CN101390726A

CN101390726A - Hand-held vacuum cleaner with filter indicator

Info

Publication number: CN101390726A
Application number: CNA2008101683664A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 雅各布·R·普鲁斯普; 默里·D·亨特; 帕特里克·W·穆尼; 卡罗林·马丁; 奥尔加·马凯耶夫; 大卫·M·沙弗
Original assignee: Black and Decker Inc
Current assignee: Black and Decker Inc
Priority date: 2003-02-26
Filing date: 2004-02-26
Publication date: 2009-03-25
Also published as: EP1452118A2; AU2004216122A1; CN100446709C; CA2459028A1; CN1644150A; CN1780577A; EP1452118A3

Abstract

A hand-held portable vacuum cleaner (10) having a filter indicator (36) that is coupled to an outlet housing (32) and in fluid communication with a portion of the outlet housing between a fan inlet (94) and an intake (54). The filter indicator includes a pressure differential indicator (372) that is configured to indicate a pressure differential between air in the portion of the outlet housing and atmospheric air pressure. The filter indicator is employed to indicate to the user of the hand-held vacuum that replacement and/or cleaning of the filter is required. The vacuum cleaner also may be used in a blower mode (fig 24, 26) with a group of aeration nozzles (500), so as to fill gas for objects by users.

Description

The hand-held vacuum cleaner that has filter indicator

The application is to be that February 26, application number in 2004 are dividing an application of 200480011121.0 invention " hand-held vacuum cleaner that has filter indicator " applying date.

The cross reference of related application

It number is 60/449,987 rights and interests that the application requires the U.S. Provisional Application submitted on February 26th, 2003.

Technical field

The present invention relates generally to the handhold portable vacuum cleaner, more particularly, relate to handhold portable vacuum cleaner with filter indicator.

Background technology

There is the no bag portable hand-holding type vacuum cleaner of rope and wireless type to be well known in the art, generally comprise the fan that is used to produce air-flow, be used for preserving the dirt cup of the material such as dirt, dust and chip that is drawn into vacuum cleaner and prevent that this material cup is drawn into the filter of fan.Filter can comprise it can being the single filter medium of fiber or paper material, perhaps can use arranged in series so that the several materials of intensive filtration air-flow.

Well known in the art, this user who does not have bag portable hand-held vacuum cleaner may not can be diligent in safeguarding this vacuum cleaner, thereby vacuum cleaner is operated with filter that filled up and/or dirt through regular meeting.Operation does not have the performance that the bag hand-held vacuum cleaner can reduce vacuum cleaner by this way, increase the load (this will reduce the life-span of these assemblies) of fan motor and fan, and, will reduce the life-span of its rechargeable battery and the duration of vacuum cleaner operation under once charging with under the situation of cordless vacuum cleaner.

Consider that the consumer may be with by that fill up and this vacuum cleaner of filter operation dirt, concentrate on the structure of improved filter in the industry, this improved filter structure uses several filtration stages, starts from thick relatively plastics or wire screen and ends to be configured to prevent that fine particle from entering the meticulous relatively fiber or the paper material of fan.We have found that, although be used for these progressive permission time intervals that increased generally between the filter cleaning of the filter technology of this kind vacuum cleaner,, these progressive needs that are far from eliminating to this cleaning.

Summary of the invention

In one form, instruction of the present invention provides the handhold portable vacuum cleaner with inlet shell, discharge case, fan component and filter indicator.This inlet shell limits the inlet that is constructed to receive by it dirt, dust and chip.This discharge case is releasably connected to this inlet shell, and limits handle, air inlet, fan base and outlet.This handle is configured plan and is held by user's one hand, handles this handhold portable vacuum cleaner to allow the user, and this inlet is directed to the position that is hoped.This fan base is disposed between this air inlet and this outlet.This fan component is installed in this fan base, and is covered by this discharge case.This fan component comprises the fan inlet, and can operate, and is used to produce the air-flow by wherein.This filter is disposed between this inlet and this air inlet, and is releasably connected on one of this inlet shell and this discharge case.This filter indicator is connected on this discharge case, and is communicated with a part of fluid of this discharge case between fan inlet and this air inlet.This filter indicator comprises pressure difference indicator, and this pressure difference indicator is configured to indicate air in this part of discharge case and the pressure differential between the atmospheric pressure.

In another form, instruction of the present invention provides the portable vacuum cleaner with inlet shell, discharge case, fan component, flexible pipe and one group of aeration jet.This inlet shell limits the inlet that is constructed to receive by it dirt, dust and chip.This discharge case is releasably connected to this inlet shell, and can limit handle, air inlet and air exit.This fan component is installed in this discharge case, and can operate, and is used to produce the air-flow of discharging by this air exit.This flexible pipe has first end that selectively is connected to this air exit, and second end.In the described aeration jet each includes the coupling part of this second end that is configured to mesh selectively flexible pipe, limits the cone-shaped plug of oral pore, and the wall that passes this aeration jet enters the air vent of the inside of common hollow.The size difference of the cone-shaped plug of each aeration jet.

It is obvious that other application of the present invention can become from the detailed description provided hereinafter.Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention that should be appreciated that detailed explanation and specific example shown,, they only are used for illustrative purposes, rather than will limit the scope of the invention.

Description of drawings

Additional advantages of the present invention and feature will become obviously from description taken together with the accompanying drawings subsequently and additional claim, wherein:

Fig. 1 is the decomposition diagram according to the vacuum cleaner device of instruction structure of the present invention;

Fig. 2 is the perspective view that illustrates in greater detail the part of vacuum cleaner device among Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is the exploded view of the partly cut-away of vacuum cleaner among Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is the part section decomposition side view of the part of vacuum cleaner among Fig. 2, illustrates in greater detail electric motor assembly;

Fig. 5 is the partial rear view of electric motor assembly, illustrates in greater detail the waste side of fan drum;

Fig. 6 is the partial cut away side views of vacuum cleaner among Fig. 2;

Fig. 7 is the side view of the part of vacuum cleaner among Fig. 2, illustrates in greater detail case body;

Fig. 8 is the front view of the part of vacuum cleaner among Fig. 2, illustrates in greater detail internal partition;

Fig. 9 is the rearview of the part of vacuum cleaner among Fig. 2, illustrates in greater detail the back deflector;

Figure 10 is the cutaway view along 10-10 line among Fig. 9;

Figure 11 is the partial cross sectional side elevation view of the exploded of the part of vacuum cleaner among Fig. 2;

Figure 12 is the side view of the part of vacuum cleaner among Fig. 2, shows the inside of a part in the case body of indicator groove;

Figure 13 is the cutaway view along 13-13 line among Figure 12;

Figure 14 is the exploded view of the part of vacuum cleaner among Fig. 2, illustrates in greater detail filter system;

Figure 15 is the perspective view of the part of vacuum cleaner among Fig. 2, illustrates in greater detail filter indicator;

Figure 16 is the longitudinal sectional view of filter indicator;

Figure 17 is the side view of filter indicator;

Figure 18 is the side sectional view of the local detachment of vacuum cleaner among Fig. 2, and the filter indicator that the indication air-intake filter is in the condition that fills up dirt or dirt is shown;

Figure 19 is the decomposition diagram of the part of vacuum cleaner device among Fig. 1, shows slit and the brush tool connectivity to the dirt cup assembly;

Figure 19 A is the decomposition diagram of vacuum cleaner device among Fig. 1, shows the connection that crevice tool directly arrives the dirt cup assembly;

Figure 19 B is the decomposition diagram of vacuum cleaner device among Fig. 1, shows the connection that brush tool directly arrives the dirt cup assembly;

Figure 19 C is the decomposition diagram of vacuum cleaner device among Fig. 1, shows the floor sweeping head through the connection of inlet switching instrument to the dirt cup assembly;

Figure 19 D is the decomposition diagram of vacuum cleaner device among Fig. 1, shows the floor sweeping head and manages being connected of dirt cup assembly with prolonging through inlet switching instrument;

Figure 19 E is the decomposition diagram of vacuum cleaner device among Fig. 1, shows crevice tool through inlet switching instrument, prolongation pipe and instrument adapter being connected to the dirt cup assembly;

Figure 19 F is the decomposition diagram of vacuum cleaner device among Fig. 1, shows brush tool through inlet switching instrument, prolongation pipe and instrument adapter being connected to the dirt cup assembly;

Figure 19 G is the decomposition diagram of vacuum cleaner device among Fig. 1, shows brush tool through inlet switching instrument, flexible hose and adapter being connected to the dirt cup assembly;

Figure 20 is the vertical view of the part of vacuum cleaner device among Fig. 1, illustrates in greater detail adapter;

Figure 21 is the side view of adapter;

Figure 22 is the longitudinal sectional view of adapter along 22-22 line among Figure 20;

Figure 23 is the decomposition diagram of vacuum cleaner device among Fig. 1, shows the use of the adapter of the discharging that is used to guide vacuum cleaner;

Figure 24 is the decomposition diagram when vacuum cleaner device is used in the hair-dryer pattern among Fig. 1;

Figure 25 is the partial sectional view of the part of vacuum cleaner device among Fig. 1, shows in response near the closing of back deflector of adapter and the adapter of deflection;

Figure 26 is the decomposition diagram that illustrates when vacuum cleaner device is used in the inflator pattern among Fig. 1;

Figure 27 is the decomposition diagram of the part of vacuum cleaner device among Fig. 1, illustrates in greater detail aeration jet;

Figure 28 is the local longitudinal sectional view of aeration jet;

Figure 29 is the perspective view of the part of vacuum cleaner device among Fig. 1, shows the operation of aeration jet; And

Figure 30 illustrates the perspective view that aeration jet is broken away from from flexible hose.

The specific embodiment

Referring to Fig. 1 of accompanying drawing, generally represent vacuum cleaner device according to instruction of the present invention structure with Reference numeral 10.Vacuum cleaner device 10 is shown as and comprises that hand-held has rope vacuum cleaner 10a and one group of annex 10b.Referring to Fig. 2 and 3, vacuum cleaner 10a is shown as and comprises dirt cup assembly 12 and casing assembly 14.In the specific example that provides, dirt cup assembly 12 comprises inlet shell or dirt cup 20 and elastomeric closure member 22, and casing assembly 14 comprises electric motor assembly 30, discharge case or shell 32, filter system 34, filter indicator 36 and have habitual blocking mechanism 40 and with the locking release 38 of shell 32 integrally formed habitual maintenance joints 42.

Dirt cup 20 comprises and limits jar wall member of shape shell mechanism 52 50 and pass shell mechanism 52 and form and from its inlet that extends back 54.A pair of locating

hole

56a and 56b pass shell mechanism 52 and form, and a plurality of prefilter landing nipples 58 extend internally from wall member 50 around the inner periphery of shell mechanism 52.To illustrate in greater

detail locating hole

56a and 56b and prefilter landing nipple 58 below.

In the specific example that provides, inlet 54 is semicircular (for example, seeing Figure 19), from shell mechanism 52 extend back and terminate in backward with the downward conical surface 60 (that is, the bottom of inlet 54 than the top of inlet 54 extend back farther).Will discuss in more detail as following, inlet 54 is configured the various parts of friction engagement enclosure group 10b.

The installation base 62 that is connected to the shell mechanism 52 of inlet 54 tops serves as the position that elastomeric closure member 22 hinges is connected to shell mechanism 52.Elastomeric closure member 22 be constructed in abutting connection with inlet 54 backward with the downward conical surface 60, but upward deflect (leave backward with the downward conical surface 60) in the operating period of vacuum cleaner 10a.Those those skilled in the art should be known in the known technology of this area, by entering the mouth 54 towards the upper back of shell mechanism 52 backward and extend upward, can omit elastomeric closure member 22.

In Fig. 4 to 6, electric motor assembly 30 is shown, comprise motor 70, fan component 72, power line 74,76, one groups of insulating parts 78 of electric switch and strain relief member 80.Motor 70 is the habitual AC motor that have stator body 84 and comprise the rotor 86 of motor output shaft 88.Fan component 72 is habitual centrifugal fans, comprises being connected so that impeller 90 and the fan drum 92 that rotates with output shaft 88.Fan drum 92 comprises that the rotating shaft with impeller 90 is the ingate 94 at center and a plurality ofly is positioned on the fan drum 92 a side place and the radially outer steam vent 96 opposite with ingate 94.When vacuum cleaner 10a moved, the air of discharging from each steam vent 96 was conducted through relevant flow channel 98, and air is used for the cooling of motor 70 by radially inside rotating shaft guiding towards rotor 86 in flow channel 98.

Power line 74 generally includes the connector plug 100 that is suitable for being connected to electric output port, and the cable components 104 with first and second leads 106 and 108, and lead 106 and 108 is electrically connected to connector plug 100 with habitual and known mode.First lead 106 is electrically connected to the first terminals 110a on the motor 70, and second lead 108 is electrically connected to the first terminals 112a on the electric switch 76.Electric switch 76 is habitual toggle switches, and it allows selectively or forbids the transmission of the electric power between its first and second terminals 112a and 112b respectively.The second terminals 112b of electric switch 76 is electrically connected on the second terminals 110b of motor 70.Strain relief member 80 is connected to the part that power line 74 enters shell 32 with reinforcement power line 74, and can 32, can't discharge by the hole that cable components 104 is passed so that flow through the air of vacuum cleaner 10a.Strain relief member 80 is illustrated as insulation sleeve with cable components 104 and is permanently connected or forms, and can be the separating member that is enclosed within on the cable components 104 but those skilled in the art should be known in strain relief member 80.

This group insulating part 78 comprises fan insulating part 120 and motor insulating part 122, and they all are to be formed by the suitable elastomeric material such as thermoplastic elastic body.In an illustrated embodiment, fan insulating part 120 be around the neighboring of fan drum 92 front portions with and the ring belt that twines of the radially most external of front surface 124.Fan insulating part 120 is with habitual friction fit engagement fan drum 92.In addition, contacting between the front surface 124 of fan insulating part 120 and fan drum 92 limited moving backward of fan insulating part 120.

Motor insulating part 122 comprises sleeve part 128 and setting element, and the latter is shown as including the pair of joint 130 on the rear surface that is formed on sleeve part 128.Structure sleeve part 128 is with the opposite end of friction engagement motor 70 and fan component 72; Structure is parallel to the pair of leg 132 that the center line of sleeve part 128 stretches out generally, with engagement stator body 84, makes joint 130 as below will illustrating in greater detail, is positioned at preposition.

Referring to Fig. 2,6 and 7, the shell 32 of the specific embodiment that provides comprises a pair of

case body

150a and 150b, internal partition (baffle) 152 and back deflector 154.

Structure case body

150a and 150b are to link together by habitual and known mode, to limit switch installing structure 160, switch hole 162, locking mounting structure 164, to keep joint 42 and handle 168.Switch installing structure 160 is common structures, to hold and to support the electric switch 76 of electric motor assembly 30, makes electric switch 76 pass switch hole 162 and extends, so that started by the user of vacuum cleaner 10a.

Structure locking mounting structure 164 is to hold therein and to support the blocking mechanism of habitually practising 40, this blocking mechanism 40 have the shell mechanism 52 that is used for meshing dirt cup assembly 12 locating hole 56a button 170 and be used for from the outside spring (not shown) of biasing buttons 170 of shell 32.

Keep joint 42 protruding, and limit abuts with wall 174 from shell 32.Structure keeps joint 42 with when dirt cup assembly 12 is connected to casing assembly 14, and it is outstanding to pass locating hole 56b, cooperate with the back edge of locating hole 56b to allow abuts with wall 174, thus restriction dirt cup assembly 12 moving forward with respect to casing assembly 14.

In the example that provides, handle 168 and case body 150a and the whole formation of 150b, between the preceding and rear section of shell 32 and the main body of shell 32 above extend, to limit the handle hole 180 of size betwixt with user's hand that can hold vacuum cleaner 10a.But those skilled in the art should be known in that handle 168 can be the separating component that connects or be fastened to the remainder of shell 32 with habitual mode.Owing to intelligible reason from following description, handle 168 is structure like this preferably, makes the user of vacuum cleaner 10a to hold comfily, no matter vacuum cleaner 10a face forward or rear in user's hand.

Except following point out, each

case body

150a and 150b construct in a like fashion, so that only case body 150a is further detailed just enough.Mainly referring to Fig. 7 and subsidiary referring to Fig. 6, case body 150a comprises the wall member 186 that limits antetheca 188, sidewall 190, diapire 192 and rear wall 194, and all these walls match to set up center cavity 196.

A plurality of fins extend to the center cavity 196 from sidewall 190, and comprise the first and

second fan fins

200 and 202 respectively, and the first and second motor fins 204 and 206.The first and

second fan fins

200 and 202 are semicircle, and the first fan fin, 200 to the second fan fins 202 extend radially inwardly fartherly.The first fan fin, 200 spaces are to hold fan drum 92 and fan insulating part 120 betwixt.So, the first fan fin 200 plays the effect with respect to antetheca 188 location fan components 72.On the contrary, be arranged in the effect that the second fan fin 202 between the first fan fin 200 plays predetermined axial line (for example, cross central line) the location fan component 72 with respect to vacuum cleaner 10a.

The first motor fin 204 interconnects, and contacts the zone of the stator body 84 of electric motor assembly 30 to strengthen their.The something in common of the first motor fin 204 and the second fan fin 202 is that they are configured to the predetermined axial line positioning motor assembly 30 with respect to vacuum cleaner 10a.In addition, the first motor fin, 204 engagement stator bodies 84 are to forbid the rotation of stator body 84 with respect to case body 150a.

The second motor fin 206 comprises sleeve mounting portion (hub mounting portion) 210 and the sleeve localization part 212 that is connected with sleeve mounting portion 210 but is spaced a distance backward.Sleeve mounting portion 210 ends at the end of the arcuate surfaces 216 relative with sidewall 190, this arcuate surfaces is configured to the column part near the sleeve part 128 of motor insulating part 122, and sleeve localization part 212 ends at the end of the fork that limits nipple orifice 220, and this nipple orifice has the size of a relevant joint 130 that is suitable for holding motor insulating part 122.Sleeve mounting portion 210 and sleeve localization part 212 are further near each rear surface of sleeve part 128.Therefore, sleeve mounting portion 210 and sleeve localization part 212 the moving backward of restrictions motor insulating part 122 (therefore, also moving backward of restrictions motor 70) all.

In the example that provides, antetheca 188 is except being the plane generally from the semicircle air inlet 230 that wherein extends forward.Air inlet 230 comprises the lattice structure 232 that sucks air by it.Lattice structure 232 plays the effect of the fan blade that limits access to rotation.

Rear wall 194 also is the plane generally, but shown in specific embodiment in, comprise the outlet 240 (when

case body

150a and 150b are assembled into a time-out mutually, the outlet 240 of vacuum cleaner 10a is semilune or semicircles as shown in Figure 23) of quadrant shape.A plurality of reinforcements 244 of gusset 242 and joint angle fagging 242 and rear wall 194 play the effect of strengthening rear wall 194, particularly export 240 zone.Form discharge orifice 246 by gusset 242, in the example that provides, discharge orifice 246 has shape and big or small approximately uniform shape and the size with outlet 240.

One group of dividing

plate fin

248a, 248b are positioned at the back of the second motor fin 206 and the front of gusset 242.This group dividing plate fin 248a comprises the first pair of fin that extends from the part of sidewall 190 below handle hole 180 downwards, and this group dividing plate fin 248b comprises from diapire 192 upwardly extending second pair of fin.Construct this group dividing

plate fin

248a, 248b facing surfaces, thereby the position of internal partition 152 is remained on desirable position between the second motor fin 206 and the gusset 242 with friction engagement internal partition 152.

In addition referring to Fig. 8, the internal partition 152 of the specific example that provides comprise be configured to at the consistent framework 260 of the center cavity 196 of the position of this group dividing plate fin 248a and 248b.A plurality of horizontally disposed flow deflector 262 and common vertically arranged stiffeners 264 usually are arranged in the framework 260, and are fixedly attached on it.Usually, internal partition 152 and particularly flow deflector 262 generally are used for preventing directly near the motor part of working.

Especially referring to Fig. 9 to 11, and in addition referring to Fig. 6 and 7, back deflector 154 also comprises framework 270, be arranged in the framework 270 and be fixedly connected to a plurality of flow deflectors 272 and common vertically arranged stiffener 274 on it.The flow deflector 272 of shown specific embodiment is arc, discharges outlet 240 with the guiding air backward and radially outward from exporting 240.

Different with the framework 260 of internal partition 152, the framework 270 of back deflector 154 extends to the place ahead of flow deflector 272, to set up the depression 276 that can assemble optional porous discharge filter 280 therein.Discharge filter 280 operation, filtering the air of discharging outlet 240, thereby when preventing to use vacuum cleaner 10a under the vacuum cleaning pattern, the fine dust particle is discharged from vacuum cleaner 10a.Therefore in the specific embodiment that provides, discharge filter 280 is formed by the nonwoven web fiber, if when it becomes dirty or is full of dirt, then can wash.But those skilled in the art should be known in that discharge filter 280 can wash filter medium from another kind and form, and maybe can select the filter (for example, paper) of discardable type.

Framework 270 also comprises a pair of gudgeon (trunnion) 284 and a pair of clamp structure 286.Gudgeon 284 allows back deflector 154 is pivotally connected on the shell 32.More particularly, in the specific embodiment that provides, each

case body

150a and 150b comprise the groove 288 of spherical shape, to hold a relevant gudgeon 284.The part of deflection that each gudgeon 284 is illustrated as being connected to framework 270 can be laterally inwardly (that is, towards the center line of back deflector 154) is so that when

case body

150a and 150b are interconnected, can be installed to gudgeon 284 in their grooves 288 separately.By the gudgeon 284 that is engaged to groove 288, back deflector 154 can rotate by pivot between closed position (as shown in Fig. 2 and 6) and open position (as shown in Figure 11), wherein locate in the closed position, the rear surface cover outlet 240 of back deflector 154, in open position, back deflector 154 opens wide outlet 240 basically.

Structure clamp structure 286 is used for responding the power of appropriateness that is applied to the back deflector and flexibly deflection, with when back deflector 154 moves into or leaves the closed position, allows will back deflector 154 to be fixed to rear wall 194 or to discharge from rear wall 194.Those skilled in the art should be known in that clamp structure 286 is maintained in its closed position back deflector 153 effectively to the engagement of rear wall 194.Those skilled in the art also should be known in the feature that can form such as groove or joint 194a in the rear wall 194 of shell 32, to be used as the point that strengthens or improve the ability of clamp structure 286 engagement rear walls 194.

Fig. 9 and 10 of the example that provides is provided, the top of the framework 270 of back deflector 154 is illustrated as arc, be constructed to hold user's the thumb of vacuum cleaner 10a or the finger-like handle 290 of finger with qualification, so that can will the back deflector 154 shift out with thumb or finger from the closed position.Finger-like handle 290 preferably include allow the user with they thumb or finger on the deflector 154 of back downwards and the hold assembly that outwards prizes, Tu Qi edge for example, thus make clamp structure 286 from rear wall 194 disengagings.

As mentioned above, case body 150a and case body 150b are slightly different.More particularly, as shown in Fig. 7,12 and 13, case body 150a comprises the indicator groove 300 that is constructed to hold filter indicator 36 (Fig. 2).Indicator groove 300 comprises discharge orifice 302, discharge orifice 302 is between antetheca 188 and the top first fan fin 200, and pass case body 150a and extend, between indicator groove 300 and the first fan fin, 200 precedence centre cavitys 196, to form stream.

Referring to Figure 14, filter system 34 is shown as including inlet filter 310 and above-mentioned optional discharge filter 280.Inlet filter 310 comprises prefilter 312 and main filter 314.Prefilter 312 comprises filter flange 320, filter housing 322 and is used for releasedly prefilter 312 being fixed to the fixture 324 of shell 32.Filter flange 320 is protruding and be configured to mesh hermetically the inside of dirt cup assembly 12 from filter housing 322.In addition, filter flange 320 in vacuum cleaner near the rear portion of landing nipple in the prefilter 58 or minimum distance at interval, thereby prefilter 312 moves forward in the restriction dirt cup assembly 12.Filter flange 320 is illustrated as forming by the remainder of material such as polyethylene or polypropylene, that have certain structural flexibility and prefilter 312 is whole.But those skilled in the art should be known in alternatively, and filter flange 320 can comprise through mechanical connection, binding agent or Overmolded and be connected to the elastomeric material band (not shown) of the remainder of filter flange 320.

Filter housing 322 is illustrated as a jar shape, has antetheca 330 and a pair of sidewall 332 that has a plurality of filtering holes 334 that penetrate its formation.Filtering holes 334 has the size that is suitable for coarse filtration dirt and chip from the air that flows into main filter 314.In the example that provides, the diameter of filtering holes 334 is approximately 0.020 inch (0.5mm) to 0.040 inch (1.0mm).

In the specific embodiment that provides, fixture 324 is shown as including each a pair of

latch members

340a and 340b of all having the shank 342 that stretches out backward from filter flange 320, and is connected to shank 342 and vertically leaves the bottom 344 that shank 342 extends usually on the direction outside from filter housing 322.Construct each

latch members

340a and 340b and be formed on

relevant mesh groove

350a and 350b on the front surface of antetheca 188 of shell 32 with engagement respectively.More particularly, initial locating locking member 340a makes its bottom 344 mesh groove 350a, then the antetheca 188 of prefilter 312 to shell 32 rotated, the user of vacuum cleaner is applied to downward power the shank 342 of latch members 340b simultaneously, remain among the mesh groove 350a with bottom 344 latch members 340a, and in the bottom 344 of downward direction upper deflecting latch members 340b so that the bottom 344 of latch members 340b can be positioned at mesh groove 350b under.After this, discharge latch members 340b,, thereby prefilter 312 is fixed on the shell 32 releasedly with the bottom 344 that allows latch members 340b upwards resilience and mesh groove 350b.

In the specific example that provides, main filter 314 comprises periphery flange 356 and filter element 358, the paper filter element that filter element 358 is illustrated as folding.Yet those skilled in the art should be known in and can use various other filter mediums that therefore, the specific example that provides will limit the scope of disclosure never in any form.Periphery flange 356 is configured to mesh the front surface of filter housing 322 and antetheca 188 hermetically when prefilter 312 is fixed to shell 32.In the specific embodiment that provides, periphery flange 356 ends on the outer rim of its common S-shape, and this outer rim allows the front surface of the antetheca 188 of its side 360 of meshing filter housing 322 respectively hermetically and back 362 and shell 32.The inside part of periphery flange 356 plays the effect of arranging therein with the open containers that is connected filter element 358.Therefore, the seal that periphery flange 356 forms around the neighboring of filter element 358, and operationally limit the propulsion of filter element 358, and filter element 358 is towards the reverse of the antetheca 188 of shell 32 towards the antetheca 330 of filter housing 322.Lattice structure 232 further supports main filter 314, to prevent excessive deflection or the breaking-up of main filter 314 in the vacuum cleaning process.

Referring to Fig. 2 and 15 to 17, filter indicator 36 and title are disclosed basic identical in the United States Patent (USP) 4,416,033 of " purseful indicator (Full BagIndicator) ", and its full content is incorporated herein by reference.Therefore, need not to provide the detailed description of filter indicator 36 here.Say that simply filter indicator 36 is shown as including indicator shell 370, indicator piston 372, indicator piston bias unit 374, indicator packing ring 376 and indicator attachment device 378.The flange 380 that indicator shell 370 stop collars extend around the periphery of indicator shell 370, have inlet 384 and export 386 chamber 382 and allow the user of vacuum cleaner 10a to observe the watch window 388 of the part of chamber 382.Indicator piston 372 is arranged in the chamber 382 slidably, and is instructed to device piston bias unit 374 towards inlet 384 biasings, in the specific embodiment that provides, and the compression spring that indicator piston bias unit 374 is illustrated as habitually practising.Indicator packing ring 376 is near flange 380, and the preferred elastomeric material manufacturing that is being applied adhesive substance may by one or both sides.

In the example that provides, indicator attachment device 378 comprises a pair of and the integrally formed habitual bayonet 390 of part indicator shell 370.Each bayonet 390 comprises shank 392 that is fixedly connected to indicator shell 370 and the mate 394 that is fixedly connected to the end of shank 392.Referring to Figure 12, the size (in the embodiment that provides, installing hole 396 is illustrated as being formed in the indicator groove 300) that is adapted to fit in the corresponding installing hole 396 that penetrates case body 150a formation is provided bayonet 390 in addition.More particularly, the contact between the case body 150a in the zone of each mate 394 and the most approaching corresponding installing hole 396 makes shank 392 to operationally deflection of first direction, cooperates to allow passing case body 150a in conjunction with pin 390.In case mate 394 passes the inboard of case body 150a, shank 392 moves towards the second direction opposite with first direction, so that make the ledge 398 of mate 394 be engaged on the inboard of case body 150a, thereby forbid from case body 150a, taking out filter indicator 36.By so filter indicator 36 being attached on the case body 150a, indicator packing ring 376 operationally seals the flange of indicator shell 370 and joint or the interface between the case body 150a.

Referring to Fig. 6,13 and 16, when operating vaccum suction cleaners 10a, fan component 72 is discharged air from fan drum 92, and this has caused the Negative Pressure Difference with respect to atmospheric conditions.Negative Pressure Difference is connected to indicator piston 372 by the discharge orifice in the indicator shell 370 302.

Because being arranged in the air pressure of the part of the first fan fin, 200 fronts, center cavity 196 is lower than atmospheric conditions, so atmospheric pressure forces air to pass through inlet filter 310, and power is applied on the indicator piston 372 by the inlet 384 of indicator shell 370.When inlet filter 310 was cleaner, Negative Pressure Difference was less than predetermined threshold value, and was applied to atmospheric pressure on the indicator piston 372 and can not cause indicator piston 372 to slide in indicator shell 370 in the watch window 388 above predetermined threshold value point.But dirty gradually or fill up dirt along with inlet filter 310, the flowing of air by inlet filter 310 is restricted (with respect to the filter of cleaning) gradually, makes Negative Pressure Difference increase on amplitude.As shown in Figure 18, when inlet filter 310 reaches the predetermined point of enough obstructions, the amplitude of Negative Pressure Difference is enough big, make indicator piston in indicator shell 370, slide in the watch window 388 above predetermined threshold point so that act on atmospheric pressure on the indicator piston 372, thereby the user to vacuum cleaner 10a provides visible indication or warning, indicates inlet filter 310 and enough blocks and need to clear up.Those skilled in the art should know, can extraly the porous material (not shown) such as felt pan be placed between the inlet 384 and indicator piston 372 of indicator shell 370, preventing that dirt and chip from entering indicator shell 370, and the mode with the operation that influences filter indicator 36 of preventing is accumulated in wherein or indicator piston 372 on.

Although filter indicator 36 shown and be illustrated as entirely mechanical and visible warning only be provided,, those skilled in the art should be known in that filter indicator 36 can be constructed slightly differently.For example, can use the various known devices such as pressure sensor to determine when the air pressure between inlet filter 310 and the fan component 72 is reduced to predetermined threshold.In addition, can construct filter indicator 36, so that aural warning is provided when additionally or alternatively the air pressure between inlet filter 310 and fan component 72 is reduced to predetermined threshold, thereby remind the user of vacuum cleaner 10a should clear up and/or change inlet filter 310.At last, even the elementary skill personnel in present technique field also should know, can select filter indicator 36 is configured to play a role according to the absolute air pressure between inlet filter 310 and the fan component 72, but not the pressure differential of above-mentioned basis and atmosphere.

Turn back to Fig. 1, enclosure group 10b is shown as including various tool, and the structure of some of them and purposes are common, and some other then is new.Comprise that one group of habitual instrument that prolongs pipe 400, flexible hose 402 and floor sweeping head 404 is normally known in the art, thereby need not to provide their structure and the explanation of purposes here.As Figure 19, shown in 19A and the 19B, habitual instrument also comprises the crevice tool 406 and the brush tool 408 of the type of skill known in the art, and still, they have the rigidity half-round rod portion 410 of the inner surface that is configured to the inlet 54 in the friction engagement dirt cup assembly 12.

Turn back to Fig. 1, prolong the tapered thimble connector 414 that pipe 400 and floor sweeping head 404 use hollows (for example, its size be suitable for holding the taper that one of prolongs in pipe 400 or the flexible hose 402 insert link 416) with habitual friction fit.Because the inlet 54 in the dirt cup assembly 12 is normally semicircular, adapter instrument 420 provides access.As shown in Figure 19 C and 19D, inlet adapter instrument 420 is by the rigid plastic material manufacturing, and comprise first insertion end 422, and second sleeve end 424 with the size that is suitable for meshing the insertion end that prolongs pipe 400 or flexible hose 402 with the size that is suitable for the inner surface by friction fit engagement inlet 54.

Shown in Figure 19 E, because it is semicircle that the bar portion 410 of crevice tool 406 is generally, so instrument adapter 430 is provided, have qualification and be configured to mesh first end that first thimble connector 432 of link 416 is inserted in the taper that prolongs pipe 400 and flexible hose 402 by friction fit, and second thimble connector 434 that is configured to the rigidity half-round rod portion 410 of engaged gap instrument 406.Shown in Figure 19 F, although also brush tool 408 can be connected to instrument adapter 430,, we find that interconnecting of brush tool 408, instrument adapter 430 and flexible hose 402 is to be inconvenient to use.

Therefore, shown in Figure 19 G, we have invented a kind of adapter 450 that is used for brush tool 408 is flexibly connected to flexible hose 402.Referring to Figure 20 to 22, adapter 450 forms by the elastomeric material such as polyethylene is whole, and comprises the first pontes 452, second coupling part 454 and deflectionable part 456 especially.The first pontes 452 is tubular, has to be configured to the inner conical wall 460 that link 416 (Fig. 1) is inserted in taper that by frictional fit sealed engagement prolongs pipe 400 or flexible hose 402.

Second coupling part 454 comprises having and is suitable for holding semicircle opening 464 with the size of the bar portion 410 (Fig. 1) of sealed engagement brush tool 408 by frictional fit, the external seal protuberance 466 that extends around the excircle of second coupling part 454, and the interior sealing protuberance 468 that extends around the inner periphery of second coupling part 454.External seal protuberance 466 comprises vertical usually abuts with wall 476, tapered tapered wall 478 and abuts with wall 476 is connected to the dome 480 of tapered wall 478 backward.External seal protuberance 466 will further describe following.

Interior sealing protuberance 468 is formed circular contour, and the bar portion 410 (Fig. 1) that allows second coupling part 454 to mesh brush tool 408 around bar portion 410 in the mode of Line To Line is to improve sealing and bar portion 410 is more easily inserted in second coupling part 454.

Deflectionable part 456 connects first and second coupling parts 452 and 454, and comprises a plurality of folds 490 and a pair of optional buckle (detent) 470 between external seal protuberance 466 and fold 490.Fold 490 allows first and second coupling parts 452 and 454 relative to each other to be out of shape or bending in predictable mode.The geometric properties (comprising wall thickness) that forms the properties of materials of adapter 450 and fold 490 provides to a certain degree rigidity for deflectionable part 456, so that its not deflection exceedingly under normal the use, but, be applied under the situation of first and second coupling parts 452 and 454 in the stress levels that surpasses predetermined threshold, allow deflectionable part 456 crooked and surrenders (when needed).Those skilled in the art should be known in that deflectionable part 456 can bending or deflection, make that fold 490 can be around the longitudinal axis deflection or the bending of adapter 450, and/or shorten along the longitudinal axis of adapter 450.Preferably, in case when stress levels was cancelled, the material behavior of fold 490 and geometrical property allowed deflectionable part 456 to turn back to (or approaching) its original-shape and structure.The quantity, size diameter of considering fold in when design than and wall thickness, when considering that prolonging pipe in normal use comprises power from the side of the typical home article of pushing such as furniture, permanent deformation can not take place.If the characteristic of permanent deformation/bending can be to be lower than that device falls or the vacuum cleaner that will have adapter and prolong pipe is used for exceedingly pushing away or the grade of the required power of outer casing rupture when prizing article in the plication region, also to consider certain safety coefficient in addition.Buckle 470 is positioned at relative side, second coupling part 454, and is configured to thumb and forefinger engagement by the user of vacuum cleaner 10a.

Shown in Figure 23 and 24, adapter 450 also can hope utilize the exhaust of vacuum cleaner 10a carry out such as the blowing or the inflation task the time use.Under this pattern, back deflector 154 is positioned at open position, to expose outlet 240.Then second coupling part 454 is inserted into outlet 240, makes the rear wall 194 of perpendicular abutment wall 476 near shell 32.Friction engagement between second coupling part 454, outlet 240 and the gusset 242 is enough in most of the cases keep adapter 450 to be engaged to vacuum cleaner 10a, or even such as shown in Figure 23, will the situation that heavier parts are connected mutually such as prolonging pipe 400 and hair-dryer diffusion instrument 494 under.

If the user falls or clashes into vacuum cleaner 10a, the deformability of adapter 450 prevents to damage vacuum cleaner 10a well.For example, as shown in Figure 25, if vacuum cleaner 10a used under the hair-dryer pattern and fall, make back deflector 154 pivot and bump adapter 450, thereby adapter 450 can deflection prevent to damage (or reducing damaged condition at least) back deflector 154 and

case body

150a and 150b to the closed position.

As mentioned above, vacuum cleaner 10a also can be used under the hair-dryer pattern to inflatable article inflation.In order to offer help in this task, as shown in Fig. 1,26 and 27, enclosure group 10b further comprises one group of aeration jet 500 with

nozzle

502a, 502b and

502c.Nozzle

502a, 502b and 502c are illustrated as mutually the same substantially, just the relevant size difference (for example, outlet diameter) of their outlet 504.Therefore, three all nozzles are just enough represented in nozzle 502a explanation.

In Figure 27 and 28, nozzle 502a is illustrated as forming by the plastic material such as polyethylene is whole.Except exporting 504, nozzle 502a comprises the main part 512 of taper coupling part 510 and hollow.Taper coupling part 510 is similar to the taper joint 414 that prolongs pipe 400 usually, except connecting tip 518, separating joint 520 and key 522.Connect tip 518 and be the projection of inwardly stretching out, and this projection is configured to mesh the taper that is formed on flexible hose 402 and inserts the hole or the groove 524 of link 416 outsides from the inner surface of taper coupling part 510.In the specific embodiment that provides, groove 524 forms with the remainder integral body that link 416 is inserted in taper, equally also forms first alignment characteristics, 526, the first alignment characteristicses 526 and be illustrated as arrow in the specific embodiment that provides.In addition, keyway 527 is formed on the taper of flexible hose 402 and inserts in the link 416, and it has the size that is suitable for holding key 522.In the specific example that provides, key 522 is a flat-topped ridge formula projection, and keyway 527 is for being formed on the narrow slit in the taper insertion link 416.

Separating joint 520 is a flat member, extends back from the remainder of taper coupling part 510, and is connected to the remainder of taper coupling part 510 by a pair of hinges 520a.Structure separating joint 520 is with aeration jet 502a during from flexible hose 402 separation, is held between user's the thumb and forefinger of vacuum cleaner 10a.Can use one or more connecting elements 520b that one end of separating joint 520 is connected to taper coupling part 510.Can be arc connecting elements 520b and can be configured to limit separating joint 520 around the pivotally supported amount of hinges 520a.Second alignment characteristics 528 and separating joint 520 whole formation of arrow are provided in the specific embodiment that provides.

Shown in specific embodiment in, main part 512 is at first end that is connected to taper coupling part 510 and be connected between outlet 504 second end and gently form taper.Main part 512 comprises complete through-body part 512 and the air vent 530 of extension.The gentle tapers hollow truncated cone that outlet 504 is illustrated as having tip portion 534, tip portion 534 have the valve that is suitable for being accommodated in inflatable object or mouthful in size.

For nozzle 502a is installed to flexible hose 402, at first the taper of flexible hose 402 is inserted link 416 and be inserted in the taper coupling part 510 of (but and not exclusively inserting) nozzle 502a.As required nozzle 502a and taper link 416 are relatively rotated with respect to each other,, then taper is inserted link 416 and be inserted into fully in the taper coupling part 510 of nozzle 502a with alignment keys 522 and keyway 527.First and second alignment characteristicses 526 and 528 mutual aligning guarantee to be connected tip 518 and extend into taper and insert in the groove 524 on the link 416, thus forbid nozzle 502a in the operating process of vacuum cleaner 10a from flexible hose 402 disengagings.

Usually can discharge the outlet 504 of air vent 530 and nozzle 502a from the exhaust of vacuum cleaner 10a.Will illustrate in greater detail as following, air vent 530 is preferably greater than the outlet 504 of nozzle 502a dimensionally, controls the expansive speed of article better to allow the user.In the specific embodiment that provides, air vent 530 generally is a triangle, has to be approximately 0.09 square inch area, is of a size of about 0.27 inch diameter and has about 0.057 square inch area and export 504.As shown in Figure 29, be inserted in the valve by exporting 504 tip portion 534, the user can utilize their thumb or forefinger to close all or part of of air vent selectively, the speed that expands with the control article.In addition, in case article are inflated, the user can discharge their thumb or forefingers from air vent 530, so that the exhaust of vacuum cleaner can all or at least basically partly discharge from air vent 530, thereby prevents the excessive expansion of inflatable article.

In order to take off nozzle 502a from flexible hose 402, raise separating joint 520 as shown in Figure 30 like that, from groove 524, discharge connection tip 518, then, insert link 416 slips from the taper of flexible hose 402 and take off nozzle 502a.From above explanation, those skilled in the art can know, can select to connect the taper that tip 518 was formed on or was attached to flexible hose 402 and insert link 416, and can be formed on that nozzle 502a goes up to groove 524 or wherein.

With reference to Figure 31 and 32, shell 32 is shown as including the instrument storage cavities 600 that is used to store brush tool 408 and crevice tool 406.Cavity 600 comprises brush tool hole 602, crevice tool hole 604, a plurality of engagement fin 606 and a pair of Convenient table 608.Brush tool hole 602 is formed in the arc diapire 192, and has the size that is suitable for holding brush tool 408.Engagement fin 606 places brush tool hole 602, and usually from wherein stretching out.Structure engagement fin 606 meshes the side of the bar portion 410 of brush tool 408 in the mode by snap fit, thereby brush tool 408 is fixed in the brush tool hole 602 releasedly.

Crevice tool hole 604 has the size that is suitable for holding crevice tool 406, and Convenient table 608 has the size of the neighboring of the bar portion 410 that is suitable for engaged gap instrument 406.In this respect, Convenient table 608 part with inlet 54 (Figure 19) basically is identical, so that when being inserted into crevice tool 406 therebetween, and the bar portion 410 friction engagement Convenient tables 608 of crevice tool 406.In addition, the size of the front end 406a of crevice tool 406 is suitable for when being fixed on brush tool 408 in the brush tool hole 602, the inside of the bar portion 410 of engagement brush tool 408.The engagement of 406 pairs of brush tools 408 of crevice tool further stops these instruments to break away from inadequately from shell 32.

By crevice tool 406 and brush tool 408 are stored in the shell 32, shell can be put upside down and is shelved on the diapire 192.Because diapire 192 is arc, brush tool 408 and crevice tool 406 are positioned, so that do not influence the point on the plane of vacuum cleaner 10a contact such as the floor.In this respect, structure vacuum cleaner 10a is so that make Convenient table 608 and the part of diapire 192 in instrument storage cavities 600 fronts support vacuum cleaner 10a.In addition, the design of the rear surface of vacuum cleaner comprises the projection of biasing, this biasing projection allows vacuum cleaner is shelved on the rear surface to be used for 3 stable ways of contact, simultaneously with power line around the main shell body, and fix with the retaining clip that is molded in the cable plug end.

Although the present invention is by explanation and the demonstration in the accompanying drawings in specification with reference to various embodiment, but those skilled in the art should be appreciated that, can carry out various variations, and the alternative element wherein of available equivalents, and do not deviate from the scope of the present invention that limits in the claim.In addition, the mixing of the feature between each embodiment, element and/or function can clearly be expected at this with coupling, so, the ordinary person of this area should know from disclosure text, the feature of an embodiment, element and/or function also can suitably be attached among another embodiment, except as otherwise noted.In addition, can carry out many modifications,, and not deviate from its base region so that specific situation or material are suitable for instruction of the present invention.Therefore, the current restriction of thinking to implement the specific embodiment of optimal mode of the present invention that the present invention can not be subjected in the accompanying drawing to show and illustrate in specification, but the present invention will comprise and fall into above-mentioned explanation and the interior any embodiment of accessory claim scope.

Claims

1, a kind of handhold portable vacuum cleaner comprises:

The inlet shell limits the inlet that is configured to receive by it dirt, dust and chip;

Be releasably connected to the discharge case of this inlet shell, this discharge case limits handle, air inlet, fan base and air exit, this handle is configured to be held by user's one hand, to allow this user to handle the position that this handhold portable vacuum cleaner also is directed to this inlet hope, this fan base is placed between this air inlet and this air exit;

The fan component that is installed in this fan base and is covered by this discharge case, this fan component has the fan inlet and can operate the air-flow that flows through described fan component with generation;

Filter is placed between this inlet and this air inlet, and is releasably connected to one of this inlet shell and this discharge case;

Filter indicator, be connected to this discharge case and be communicated with a part of fluid of this discharge case between fan inlet and this air inlet, this filter indicator comprises the air in this part that is configured to indicate discharge case and the pressure difference indicator of the pressure reduction between the atmospheric air pressure;

Flexible pipe;

The tubulose prolongation; With

Be used for optionally this flexible pipe being connected to the adapter of this air exit, this adapter comprises the first pontes, second coupling part and is placed in deflectionable part between this first and second coupling part, this the first pontes has the neighboring that is suitable for dimensionally being received in this air exit, this second coupling part is configured to mesh first end of this tubulose prolongation, the power that surpasses predetermined force that the response of this deflectionable part applies to this adapter and bending; Wherein this adapter has enough rigidity, the not deflection to support this tubulose prolongation.

2, handhold portable vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein an indicator groove is formed in this discharge case, and this indicator groove is configured to hold therein this filter indicator.

3, handhold portable vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, wherein a bit this discharge case at place of being passed in this indicator groove of a discharge orifice is formed, and the fluid between this discharge orifice is convenient to this filter indicator and the fan that passes this discharge case is entered the mouth is connected.

4, handhold portable vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, wherein an installing hole passes this discharge case and is formed, and this installing hole is configured to hold the bayonet leg that this filter indicator is fixed to this discharge case by it.

5, handhold portable vacuum cleaner according to claim 4, wherein this installing hole passes this indicator groove and is formed.

6, handhold portable vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, wherein this indicator groove comprises the packing ring flange, wherein the contact-making surface of washer sealing between this filter indicator and packing ring flange.

7, handhold portable vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein this discharge case comprises a pair of case body.

8, handhold portable vacuum cleaner according to claim 7, wherein each case body comprises the fin that the circumference of at least a portion that limits described fan base extends.

9, handhold portable vacuum cleaner according to claim 8 further is included in the elastic sealing element that forms sealing between this fan component and this fan base.

10, handhold portable vacuum cleaner according to claim 1 wherein should limit dirt cup by the inlet shell.

11, handhold portable vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein this fan component comprises the power line that is suitable for being connected to AC power.

12, a kind of portable vacuum cleaner comprises:

The inlet shell limits the inlet that is constructed to receive by it dirt, dust and chip;

Be releasably connected to the discharge case of this inlet shell, this discharge case limits handle, air inlet and air exit;

The tubulose prolongation; With

Be used for optionally the tubulose prolongation being connected to the adapter of this air exit, this adapter comprises the first pontes, second coupling part and is placed in deflectionable part between this first and second coupling part, this the first pontes has the neighboring that is suitable for dimensionally being received in this air exit, this second coupling part is configured to mesh first end of this tubulose prolongation, the power that surpasses predetermined force that the response of this deflectionable part applies to this adapter and bending;

Wherein this adapter has enough rigidity, the not deflection to support this tubulose prolongation.