US3525876A - Electric vacuum cleaning and cleaning tool control system - Google Patents

Description

W- 25, 1970 J. J. BRESLIN 3,525,876

ELECTRIC VACUUM CLEANING AND CLEANING TOOL CONTROL SYSTEM Filed Jan. 21, 1969 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVENTOR Y JOHN J; BAfSL/N a ATTZJRNEVS UG 3 1970 I J. J; BREISLEN 3,525,876

ELECTRIC VACUUM CLEANING AND CLEANING TOOL CONTROL SYSTEM Filed Jan, :21, 1969 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 JUHN J. BRZSL/N z a! Z ATTOANEVS Aug. 25, 1970 J. J. BRESLIN 52 ,8

ELECTRIC VACUUM CLEANING AND CLEANING TOOL CONTROL SYSTEM Filed Jan. 21, 1969 s Sheets-Sheet 5 INVENTOR JOHN J. 6/8E5L/N Y I Q 5 ATTORNE Y5 United States Patent US. Cl. 30722 7 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE An electrical network for the selective energization of two devices, one responsive to alternating current, the other responsive to direct current, wherein the devices are located at opposite ends of a vacuum cleaning airway and only two electrical conductors communicate between these ends. Thenetwork is a superimposition of an A.C. network upon a DC. network and incorporates A.C. or DC. blocking elements in appropriate branches. Adapted particularly for use in a vacuum cleaning system, both power sources and the A.C. energized device are located at the vacuum producing end, and the DC. energized device is located at the vacuum celaning nozzle with a control station located in the conduction path therebetween.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to an improved electrical transmission and interconnection system, and specifically one which interconnects a A.C. power source with a A.C. responsive device and a DC. power source with a DC. responsive device, from a common control station.

The invention is especially directed to a circuit which will allow the control and energization of two devices at opposite ends of a vacuum cleaning airway from one station located at some intermediate position between the two extremes of the airway.

In the prior art, various system have provided circuits to control the energization of one electromotive device (typically a motor air turbine) physically remote from the control station with the use of a single pair of electrical conductors to the control station. Other systems which employ mechanical motion at both ends of the airway have mechanically transmitted that motion or have provided a second !pair of electrical conductors running the length of the airway to energize a second electromotive device (typically some agitator device at the cleaning tool head). These systems have been used with vacuum cleaners of both the portable cannister type and the centrally located permanent installation type. Although the present invention is directed primarily to the latter type, it has application to both.

The problem is to achieve control and energization of the devices at either end of the vacuum airway with a minimum number of conductors between the extremes. In the prior art, separate pairs of conductors were employed to control the vacuum unit at one end, and to energize and control the agitator device at the other end. It is accordingly a principal object of this invention to avoid the shortcomings inherent in the prior art.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is concerned with a system for controlling the selective energization of two electrical devices, remotely located from each other, from some intermediately located control station wherein only a single pair of conductors is required to transverse the distance between the remote devices. This is accomplished by superimposing an A.C. network upon a DC. network and inice corporating appropriate A.C. or DC. blocking elements in the various branches of the network.

Specifically, at one end of the pair of conductors which communicate between the extremes, an A.C. source, capacitor and A.C. responsive device are connected between the conductors. Also at this end, a DC. source is similarly connected between the condutcors. A DC. responsive device is connected between the conductors at the other end. Intermediately, a switching means electrically interposed in the path of the conductors is adapted to selectively interrupt the continuity of one of those conductors, and alternatively, or in conjunction with this interruption of continuity, to selectively connect a shunting capacitor between said conductors.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The detailed structure and operation of the invention and the foregoing and other objects will become more apparent when viewed in light of the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic representation of a portable vacuum cleaning device with the elements of the electrical control system schemtically illustrated;

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic representation of a centrally located permanent type vacuum cleaning arrangement with elements of the electrical control system and an additional indicator light circuit incorporated therewith schematically illustrated;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view, partially in section of a cleaning tool and flexible hose which form one end of an airway in a centrally located vacuum cleaning system;

FIG. 4 is a longitudinal sectional view taken along plane 4-4 of FIG. 3 of the interconnection of the flexible vacuum hose with the rigid portion of the cleaning tool, around which a four-position switch is disposed; and

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the interconnection taken along plane 5--5 of FIG. 4, illustrating the details of construction of one switch member.

DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS Portable cleaning system Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein a portable vacuum cleaning device is depicted in FIG. 1. The device comprises, as its basic elements, an A.C. turbine motor 11, an air turbine 13 mechanically coupled to the motor and a vacuum airway 15 communicating with and extending from the turbine. A detachable flexible fluid hose 17 is removably received in a receptacle-type outlet 19 in the airway 15. At the end of the hose 17 is a cleaning tool 21 comprising a wand 23, a nozzle 25, and a rotary lbrush 27 powered by a DC. responsive, cleaning head brush motor 29.

Numerals 31 and 32 designate, respectively, first and second conductors extending from a first location 41 to a second location 42. Incoming A.C. line voltage 44 is connected to the A.C. turbine motor 11 through a fuse 46 by means of a set of normally open relay contacts 48. Closure of said relay contacts 48 energizes the motor 11. The input to a full-Wave rectifying bridge 50 is similarly connected to the line voltage 44 by means of the relay contacts 48. The rectifying bridge 50, connected in the well known Graetz configuration, serves both as a source of unidirectional current and a means of limiting the conduction of alternating current through the parallel branches of said source to a predetermined low level. This limitation occurs because the diodes 50a in the parallel branches will allow current to pass in only one direction. The output of the bridge 50, with its capacity to conduct alternating current so limited, is connected in parallel with the series combination of a secondary 3 winding of a control voltage step-down transformer 52, an A.C. relay solenoid 54 and a blocking capacitor 56; and this network is connected across the first and second conductors 31 and 32 at the first location 41.

A three-position switch 58 is located at some intermediate location in the first conductor 31. This switch is provided to selectively and alternatively: completely interrupt the conductor 31 and the flow path between the concluctors 31 and 32; connect a shunt capacitor 60 between the first and second conductors 31 and 32 while interrupting conductor 31 downstream of the capacitor; or continue the continuity of the conductor 31 downstream of the shunt capacitor 60 simultaneously with the connection of the capacitor between the conductors 31 and 32. At the second location 42, the brush motor 29 is connected between the first and second conductors 31 and 32.

Operation of the portable system With the switch 58 disposed to completely interrupt the continuity of the first conductor 31, only the primary winding of the control voltage transformer 52 is energized by the A.C. line voltage 44. Half-wave conduction takes place in the circuit comprised by the secondary winding of the control transformer 52, the A.C. relay solenoid 54, the blocking capacitor 56, and two parallel legs of the rectifying bridge 50. This current so limited is insufficient to actuate the A.C. relay contacts 48. Thus, the cleaning system remains inactive.

With the switch 58 disposed to connect the shunt capacitor 60 between the first and the second conductors 31 and 32, and to interrupt the continuity of the first conductor 31, the other half cycle of the alternating current induced in the secondary winding of the control transformer 52 is conducted through the circuit comprising the A.C. relay solenoid 54, the blocking capacitor 56, the first and second conductors 31 and 32, and the shunt capacitor 60. In this condition the total current through the A.C. relay solenoid relay 54 is sufiicient to close the relay contacts 48 and thus energize the A.C. turbine motor 11 and rectifying bridge 50. The DC. potential thus produced is blocked by the blocking capacitor 56 and the shunt capacitor 60 in each of the parallel loops. The overall effect of this switch disposition is to energize the vacuum portion of the system, while maintaining the brush motor 29 in an inactive state.

With the switch 58 disposed to connect the shunt capacitor 60 between the first and second conductors 31 and 32, and to continue the continuity of the first conductor 31, the DC. potential is connected across the DC. responsive cleaning head brush motor 29, energizing it with the power from the rectifying bridge output 50. In this condition, the A.C. component of the potential can transfer no power to the DC. responsive brush motor 29 by the nature of the device, and no substantial A.C. component flows therein due to the inductive impedance of the motor 29. The overall effect of this switch disposition is to energize both the vacuum and cleaning brush portions of the systems.

Permanent cleaning system The basic pattern employed in the centrally located, permanent type vacuum cleaning system is the same as that of the portable system, with some minor differences. As illustrated in FIG. 2, most elements of permanent systems are identical to those described in FIG. 1. Accordingly, the fuse 46, the A.C. line voltage 44, the A.C. turbine motor 11, the air turbine 13, the airway 15, the receptacle outlet 19, the detachable, flexible, fluid conduction hose 16, the vacuum cleaning tool 21, the wand 23, the nozzle 25, the rotary brush 27, the DO. responsive cleaning head brush motor 29, the first and second conductors 31 and 32, the first and second locations 41 and 42, normally open relay contacts 48, the full-wave rectifying bridge 50 and diodes 50a, the control voltage stepdown transformer 52, the A.C. relay solenoid 54, the

blocking capacitor 56, and the shunt capacitor 60, are identified by the same numbers used for the portable system of FIG. 1. Added to the receptacle-type outlet 19 is a wall mounted faceplate 62 with an indicator light 64 incorporated therein. The faceplate 62 is located at the remote end of a permanently fixed rigid fluid conduit 66 comprising one branch of the airway 15. It should be understood that the other branch of the airway, as shown in section, would lead to another suitable faceplate. Numeral 58a designates a four-position, rather than a three-position, switch. In addition, there is a step-down voltage transformer 68 interposed between the incoming line voltage 44 and the input to the full-wave rectifying bridge 50. The output voltage of the bridge is thereby reduced. The relay contacts 48 of this system are not interposed in the circuit to the primary winding of the control voltage step-down transformer 52 and, accordingly, the transformer and the bridge 50 are always in an energized condition, irrespective of the condition of the A.C. relay contacts 48.

The permanent system also includes an indicating light transformer 70 having its primary winding in parallel with the A.C. turbine motor 11, and its secondary winding connected to the indicator light 64 at the faceplate 62 of the receptacle outlet 19 by means of the first conductor 31 and a third parallel conductor 71.

The switch 58a differs from the switch 58 in that it provides a fourth selective condition in which the continuity of the first conductor 31 is continued without the imposition of the shunt capacitor 60. As the switch 58a is diagrammatically illustrated in FIG. 2, this condition would occur when the arched portion of the switch bridges over the lead to the capacitor 60. In this condition, the circuit would function to energize the brush motor 29, while leaving the turbine motor 11 in an inactive state.

Operation of the permanent system The operation of the circuit in FIG. 2 is similar to that of FIG. 1 with the exception that: the circuit of FIG. 2 includes an indicating light circuit which is energized by the relay contacts 48 simultaneously with the A.C. turbine motor 11; the rectifying bridge 50 is continuously energized and the DC. potential of its output is similarly across the first and second conductors 31 and 32; and the switch 58a provides a fourth operating condition. This arrangement enables the DO. responsive brush motor 29 to be energized independently when the switch 58a is in the latter condition.

Overall operation In both of the systems, with the air turbine 13 in operation, dirt laden air is drawn in from the cleaning tool nozzle 25 and through the cleaning tool 21 and the flexible and rigid conduits forming the airway 15. Generally, this air is filtered through a suitable collection receptable (not illustrated) prior to its passage through the turbine. Simultaneously with the vacuum operation provided by the turbine 13, the rotary brush may be activated to scrub as the cleaning tool 21 is moved across an area to be cleaned. With the embodiment of FIG. 2, it is also possible to activate the brush 27 while the turbine 13 is in an inactive state. With the brush so activated, it may be used for scrubbing operations, such as carpet shampooing, where it is not desired to apply a vacuum simultaneously with the scrubbing operation.

The tubular rotating switch FIGS. 3 and 4 illustrate a preferred form of the fourposition switch 58a. As there illustrated, it takes the form of a separable connection between a female termination at the free end of the flexible fluid hose 17 and a mateable male termination 82 at the upper end of the cleaning tool wand 23. Electrical connection between these terminations is provided through exposed metal tubular elements 84 and 86 within the termination 80 which mate,

respectively, with exposed tubular metal elements 88 and 90 on the termination 82. The element 84 is connected to a helical wire within the hose 17 which defines the portion of the conductor'32 extending therethrough and the elements 88 and 90 are connected to helical wires Within the wand 23 which define the conductors 32 and 31, respectively, therein. Thus, when the terminations 80 and 82 are telescoped together in mating engagement, as illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 4,continuity of the conductor 32 is established. At the same time, the switch 58a, as will become apparent subsequently, is interposed in the conductor 31 to provide for the selective switching operation.

It is here noted that the helical wires within the wand 23 are encased in a flexible hose of relatively conventional character. Connection between the ends of these wires and the elements 88 and 90 is provided by a slidable construction'of the type shown in my Pat. No. 3,258,553. Since'the wand 23 is generally fabricated of metal, an annular insulator 92 of electrically nonconductive material is interposed between the wand 23 and the element'90.

The prime operating elements of the switch 58a are formed on the female termination 80 and comprise an inner annular member 94 fixed to and extending around the element 84 and an outer annular member 96 mounted in opposition to the inner member for rotation relative theretol' Both of these members are fabricated of electrically nonconductive material. Electrically conductive spring loaded ball bearings 98 are received in the member 96 for rolling engagement with the surface of the member 94 in opposition thereto and selective engagement With detented points 100'on this surface. The ball bearings 98, together with electrically conductive biasing springs 101 and 102 therefor, form two electrical conduction paths through the outer member 96. These paths are designated 104 and 106. A metal inlay 108 within the member 94, which inlay is connected to the helical wire defining the portion of the conductor 31 within the hose 17, forms an electrical conductive path within this member. The connection between the inlay 108 and the conductor 31 is also of the type shown in my Pat. No. 3,258,553. The shunt capacitor 60 of the switch 58a is connected in series with the path 106 through the spring 102 and takes the form of a cylindrical capacitor mounted within and extending around the member 88.

A first electrically conductive snap ring 110 is mounted withinthe member 96 and slidably received in a groove formed in the outer surface of the tubular element 76. This ring extends into contact with the spring 101 and functions to both secure the element 86 to the member 96 and establish electrical continuity between the spring 101 and the element 86. A second electrically conductive snap ring 112 mounted within the member '96 is slidably received in an annular groove within the surface of the tubular element 84. This ring extends into contact with the capacitor 60 and functions to both rotatably secure the member 96 to the element 84 and establish electrical continuity between the element and the capacitor 60.

The snap rings 110 and 112 maintain the elements 84 and 86 in assembled condition at all times, while permitting the member 96 to be selectively turned about the element 84. An insulating sleeve 1-14 is fixedly received around and extends over the full length of the element 86 extending laterally from the member 96. Thus, both the elements 84 and 86 are effectively insulated from exterior contact. The numeral 115 designates an insulator sleeve Securely received within the female termination 80 to limit penetration of the male termination 82 thereinto.

A grip 116 of cylindrical configuration is interposed between the member 94 and the flexible conduit 17 and functions to secure the conduitlto the termination 80. A tight frictional engagement is provided between the interior of the grip and the exterior surface of the element 84. In the preferred embodiment illustrated, the grip 116 is fabricated of an electrically nonconductive material. A tubular sleeve 118, also of electrically nonconductive material, is tightly fitted within the helical hose in the wand 23 to maintain the elements 88 and in axially spaced electrically isolated relationship. The exterior surfaces of the latter elements are slidably engaged with the interior surfaces of the elements 84 and 86, respectively, to permit the terminations 80 and 82 to be axially separated from each other and provide for removal of the wand 23 from the switch 58a.

The detented points are located in two arcs described by the paths taken by the spring loaded ball bearings 98 as the outer member 96 is rotated relative to the inner member 94 and arranged in radially aligned pairs located at four distinct radii. These radii are designated by the numerals 120, 122, and 124 and 126. Because of the radial disposition of the ball bearings 98, each pair of radially aligned detented points is simultaneously engaged by the bearings. Eachsuch pair of the points corresponds to one position of the switch 58a. The first radius 120 designates the first switch position, the second radius 122 designates the second switch position, the third radius 124 designates the third switch position, and the fourth radius 126 designates the fourth switch position.

The shape of the metal inlay 108 determines the sequence and condition of the switch in each of its four positions. As shown, neither of the conduction paths 104 and 106 is continuous in the first position, only the conduction path 106 is continuous in the second position, both conduction paths 104 and 106 are continuous in the third position, and only the outer conduction path 104 is continuous in the fourth position. The first to fourth positions correspond, respectively, to the condition where the con ductor 31 is completely interrupted; the condition where the conductors 31 and 32 are connected through the capacitor 60; the condition where the conductors are simultaneously connected through the capacitor 60 and across the motor 29; and, the condition where the conductors 31 and 32 are connected solely through the motor 29.

From the foregoing description it is believed apparent that the present invention provides both an improved electric vacuum cleaning system and control circuit therefor.

I claim:

1. A control system for selectively energizing two electrical devices remotely located from each other from a common control station, comprising:

(a) first and second conductors capable of electrical conduction between a first location and a second location;

(b) a source of unidirectional current connected between the first and second conductors at the first location, said source being capable of permitting the flow of alternating current therethrough to but a predetermined limited degree;

(c) a source of alternating current in series connection with a capacitor and an electrical device responsive to alternating current, said source, capacitor, and device combination connected between the first and second conductors at the first location;

(d) an electrical device responsive to unidirectional current connected between the first and second conductors at the second location;

(e) switching means for selectively and alternatively;

(1) interrupting the continuity of the fist conductor,

(2) interrupting the continuity of the first conductor and connecting a capacitor between the first and the second conductor on the side of the interrupted first conductor which leads to the first location, or

(3) continuing the continuity of the first conductor and connecting a capacitor between the first and the second conductor.

2. A control system as described in claim 1 wherein said switching means is also capable of selectively and alternatively continuing the continuity of the first conductor.

3. The control system as described in claim 1, wherein:

(a) the device responsive to alternating current comprises a relay solenoid,

(b) the source of unidirectional current comprises a full-wave rectifying bridge, and

(c) the device responsive to unidirectional current comprises a DC motor.

4. The control system as described in claim 3, wherein an indicating means responsive to the actuation of the relay solenoid is placed at or near the switching means.

5. In a vacuum cleaning system having an air turbine driven by an AC. motor and an airway extending from said turbine and terminating at a nozzle having motorized agitation means, a control system comprising:

(a) first and second conductors capable of electrical conduction between a first and second location;

(b) a full-wave rectifying bridge having the output connected across the first and second conductor at the first location;

() a pair of incoming line voltage leads;

(d) means adapted to connect the input of said rectifying bridge across the line voltage leads;

(e) a normally open solenoid operated relay electrically interposed between the line voltage leads and the motor for the suction pump;

(f) a source of alternating current in series connection with the solenoid of said relay and a capacitor, said source, solenoid and capacitor combination connected between the first and second conductor at the first location;

(g) a DC. responsive motor disposed in driving engagement with the agitation means, said motor being connected between the first and second conductors at the second location;

(h) switching means for selectively and alternatively:

(1) interrupting the continuity of the first conductor,

(2) interrupting the continuity of the first conductor and connecting a capacitor between the first and second conductors on the side of the interrupted first conductor which leads to the first location, or

(3) continuing the continuity of the first conductor and connecting a capacitor between the first and second conductors.

6. A control system as described in claim 5, wherein said means adapted to connect said rectifying bridge across the line voltage leads is electrically interposed between said relay and the motor for the air turbine whereby said rectifying bridge is normally inactive and, upon the closing of said relay, is activated simultaneously with said motor.

7. A control system as described in claim 5, wherein said switching means is also capable of selectively and alternatively continuing the continuity of the first conductor.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,287,623 11/1966 Valancius 307-22 3,257,600 6/1966 Tolmie 3202 3,024,739 3/1962 Smith et al. 104149 2,872,879 2/1959 Vierling 104-l49 ROBERT K. SCHAEFER, Primary Examiner H. I. HOHAUSER, Assistant Examiner

Images