible). This sends a signal to the battery control circuit 40 to supply power from the battery unit 34 to the socket 70, making it available for the vacuum motor (not visible).

To remove the battery pack 30 from the vacuum cleaner 2, the user presses the button 91 of the actuator in order to pivot it rearwardly to the release position. As described above, this moves the latch members 94 , 96 forward to the release position, disengaging them from the flanges 130 , 136 , thereby allowing the battery pack 30 to move away from the vacuum by passing along the axis 54 of the first protrusion 50 and removed.

It will be appreciated that various modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. For example, the axis of the second protrusion need not be exactly parallel to the axis of the first protrusion. This may reduce the support provided by the second protrusion during battery pack attachment, but the second protrusion may still provide an advantageously strong or stable connection when the battery pack is attached to the vacuum cleaner.

For the avoidance of doubt, the optional and/or preferred features described above may be used in any suitable combination, in particular as set forth in the appended claims. Where appropriate, features described in relation to one aspect of the invention may also be applied to another aspect of the invention.

Claims (14)

1. A battery pack for a vacuum cleaner, the battery pack comprising: a plurality of battery cells arranged in a substantially planar array; a first protrusion extending along an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane of the array, the first protrusion including at least one electrical terminal; a second protrusion extending along an axis substantially parallel to the axis of the first protrusion, Wherein, the axial length of the second protrusion is at least 10% of the axial length of the first protrusion. 2. The battery pack of claim 1, wherein the axial length of the second protrusion is at least 10% of the axial length of the first protrusion. 3. The battery pack according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the axial length of the second protrusion is less than 70% of the axial length of the first protrusion. 4. The battery pack of any preceding claim, further comprising a charging port disposed at least partially on the second protrusion. 5. The battery pack of any preceding claim, wherein the second protrusion has a surface extending substantially parallel to the axis of the first protrusion. 6. The battery pack of claim 5, wherein the surface is curved such that the surface is convex when viewed along the axis of the second protrusion. 7. The battery pack of any preceding claim, wherein the second protrusion comprises a track or groove extending substantially parallel to the axis of the first protrusion. 8. The battery pack of any preceding claim, further comprising a selectively releasable latch mechanism for securing the battery pack to the vacuum cleaner. 9. The battery pack of claim 8, wherein: the latching mechanism includes a latching member for engaging a complementary member of the vacuum cleaner to secure the battery pack, the latching member being movable between an engaged position and a released position; The latch mechanism further includes a manually operable actuator movable between an engaged position and a released position; and The latch member and the actuator are linked such that movement of the actuator from the engaged position to the released position moves the latch member from the engaged position to the released position, but movement of the latch member from the engaged position to the released position Does not move the actuator from the engaged position to the released position. 10. A battery pack according to any preceding claim, further comprising a push button operated switch arranged to control the supply of power to the electrical terminals, the push button of the push button operated switch being arranged on the first protrusion. 11. A vacuum cleaner comprising a handle, a vacuum motor, a dust separator and a battery pack according to any preceding claim, the vacuum cleaner having a first recess for receiving a first protrusion of the battery pack and for A second recess that accommodates the second protrusion of the battery pack. 12. The vacuum cleaner of claim 11, wherein the handle is in the form of a pistol grip and the first recess is provided in the pistol grip. 13. The vacuum cleaner of claim 12 in combination with claim 10, wherein the pistol grip includes a trigger member positioned to be pulled by a user's finger in a manner similar to a pistol trigger, the trigger The member has an actuating member configured to operate a button-operated switch. 14. A vacuum cleaner according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the vacuum cleaner has a front portion including a dirty air inlet, and the first and second recesses are located substantially in front of and behind each other.

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