Portable vacuum cleaner with detachable battery

Abstract

Systems and methods are provided for a portable vacuum cleaner including a vacuum cleaner portion including a suction end and a fan. The detachable battery pack is detachably attached to the vacuum cleaner portion and is configured to provide power to the fan during operation. The fan generates a suction force at the suction end. The detachable battery pack comprises a plurality of charging ports, and the charging ports comprise one or more first charging ports and one or more second charging ports. The first charging port is configured to receive a current that charges the removable battery pack. The second charging port is configured to charge one or more external electronic devices with power from the removable battery pack.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 578,472, filed August 24, 2023, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to vacuum cleaners, and more particularly to portable electric vacuum cleaners. Background Technology

[0004] Portable vacuum cleaners are used to remove dust and debris from areas such as vehicles and homes. Some portable vacuum cleaners include rechargeable batteries with limited functionality that are difficult or impossible to remove from the device. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a system and method for a portable vacuum cleaner including a vacuum cleaner portion comprising a suction end and a fan. A removable battery pack is detachably attached to the vacuum cleaner portion and configured to provide power to the fan during operation. The fan generates suction at the suction end. The removable battery pack includes a plurality of charging ports, including one or more first charging ports and one or more second charging ports. The first charging ports are configured to receive current for charging the removable battery pack. The second charging ports are configured to use power from the removable battery pack to charge one or more external electronic devices.

[0006] As another example, a portable vacuum cleaner includes a vacuum cleaner portion comprising a suction end and a fan. A removable battery pack is detachably attached to the vacuum cleaner portion and configured to power the fan during operation of the portable vacuum cleaner. The fan generates suction force at the suction end. The removable battery pack includes a charging port configured to receive and charge the removable battery pack with current. The charging port is also configured to charge external electronic devices using power from the removable battery pack.

[0007] As another example, a method of operating a portable vacuum cleaner includes charging a removable battery pack at its charging port. The method also includes attaching the removable battery pack to the vacuum cleaner portion of the portable vacuum cleaner. Furthermore, the method includes powering the vacuum cleaner portion with the removable battery pack. The method further includes charging an external electronic device using the removable battery pack via the charging port. Attached Figure Description

[0008] Figure 1 A portable vacuum cleaner according to some embodiments is shown.

[0009] Figure 2 A removable battery pack according to some embodiments is shown.

[0010] Figure 3 A rear view of a removable battery pack according to some embodiments is shown.

[0011] Figure 4 A perspective view of a portable vacuum cleaner according to some embodiments is shown.

[0012] Figure 5 A perspective view of a removable battery pack according to some embodiments is shown.

[0013] Figure 6 A front view of a portable vacuum cleaner according to some embodiments is shown.

[0014] Figure 7 A rear view of a portable vacuum cleaner according to some embodiments is shown.

[0015] Figure 8 A right-side view of a portable vacuum cleaner according to some embodiments is shown.

[0016] Figure 9 A left-side view of a portable vacuum cleaner according to some embodiments is shown.

[0017] Figure 10 A top view of a portable vacuum cleaner according to some embodiments is shown.

[0018] Figure 11 A bottom view of a portable vacuum cleaner according to some embodiments is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The following detailed description is provided to aid the reader in fully understanding the methods, apparatus, and / or systems described herein. Therefore, various variations, modifications, and equivalents of the systems, apparatus, and / or methods described herein are intended to be suggested to those skilled in the art. Furthermore, for clarity and brevity, descriptions of well-known functions and structures may be omitted.

[0020] It should be understood that the wording and terminology used herein are for descriptive purposes and should not be considered restrictive. For example, the use of singular words, such as "a (a)," is not intended to limit the number of items. Furthermore, for clarity, the use of relational terms in the description, such as, but not limited to, "top," "bottom," "left," "right," "upper," "lower," "below," "above," and "side," is not intended to limit the scope of this application or the appended claims. Additionally, it should be understood that any feature may be used alone or in combination with other features. Other systems, methods, features, and advantages of this application will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon examination of the detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages are included in this description, within the scope of this application, and protected by the appended claims.

[0021] Portable vacuum cleaners offer convenience and portability when users are cleaning hard-to-reach areas (such as corners and cracks) or areas far from electrical outlets. Some portable vacuum cleaners include a rechargeable battery that is not easily removed from the vacuum cleaner. In such examples, the entire portable vacuum cleaner must be moved to a charging location (e.g., connected to a charging cable at an electrical outlet) to charge the rechargeable battery. Additionally, in some examples, the rechargeable battery can only charge the portable vacuum cleaner.

[0022] The systems and methods disclosed herein include a portable vacuum cleaner with a removable battery pack that can be charged independently when not connected to the portable vacuum cleaner. Additionally, the removable battery pack can be configured to power an external electronic device such as a mobile phone or laptop. The systems and methods disclosed herein can improve functionality and portability, as well as more effectively utilize the stored power in the portable vacuum cleaner.

[0023] Figure 1 A portable vacuum cleaner according to some embodiments is shown. Figure 1 In the illustrated example embodiment, the portable vacuum cleaner 100 includes a vacuum cleaner portion 102 and a removable battery pack 101. The removable battery pack 101 can be detachably attached to the vacuum cleaner portion 102. The removable battery pack 101 is configured to provide power to the portable vacuum cleaner device 100 when attached to the vacuum cleaner portion 102. When the removable battery pack 101 is disconnected from the vacuum cleaner portion 102, the removable battery pack 101 can also be configured to provide power to an external electronic device (e.g., a mobile phone, laptop computer, smartwatch), as described below. In this embodiment, the removable battery pack 101 can serve as the handle of the portable vacuum cleaner, such as... Figure 1As shown. However, in other embodiments, the removable battery pack may be detachably attached to or within the handle of the portable vacuum cleaner.

[0024] The removable battery pack 101 may include a top 113, which includes a display screen 103. Figure 1 An enlarged view 104 includes a display screen 103. The display screen 103 may, for example, indicate the charging level of the removable battery pack 101. The display screen may include a visual indicator 106 and a digital indicator 105 showing the charging level of the removable battery pack 101. Figure 1 In the example shown, display screen 103 includes a digital indicator 105 that displays the remaining percentage of full charge of the removable battery pack 101. Additionally, display screen 103 may include a visual indicator 106 that shows the remaining percentage of full charge of the removable battery pack 101. For example, visual indicator 106 may be a circumferential portion proportional to the remaining battery percentage.

[0025] The display screen 103 may also include one or more charging indicators 114 (such as...) Figure 3 As shown), one or more charging indicators 114 display the operation of one or more charging ports. The charging port is in operation... Figure 3 Further details will be provided in the description. Figure 1 In the example shown, the display screen 103 includes a charging indicator for a first charging port 301, a charging indicator for a second charging port 302, and a charging indicator for a third charging port 303. Figure 1 As shown, the charging indicator of the first charging port 301 operates at 100 watts, while the indicators of the second charging port 302 and the third charging port 303 indicate that the remaining second charging port 302 and the third charging port 303 are disconnected, or neither charging nor discharging from the portable vacuum cleaner 100. In addition to displaying the power (e.g., watts) of the charging ports, the display screen 103 can also be configured to display the current or voltage at which the charging ports are operating. The display screen 103 can also be configured to display whether each charging port is used to charge the removable battery pack 101 or to charge an external device (e.g., a laptop or mobile phone) from the removable battery pack 101. Based on charging parameters (e.g., power, current, voltage) and charging direction, the display screen 103 can display to the user the rate at which the removable battery pack 101 charges a connected device, or the rate at which the removable battery pack 101 is charged. The display screen 103 can also display the potential number of charging cycles for each charging port based on charging parameters. In addition, the display screen 103 can also provide other information about connected electronic devices or removable battery pack 101, such as capacitance, resistance, and temperature.

[0026] The removable battery pack 101 may also include a flashlight 109. Figure 1 In the example shown, flashlight 109 is attached to the top 113 of removable battery pack 101. Flashlight 109 may include, for example, one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs). When removable battery pack 101 is disconnected from vacuum cleaner part 102, flashlight 109 can serve as a light source for the user of removable battery pack 101. When removable battery pack 101 is connected to vacuum cleaner part 102, flashlight 109 can provide light to the user of portable vacuum cleaner 100 when the portable vacuum cleaner 100 senses a low-light condition. For example, removable battery pack 101 may include a light sensor (not shown) to measure the light level in the area surrounding portable vacuum cleaner 100. When portable vacuum cleaner 100 is used (e.g., activated) and the light level in the surrounding area is below a predetermined level, flashlight 109 can be turned on. Alternatively or additionally, flashlight 109 can be turned on manually by the user of portable vacuum cleaner device 100. In some embodiments, the removable battery pack 101 does not include the flashlight 109.

[0027] The top 113 of the removable battery pack 101 may also include one or more buttons 107. Buttons 107 may include, for example, a power button to turn the portable vacuum cleaner 100 on and off; and a flashlight button to turn the flashlight 109 on and off. The flashlight button may also be configured to increase the brightness of the flashlight 109 from zero brightness (e.g., "off") to full brightness based on continuous pressing of the flashlight button. Buttons 107 may also include a bidirectional charging button for enabling or disabling the ability of the removable battery pack 101 to charge external electronic devices. For example, when the removable battery pack 101 is connected to the vacuum cleaner portion 102, the bidirectional charging button can be used to enable the portable vacuum cleaner 100 to operate and simultaneously charge external electronic devices.

[0028] Vacuum cleaner section 102 may include a suction end 111 having openings for receiving dust and debris during operation of the portable vacuum cleaner 100. A filter 110 may be located inside the vacuum cleaner section 102 and may collect dirt and other particles, preventing dirt and other particles from being expelled back into the air. The suction end 111 may be removable to allow access to the filter 110 for removal or replacement. Vacuum cleaner section 102 may include a fan (not shown) located inside the vacuum cleaner section 102, configured to generate suction at the suction end 111 during operation of the portable vacuum cleaner 100. Vacuum cleaner section 102 may also include one or more vents 108 to facilitate airflow during operation of the portable vacuum cleaner 100.

[0029] The vacuum cleaner portion 102 may also include a smooth handle 112 for a user to grip while operating the portable vacuum cleaner 100. During operation of the portable vacuum cleaner 100, the handle 112 may accommodate the lower portion of the removable battery pack 101. Additionally, the handle may be configured to receive the removable battery pack 101 via a connecting mechanism (e.g., a snap-fit ​​connection or clip) to securely hold the removable battery pack 101 to the vacuum cleaner portion 102 during operation, as described below. Figure 2 As described. In some exemplary embodiments, the handle 112 includes a gripping surface of the handheld vacuum cleaner portion 100, which a user holds when using the handheld vacuum cleaner portion 100. The gripping surface may be made of a soft material (e.g., rubber) and may include a plurality of protrusions (e.g., bumps) to facilitate gripping of the vacuum cleaner portion 102.

[0030] Figure 2 A removable battery pack according to some embodiments is shown. Figure 2 In the exemplary embodiment shown, the removable battery pack 101 includes a front surface 203, which includes one or more clips 201 for attaching the removable battery pack 101 to the vacuum cleaner portion 102. The vacuum cleaner portion 102 may also include one or more corresponding fasteners for securing the removable battery pack 101 to the vacuum cleaner portion 102 at one or more latches 201. The removable battery pack 101 can be detached from the vacuum cleaner portion 102 at the clips 201 when a predetermined level of force is applied to remove the removable battery pack 101. In some examples, the user may need to press a button 107 to disengage the removable battery pack 101 from the vacuum cleaner portion 102. The removable battery pack 101 may also include a recess 202 located within the handle 112 of the vacuum cleaner portion 102, such that the remaining surface of the removable battery pack 101 is substantially flush with the handle 112 of the vacuum cleaner portion 102.

[0031] Figure 3 A rear view of a removable battery pack according to some embodiments is shown. Figure 3In the example shown, the removable battery pack 101 includes a rear surface 304, which includes one or more charging ports 301, 302, 303. The charging ports 301, 302, 303 may include, for example, one or more USB connectors, such as USB-C ports. The charging ports 301, 302, 303 may also be located on other portions or sides of the removable battery pack 101 (e.g., the top surface 113). The charging ports 301, 302, 303 can be used to charge the removable battery pack 101. The charging ports 301, 302, 303 can also be used to charge external electronic devices such as mobile phones or laptops. The removable battery pack 101 can be charged in various locations, including when it is attached to the vacuum cleaner portion 102.

[0032] The removable battery pack 101 can also serve as an independent power source for charging multiple devices, including telephones, tablets, laptops, and other electronic devices. For example, one or more of charging ports 301, 302, and 303 can be input / output (I / O) ports. When the removable battery pack 101 is detached from the vacuum cleaner section 102, it can utilize the I / O ports as an independent power source to power external electronic devices. In some example embodiments, charging ports 301, 302, and 303 can be used to power external devices while the removable battery pack 101 is attached to and powers the vacuum cleaner section 102. The removable battery pack 101 can also utilize pass-through technology to allow a depleted removable battery pack 101 to be connected to a charging cable (e.g., a USB standard cable, such as a USB-C cable) to charge the removable battery pack 101 while simultaneously powering the portable vacuum cleaner device 100. Additionally, one or more of the charging ports 301, 302, and 303 can be used to charge the removable battery pack 101, while one or more other charging ports 301, 302, and 303 can be used to provide external power to one or more electronic devices.

[0033] Figure 4 A perspective view of a portable vacuum cleaner according to some embodiments is shown. Figure 4 As shown, the flashlight 109 can extend above the vacuum cleaner section 102 to illuminate the area to be cleaned.

[0034] Figure 5 A perspective view of a removable battery pack according to some embodiments is shown. Figure 5 In the example shown, the removable battery pack 101 includes two clips 201 located at two different positions on the front surface of the removable battery pack 101 for attachment to the vacuum cleaner portion 102.

[0035] Figure 6 A front view of a portable vacuum cleaner according to some embodiments is shown. Figure 6 As shown, the suction end 111 can extend downward from the rest of the vacuum cleaner section 102 and can be narrowed to make it easier to access corners and crevices.

[0036] Figure 7 A rear view of a portable vacuum cleaner according to some embodiments is shown.

[0037] Figure 8 A right-side view of a portable vacuum cleaner according to some embodiments is shown.

[0038] Figure 9 A left-side view of a portable vacuum cleaner according to some embodiments is shown.

[0039] Figure 10 A top view of a portable vacuum cleaner according to some embodiments is shown.

[0040] Figure 11 A bottom view of a portable vacuum cleaner according to some embodiments is shown. Figure 11 As shown, the vent 108 can extend from the side of the vacuum cleaner portion 102 to the bottom side of the vacuum cleaner portion 102. Additionally, the opening at the suction end 111 can be generally circular. In some example embodiments, the opening at the suction end 111 can be rectangular or other shapes.

[0041] Those skilled in the art will understand that modifications can be made to the above embodiments without departing from the broad inventive concept. Therefore, it is understood that the present application disclosed herein is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed, but is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of this application.

Claims

1. A portable vacuum cleaner, comprising: The vacuum cleaner part includes the suction end and the fan; A removable battery pack, removably attached to the vacuum cleaner portion, is configured to power a fan during operation of the portable vacuum cleaner, the fan generating suction at the suction end. The removable battery pack includes multiple charging ports, including: One or more first charging ports are configured to receive current that charges the removable battery assembly; as well as One or more second charging ports are configured to charge one or more external electronic devices using power from the removable battery pack.

2. The portable vacuum cleaner of claim 1 further includes a display screen configured to display the charging level of the removable battery.

3. The portable vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the removable battery pack further comprises: A flashlight, a first button, and a second button, wherein the first button is configured to power the flashlight, and the second button is configured to power the vacuum cleaner portion when the removable battery pack is attached to the vacuum cleaner portion.

4. The portable vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of charging ports are USB-C charging ports.

5. The portable vacuum cleaner of claim 1, wherein the one or more first charging ports are further configured to charge one or more external electronic devices using power from the removable battery pack, wherein, The one or more second charging ports are also configured to receive current for charging the removable battery pack.

6. The portable vacuum cleaner according to claim 5, wherein, The display screen is also configured to show an indicator indicating whether the plurality of charging ports are operating in input or output mode.

7. The portable vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein, The display screen is also configured to display the charging parameters of the charging port.

8. The portable vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein, The charging level includes visual and digital indicators.

9. The portable vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein, The removable battery pack serves as the handle of the portable vacuum cleaner.

10. The portable vacuum cleaner of claim 1, further comprising a clip configured to attach the removable battery pack to the vacuum cleaner portion.

11. The portable vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein, The one or more first charging ports and the one or more second charging ports are configured to operate simultaneously.

12. The portable vacuum cleaner of claim 1, further comprising a bidirectional charging button configured to enable or disable charging of the one or more external electronic devices using power from the removable battery pack.

13. A portable vacuum cleaner, comprising: The vacuum cleaner part includes the suction end and the fan; A removable battery pack is detachably attached to the vacuum cleaner portion. The removable battery pack is configured to provide power to the fan during operation of the portable vacuum cleaner, the fan generating suction at the suction end. The removable battery pack includes a charging port configured to receive and charge the removable battery pack with current. The charging port is also configured to charge an external electronic device using power from the removable battery pack.

14. The portable vacuum cleaner of claim 13, further comprising a display screen configured to display the charging level of the removable battery.

15. The portable vacuum cleaner according to claim 13, wherein, The charging port is a USB-C charging port.

16. The portable vacuum cleaner according to claim 13, wherein, The display screen is also configured to display an indicator indicating whether the charging port is used to charge the removable battery or an external electronic device.

17. The portable vacuum cleaner of claim 13, further comprising a plurality of additional charging ports, each of the additional charging ports being configured to receive current and use the current to charge the removable battery pack, the additional charging ports being further configured to charge an external electronic device using power from the removable battery pack.

18. A method of operating a portable vacuum cleaner, comprising: The removable battery pack is charged at its charging port. The removable battery pack is attached to the vacuum cleaner portion of the portable vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner is powered by the removable battery pack. as well as External electronic devices can be charged using the removable battery pack via the charging port.

19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: Remove the removable battery pack from the vacuum cleaner section.

20. The method of claim 18, further comprising: The charging level of the removable battery pack is displayed on the screen.

Images