Wireless vacuum cleaning device

Abstract

A vacuum cleaning device (10) is disclosed, comprising: a main body housing (12) defining a dirt receiving space (14) in which dirt is received in use; a motor / battery housing (16); a motor (18) and a battery (20), the motor and battery being located in the motor / battery housing; and a gripping member (22) for being gripped in use by a user. The body housing (12) extends along a longitudinal body housing axis (26) from a forward end (28) to a rearward end (30). The motor / battery housing (16) is elongated and has a length. The length extends substantially parallel to the body housing axis (26). The motor (18) and the battery (20) are arranged side by side along the length of the motor / battery housing (16), wherein the motor (18) is located in front of the battery (20). And the holding component (22) is positioned behind the main body shell (12), above the motor (18) and in front of the battery (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a wireless vacuum cleaning device. Background Technology

[0002] Traditionally, cordless vacuum cleaning devices include components such as a main housing, a grip for the user to hold during use, a motor, and a battery. Typically, the device defines an air inlet, a waste receiving space, and an air outlet. The device can be bag-type, in which case a removable waste bag is located in the receiving space; or it can be bagless, in which case a cyclone separator is located in the receiving space.

[0003] Traditionally, the three main goals in designing cordless vacuum cleaning devices are: first, to reduce weight; second, to maximize power; and third, to maximize operating time. With the advent of relatively lightweight, high-power-density lithium batteries (which can be easily replaced to extend operating time), the latest cordless vacuum cleaning devices are lighter, more powerful, and have longer operating times than before.

[0004] While these three goals remain important, attention is now being paid to other goals, such as ergonomics, operability, and accessibility.

[0005] In this specification, the terms "front" and "rear" are used to refer to the device being relatively far (away from the user) and relatively close (facing the user) when held by the user. "Side" refers to the device being viewed from the side (or transverse) along the longitudinal axis. Summary of the Invention

[0006] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a vacuum cleaning apparatus is provided, the apparatus comprising:

[0007] The main body shell defines a waste receiving space in which waste is received during use;

[0008] Motor / battery housing;

[0009] The motor and battery are located in a motor / battery housing;

[0010] A gripping component designed for use by the user;

[0011] in:

[0012] The main shell extends from the front end to the rear end along the longitudinal axis of the main shell;

[0013] The motor / battery housing is elongated and has a length that extends substantially parallel to the axis of the main housing.

[0014] The motor and battery are arranged side by side along the length of the motor / battery housing, with the motor located in front of the battery;

[0015] Furthermore, the gripping components are located at the rear of the main housing, above the motor, and in front of the battery.

[0016] It is possible that the gripping component is part of the device and is primarily designed to be held by the user's hand, with the user's fingers and thumb wrapped around the gripping component in opposite directions.

[0017] Possibly, the motor is located within a motor component of the motor / battery housing, which may be at or facing the motor end of the motor / battery housing. Possibly, the motor end of the motor / battery housing is the front end of the motor / battery housing.

[0018] Possibly, the motor end of the motor / battery housing may be mounted or attached to the main housing and may be integrally formed with the main housing.

[0019] Possibly, the battery is located within a battery component of the motor / battery housing, which may be located at or towards the battery end of the motor / battery housing. Possibly, the battery end of the motor / battery housing is at the rear end of the motor / battery housing.

[0020] Possibly, the battery end of the motor / battery housing is the free end of the motor / battery housing.

[0021] Possibly, the battery component of the motor / battery housing can be detached from the motor component.

[0022] The device may include a mounting member for attaching the gripping component to the main housing. The gripping component mounting member may include a protrusion that extends rearward from the rear of the main housing, possibly extending to an end of the gripping component.

[0023] Possibly, the gripping component extends from the mounting protrusion toward the motor / battery housing, or possibly toward the motor component of the motor / battery housing.

[0024] Possibly, the gripping component extends from the mounting protrusion to the motor component of the motor / battery housing, and can be directly mounted or attached to the motor / battery housing.

[0025] It is possible that, when viewed along the axis of the main body housing, the main body housing has a cross-sectional profile shape. It is also possible that, when viewed along the axis of the main body housing, no part of the gripping component extends laterally outward beyond the cross-sectional profile shape.

[0026] It is possible that no part of the gripping component extends laterally outward beyond the theoretically axially rearward volume of the main body housing.

[0027] The gripping component may have multiple design reference lines.

[0028] Possibly, the gripping component has a gripping component axis. In this specification, the gripping component axis is the axis around which the mass of the gripping component maintains equilibrium during rotation. Possibly, the gripping component axis includes one of the design reference lines.

[0029] Possibly, the gripping component includes a front surface average side profile line, which, when viewed from the side, may be a straight line extending along the average profile of the front surface of the gripping component. Possibly, the front surface average side profile line includes one of the design reference lines.

[0030] It is possible that, when viewed laterally, the gripping component has width at each end. It is possible that a straight midpoint reference line extends through the midpoint of the width at each laterally oriented end. It is possible that the straight midpoint reference line includes one of the design reference lines.

[0031] The gripping component may include a rear surface average side profile line, which, when viewed from the side, may be a straight line extending along the average profile of the rear surface of the gripping component. The rear surface average side profile line may include one of the design reference lines.

[0032] Possibly, each design reference line extends at an angle to the axis of the main housing. Possibly, this angle is a slant angle and may be at least 73°, possibly at least 76°, ideally at least 78°, and may not exceed 85°, possibly not exceed 82°, and ideally not exceed 80°.

[0033] Possibly, in the reference state, the axis of the main housing is horizontal, and when viewed along the axis of the main housing, the gripping part is vertical and located vertically (or approximately vertically) above the motor.

[0034] It is possible that the motor has a center of gravity.

[0035] Possibly, in the reference state, the motor's center of gravity is located vertically (or approximately vertically) below the gripping component.

[0036] It is possible that the motor's center of gravity is located in front of the average side profile of the front surface.

[0037] It is possible that the motor's center of gravity is located ahead of all the design reference lines in the design reference line.

[0038] It is possible that the battery has a center of gravity.

[0039] It is possible that, in the reference state, the battery's center of gravity is located behind and below the gripping components.

[0040] It is possible that the battery's center of gravity is located behind the average side profile of the rear surface.

[0041] It is possible that the battery's center of gravity is located behind all the design reference lines in the design reference line.

[0042] Possibly, the motor's center of gravity is located in front of the grip component axis, the average side profile of the front surface, the midpoint reference line of the straight line, and the average side profile of the rear surface, while the battery's center of gravity may be located behind the grip component axis, the average side profile of the front surface, the midpoint reference line of the straight line, and the average side profile of the rear surface.

[0043] It is possible that the main shell has a center of gravity.

[0044] Possibly, the center of gravity of the main housing and the center of gravity of the motor are located on the same side of the design reference line, and may be located in front of the design reference line; and may be located on the opposite side of the design reference line from the center of gravity of the battery, and may be located behind the design reference line.

[0045] The wrist fulcrum position is the approximate position of the user's wrist. The user's wrist joint provides a fulcrum or pivot around which the user's hand pivots relative to the user's forearm. The wrist fulcrum position includes the radial / ulnar deviation axis of the user's wrist joint.

[0046] It is possible that the wrist pivot point is located within the theoretically axially rearward-extending volume of the main shell.

[0047] Possibly, the wrist pivot point is located close to the axis of the main housing and can be positioned along the centerline of the grip component, which extends parallel to the axis of the main housing and bisects the length of the grip component.

[0048] Possibly, in the main operating state, the axis of the main housing forms an approximate operating angle of 42° with the horizontal.

[0049] It is possible that, in the main operating state, the center of gravity of the motor, the center of gravity of the battery, and the center of gravity of the main body are all located below the wrist pivot point.

[0050] In the primary operating state, the motor's center of gravity is likely located vertically (or approximately vertically) below the wrist pivot point.

[0051] It is possible that, in the main operating state, the battery's center of gravity is located on one side of the wrist pivot position, and the main body's center of gravity is located on the opposite side of the wrist pivot position.

[0052] The main body casing may define the air inlet and outlet.

[0053] The device may include a removable waste bag located in the receiving space.

[0054] Alternatively, the device includes a cyclone separator located in the receiving space.

[0055] The main shell may be cylindrical.

[0056] The device may include a flow impeller that can be driven by a motor, and the flow impeller may be arranged in a straight line with the motor and may be located at the motor end of the motor / battery housing.

[0057] The device may define a connection channel that connects the waste receiving space to the impeller. The connection channel may include one or more curved portions. The curved portions may be S-shaped.

[0058] The device may include a pre-motor filter, which may be located within the main housing and concentrically arranged along the longitudinal axis of the main housing. The pre-motor filter may also be located between the waste receiving space and the connecting channel.

[0059] The device may include a finger guard that extends around the impeller.

[0060] The device may include an exhaust (or rear-mounted motor) filter that is radially surrounding the motor.

[0061] According to a second aspect of the invention, a method for cleaning a surface (such as a floor) is provided, the method comprising providing a vacuum cleaning apparatus, the apparatus comprising:

[0062] The main body shell defines a waste receiving space in which waste is received during use;

[0063] Motor / battery housing;

[0064] The motor and battery are located in a motor / battery housing;

[0065] A gripping component designed for use by the user;

[0066] in:

[0067] The main shell extends from the front end to the rear end along the longitudinal axis of the main shell;

[0068] The motor / battery housing is elongated and has a length that extends substantially parallel to the axis of the main housing.

[0069] The motor and battery are arranged side by side along the length of the motor / battery housing, with the motor located in front of the battery;

[0070] Furthermore, the gripping components are located at the rear of the main housing, above the motor, and in front of the battery.

[0071] The device may include any of the features described in the foregoing statements or the following description. The method may include any of the steps described in the foregoing statements or the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0072] Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: -

[0073] Figure 1 These are perspective views from the rear, side, and top of the vacuum cleaning unit;

[0074] Figure 2 This is a side cross-sectional view of the device in a reference state;

[0075] Figure 3 This is a side view of the device in its main operating state, which has accessories including a rod or bar-shaped extension tube and a floor suction head;

[0076] Figure 4A This is a side view of the device in a reference state;

[0077] Figure 4B This is a side view of the device in its main operating state;

[0078] Figure 5 This is a side view showing relatively magnified details of the gripping components of the device;

[0079] Figures 6A to 6D It is a design solution that replaces the grip component. Figure 5 Similar views; and

[0080] Figure 7 This is another embodiment of the same Figure 2 A similar side cross-sectional view.

[0081] In the accompanying drawings, where multiple examples with the same or similar features exist, for clarity, only one or some representative examples of the features are numbered.

[0082] describe

[0083] Figures 1 to 5 A first embodiment of a vacuum cleaning device 10 is shown, the device comprising: a main housing 12 defining a dirt receiving space 14 in which dirt is received during use; a motor / battery housing 16; a motor 18 and a battery 20, the motor and battery being located within the motor / battery housing; and a gripping member 22 for being gripped by a user during use.

[0084] The main body shell 12 extends from the front end 28 to the rear end 30 along the longitudinal main body shell axis 26.

[0085] The motor / battery housing 16 is elongated and has a length. This length extends approximately parallel to the axis 26 of the main housing.

[0086] The motor 18 and the battery 20 are placed side by side along the length of the motor / battery housing 16, with the motor 18 located in front of the battery 20.

[0087] The gripping component 22 is located behind the main housing 12, above the motor 18, and in front of the battery 20.

[0088] The gripping component 22 is part of the device 10 and is designed primarily for use by a user’s hand, such that the user’s fingers and thumb are wrapped around the gripping component 22 in opposite directions.

[0089] The motor 18 is located in the motor component 32 of the motor / battery housing 16, which is located at or facing the motor end 34 of the motor / battery housing 16. The motor end 34 of the motor / battery housing 16 is the front end of the motor / battery housing 16.

[0090] The motor end 34 of the motor / battery housing 16 is mounted or attached to the main housing and can be integrally formed with the main housing.

[0091] Battery 20 is located in battery component 36 of motor / battery housing 16, which is located at or towards the battery end 38 of motor / battery housing 16. Battery end 38 of motor / battery housing 16 is the rear end of motor / battery housing 16. Battery end 38 of motor / battery housing 16 is the free end of motor / battery housing 16.

[0092] The battery component 36 of the motor / battery housing 16 is detachable from the motor component 32, allowing the battery component 36 to be easily replaced with a new replacement battery component when the power is depleted, thereby allowing the depleted battery 20 of the battery component to be charged.

[0093] In the illustrated example, device 10 includes a mounting member 24 that mounts the gripping member 22 to the main housing 12. The gripping member mounting member 24 includes a protrusion 40 that extends rearward from the rear end 42 of the main housing 12 to the end 44 of the gripping member 22.

[0094] The gripping component 22 extends from the mounting protrusion 40 toward the motor component 32 of the motor / battery housing 16.

[0095] In the example shown, the gripping member 22 extends from the mounting protrusion 40 to the motor component 32 of the motor / battery housing 16 and is directly mounted or attached to the motor component 32 of the motor / battery housing 16.

[0096] When viewed along the axis 26 of the main housing, the main housing 12 has a cross-sectional profile shape. When viewed along the axis 26 of the main housing, no part of the gripping member 22 extends laterally outward beyond the cross-sectional profile shape.

[0097] No part of the gripping component 22 extends laterally outward beyond the theoretically axially rearward extending volume of the main housing 70. Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 7 The center is indicated by a dashed line.

[0098] The gripping component 22 has multiple design reference lines 50, in Figure 5 The details are shown in a relatively enlarged manner. In this example, design reference line 50 includes first, second, third, and fourth design reference lines 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D.

[0099] The gripping member 22 has a gripping member axis 46. In this specification, the gripping member axis 46 is a longitudinal axis about which the mass of the gripping member 22 is balanced during rotation. The gripping member axis 46 includes a first design reference line 50A, which is shown in the drawings as a chain line (alternating long and short dashed lines).

[0100] The gripping member 22 includes a front surface 47 having a front surface average side profile 48, which, when viewed from the side, is a straight line extending along the average profile of the front surface 47 of the gripping member 22. The front surface average side profile 48 includes a second design reference line 50B, which is shown as a long dashed line in the accompanying drawings.

[0101] When viewed laterally, the gripping component 22 has widths 52A and 52B at each end, respectively. A straight midpoint reference line 54 extends through the midpoint of each end width 52A and 52B (indicated by a short dashed line in the figures). The straight midpoint reference line 54 includes a third design reference line 50C, which is shown as a short dashed line in the figures.

[0102] The gripping member 22 includes a rear surface 55 having a rear surface average side profile 56, which, when viewed from the side, is a straight line extending along the average profile of the rear surface 55 of the gripping member 22. The rear surface average side profile 56 includes a fourth design reference line 50D, which is shown as a long dashed line in the drawings.

[0103] Design reference lines 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D extend to the main body housing axis 26 at tilt angles 58A, 58B, 58C, and 58D, respectively. Each tilt angle 58A, 58B, 58C, and 58D is an oblique angle, and in one instance, it may be at least 73°, possibly at least 76°, and more ideally at least 78°, and may not exceed 85°, possibly not exceed 82°, and ideally not exceed 80°.

[0104] In the reference state, the axis 26 of the main housing is horizontal, and when viewed along the axis 26 of the main housing, the gripping member 22 is vertical and is located vertically (or substantially vertically) above the motor 18.

[0105] See Figure 4A and 4B The motor 18 has a center of gravity of 60.

[0106] In the reference state, the motor's center of gravity 60 is located vertically (or approximately vertically) below the gripping component 22.

[0107] The motor's center of gravity 60 is located in front of one, some, or all of the design reference lines 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D.

[0108] In the example shown, the motor's center of gravity 60 is located in front of the average side profile 48 of the front surface.

[0109] In the example shown, the motor's center of gravity is located in front of all of the design reference lines 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D.

[0110] Battery 20 has a center of gravity of 62.

[0111] In the reference state, the battery center of gravity 62 is located behind and below the gripping component 22.

[0112] In the example shown, the battery's center of gravity 62 is located behind the average side profile 56 of the rear surface.

[0113] The battery's center of gravity 62 is located behind one, some, or all of the design reference lines 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D. In the example shown, the battery's center of gravity 62 is located behind all of the design reference lines 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D.

[0114] Therefore, in the example shown, the motor center of gravity 60 is located in front of the grip component axis 46, the average side profile line 48 of the front surface, the midpoint reference line 54 of the straight line, and the average side profile line 56 of the rear surface, while the battery center of gravity 62 is located behind the grip component axis 46, the average side profile line 48 of the front surface, the midpoint reference line 54 of the straight line, and the average side profile line 56 of the rear surface.

[0115] The main shell 12 has a center of gravity 64.

[0116] The center of gravity 64 of the main housing is located on the same side as the center of gravity 60 of the motor along the design reference lines 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D. It is located in front of the design reference lines 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D, and on the opposite side of the center of gravity 62 of the battery along the design reference lines 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D, and behind the design reference lines 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D.

[0117] The main housing 12 defines the air inlet 66. The motor / battery housing 16 defines the air outlet 68.

[0118] In this embodiment, the device 10 includes a removable waste bag (not shown) located in the receiving space 14.

[0119] The main shell 12 is cylindrical.

[0120] The device 10 includes a flow impeller 74, which is driven by a motor 18. The flow impeller 74 is aligned with the motor 18 and located at the motor end 34 of the motor / battery housing 16.

[0121] Device 10 defines a connection channel 76 that connects the waste receiving space 14 to the impeller 74. The connection channel 76 includes a pair of curved portions forming an S-shape 84.

[0122] Device 10 includes a pre-motor filter 78 located in the main housing 12, concentric on the axis 26 of the main housing, between the waste receiving space 14 and the connecting channel 76.

[0123] Device 10 includes a finger guard 80 that extends around impeller 74.

[0124] Device 10 includes an exhaust (or rear motor) filter 82 radially surrounding motor 18.

[0125] The device 10 may include an accessory 86 attached to the main housing 12.

[0126] In the example shown, device 10 is a stick-type handheld cordless vacuum cleaner. Attachment 86 includes a stick-shaped (or rod-shaped or column-shaped) extension tube 88 and a floor nozzle 90.

[0127] The main housing 12 and the motor / battery housing 16 may be formed of a rigid and lightweight material (such as plastic) to prevent them from breaking in the event of an accidental drop to the ground, while minimizing the overall weight of the vacuum cleaning device 10 for better portability and operability.

[0128] In one example, the main housing 12 and the motor / battery housing 16 may be made of rigid plastic materials, such as high-density polyethylene (HDPE).

[0129] In one example, the main housing 12 and the motor / battery housing 16, or at least a portion thereof, may be formed of carbon fiber to provide lightweight and high strength.

[0130] In use

[0131] In use, the motor 18 is operated to drive the impeller 74 and draw airflow through the air inlet 66 of the main housing 12 (or via the accessory 86 if it is installed) into the waste bag in the waste receiving space 14, through the pre-motor filter 78, along the connecting channel 76, through the impeller 74 in the motor / battery housing 16, through the exhaust filter 82, and out of the motor / battery housing 16 through the air outlet 68.

[0132] Derivation and advantages of the invention

[0133] In designing this invention, the applicant considered the position of the main mass of the motor, battery, and main housing relative to the gripping components.

[0134] The applicant recognizes that it would be advantageous to place each of the major masses as close as possible to the gripping components, thereby minimizing the rotational leverage force on the user's hand. Such forces, especially in the presence of vibrations during operation, can cause strains to the user's fingers, hands, wrists, and forearms.

[0135] The applicant also recognizes that balancing the primary mass would be advantageous. However, balancing the mass is not easy, as there are several locations around which the mass can be balanced, and several different operating states under which the mass balance can be altered. For example, in some operating states, the device can be used with the floor suction head at an operating angle of approximately 42° (see [reference needed]). Figure 3 The user's arm can be bent and the operating angle can be changed; in other operating states, the device can be used for close-range vacuuming without using a long extension tube.

[0136] In studying the issue of balance mass, the applicant considered the balance mass around a point directly in front of the upper part of the grip, approximately where the user's index finger would rest during use. This is an obvious location and often where users "test" the balance of the tool. However, the applicant unexpectedly discovered that this was not the optimal location for balance mass.

[0137] Surprisingly, the applicant found that the optimal position for balancing mass was near the wrist fulcrum position behind the grip component 22, approximately indicated by the letter WF, which is the approximate position of the user's wrist. The user's wrist joint provides a fulcrum or pivot around which the user's hand pivots relative to the user's forearm.

[0138] The device 10 is arranged such that the wrist pivot position WF is located within the theoretically axially rearward-extending main body housing volume 70.

[0139] The wrist pivot point WF is located close to the axis 26 of the main housing, and in the example shown, it is positioned along the centerline 94 of the grip member, which extends parallel to the axis 26 of the main housing and bisects the length of the grip member 22.

[0140] It will be recognized that this is only an approximation for design purposes, and in reality, the wrist pivot position (WF) can be changed according to the user's body structure and grip style.

[0141] refer to Figure 3 For design purposes, the main operating state of the device 10 is with the extension tube 88 and the floor suction head 90 connected, wherein the axis 26 of the main housing is at an operating angle 98 of approximately 42° with respect to the horizontal plane.

[0142] exist Figure 3 In the image, the user's hand, wrist, and forearm are indicated by dashed lines.

[0143] In the main operating state, the center of gravity of the motor 60, the center of gravity of the battery 62, and the center of gravity of the main body housing 64 are all located below the wrist pivot point WF.

[0144] In the main operating state, the arrangement of the main mass means that the motor center of gravity 60 is located vertically (or approximately vertically) below the wrist pivot position WF, the battery center of gravity 62 is located on one side of the wrist pivot position WF, and the main body housing center of gravity 64 is located on the opposite side of the wrist pivot position WF, so that the main mass achieves optimal balance around the wrist pivot position WF in the main operating state.

[0145] Surprisingly, the applicant found that this arrangement of the main mass also provided good balance in the reference state, in which the main body shell axis 26 was horizontal.

[0146] To achieve this balance in practical application, the applicant places the motor 18 and battery 20 within a motor / battery housing 16, which is independent of the main housing 12 and extends rearward from below the main housing 12. The motor 18 is positioned in front of the battery 20, and the gripping component 22 is positioned behind the main housing 12. All of the design reference lines 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D extend as dividing lines to separate the motor center of gravity 60 from the battery center of gravity 62. An impeller 74 is located in front of the motor 18.

[0147] In fact, the arrangement of the main mass in the device 10 relative to the gripping component 22 has been found to reduce pressure on the user's fingers, palms, wrists and forearms.

[0148] In addition to optimizing the balance around the wrist pivot position WF, the arrangement of this invention offers several other advantages. The battery component 36 is located at the free end of the motor / battery housing 16, allowing for easy removal and replacement. The airflow distance from the waste receiving space 14 to the impeller 74 is minimized.

[0149] The S-shaped bend 84 of the connecting channel 76 minimizes frictional losses in the airflow, thereby maximizing efficiency.

[0150] The compact arrangement of the main mass and the position of the grip component above the motor / battery housing provide the ability to reach under the furniture while the user holds the grip component, thus allowing better access to the furniture underneath, as the handle is accessible from above and rear.

[0151] The main mass of the motor and battery is located below the gripping components, providing a ballast for the device and making it feel stable during use, rather than as if it is about to tip over.

[0152] The finger guard is located on the motor axis, directly in front of the motor, making it as small as possible and as intrusive as possible to the airflow.

[0153] The waste receiving space 14 has a relatively large cross-sectional area. The S-shaped bend 84 of the channel 76 smoothly reduces the cross-sectional flow area to a relatively smaller cross-sectional area at the impeller 74. Advantageously, the pre-motor filter 78 is concentrically located on the axis of the main housing within the main housing, thereby maximizing the size of the pre-motor filter 78.

[0154] Design considerations: Anatomical wrist axis

[0155] Anatomically, the wrist complex (radiocarpal and midcarpal joints) allows for flexion and extension around the medial and lateral axes in the sagittal plane, and for radioulnar deviation around the anteroposterior axis in the frontal plane. Both joints contribute to these movements.

[0156] Radial / ulnar deviation refers to the movement of the wrist from one side to the other. This movement occurs in... Figure 3 The movement is indicated by arrow A. These movements cause the hand to flex towards the radius or ulna in the arm. This action is a flexion movement that reduces the angle between the wrist joint and the corresponding bone in the arm. Job tasks requiring repetitive radial / ulnar deviation (especially under stress) increase the risk of work-related injuries. Radial / ulnar deviation is also known as radial / ulnar flexion or abduction / adduction of the wrist.

[0157] The wrist pivot point (WF) mentioned above can be more accurately described as the radial / ulnar deviation axis that includes the user's wrist joint.

[0158] Therefore, the applicant has found that balancing the mass of the motor 18, battery 20, and main housing 12 relative to the anatomical axis of the user's wrist radial / ulnar deviation in the main operating state helps to reduce wrist stress, since the center of gravity of the mass is located below the anatomical axis of the user's wrist radial / ulnar deviation, and in the main operating state, the center of gravity 60 of the motor is also located approximately vertically below the anatomical axis of the user's wrist radial / ulnar deviation.

[0159] Grip Components: Design Options and Methods

[0160] The applicant recognizes that there are various options for the shape of the grip component 22, such as angled, straight, curved, with a contoured front and / or rear surface, extending outward from the contour of the main body shell, etc. The applicant recognizes that, after determining the position of the main mass relative to the user's wrist fulcrum, the design of the grip component needs to ensure that the user is constrained to grip the grip component in the correct manner so that the user's wrist fulcrum is correctly positioned relative to the main mass. Design reference lines 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D are designed to address the different design options and guide designers in exploring the use of different grip component shapes.

[0161] Figure 5 The gripping component 22, with design reference lines 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D, is shown in enlarged detail. This design has been found to be effective in guiding the user to grip the gripping component 22 correctly. The design criteria are as follows:

[0162] 1. Design all of the reference lines 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D as dividing lines to separate the motor center of gravity 60 from the battery center of gravity 62, such that the motor center of gravity 60 is located on one side of all of the design reference lines 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D and the battery center of gravity 62 is located on the opposite side.

[0163] 2. Design all of the reference lines 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D in the reference state at the corresponding oblique angles 58A, 58B, 58C, and 58D relative to the horizontal plane, and these oblique angles all fall within the range of 78° to 80°.

[0164] exist Figures 6A to 6D The image shows alternative design options for the gripping component 22, illustrating how the positions of design reference lines 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D can be changed relative to each other in different designs.

[0165] exist Figure 6A and Figure 6BIn the middle, the gripping member 22 has curved front and rear surfaces 47 and 55, but the positions of the end widths 52A and 52B of the gripping member are the same as before.

[0166] exist Figure 6A In the middle, although the positions of design reference lines 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D are relative to Figure 5 The position is shifted backward, but all of the design reference lines 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D still extend as dividing lines to separate the motor center of gravity 60 from the battery center of gravity 62, and the bevel angles of all of the design reference lines 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D are in the range of 78° to 80°. Therefore, it is clear that these alternative options for the design of the gripping member 22 will allow the invention to be implemented by providing a balanced arrangement of the main mass relative to the gripping member 22.

[0167] exist Figure 6C and Figure 6D In this design, the gripping component 22 has been modified to curve rearward and outward, extending directly from the rear 42 of the main housing 12. In both cases, the width 52B of the lower end remains the same as before.

[0168] exist Figure 6C In the design, the angles of reference lines 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D are now in the range of 54° to 66°. Reference line 50D (average side profile line 56 on the rear surface) has an angle of 54° and extends only as a dividing line to separate the motor center of gravity 60 from the battery center of gravity 62. According to this design method, the design of the grip component will be suitable for constraining the user to hold the grip component correctly, but it is close to the design limits. This is because the angle of the grip component is relatively undesirable, allowing the user's wrist and forearm to tilt upwards away from the main body housing axis, thereby changing the position of the wrist fulcrum WF relative to the main mass, especially moving it upwards in the reference state. Through this design method, the applicant recognized that, as Figure 6C The curved grip shown allows the user greater freedom of movement when holding it, which (contrary to intuition) allows for incorrect wrist positioning relative to the primary mass. Therefore, this design is not preferred.

[0169] exist Figure 6DIn this design, the angles of reference lines 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D are now in the range of 59° to 70°. Reference line 50D (average side profile line 56 on the rear surface) is located at the rearmost position and has an angle of 63°, and does not extend as a dividing line between the motor center of gravity 60 and the battery center of gravity 62, as it only extends behind the battery center of gravity 62. According to the design methodology, for reasons similar to those described above, this design would not be suitable for constraining the user to grip the holding component correctly, but it is even less suitable due to the more pronounced curvature of the holding component.

[0170] In analyzing the results of this analysis, the applicant unexpectedly realized that in each case ( Figure 5 and Figures 6A to 6D The position of design reference line 50D (average side profile line 56 of the rear surface) is the worst case among the reference lines closest to the battery center of gravity 62. This is because design reference line 50D better defines the wrist pivot position WF compared to other reference lines. However, there may be designs where this is not the case, and therefore all positions of design reference lines 50A, 50B, 50C, and 50D should be considered in the design methodology.

[0171] It should also be noted that, although Figure 6C The design conforms to design methodology standards, but it is suboptimal, and Figure 5 , Figure 6A and Figure 6B The design is preferred, having a tilt angle in the range of 78° to 82°.

[0172] This design approach provides an effective method for guiding the design of grip components by identifying suitable designs to achieve optimal results from the invention. These suitable designs constrain the user to grip the grip components in the correct manner, ensuring that the user's wrist is correctly positioned relative to the primary mass.

[0173] In this design approach, the applicant recognized that differences in anatomical structure, operating angle, etc., would affect the achievement of accurate positioning, but these differences were found to be relatively small, and the design approach produced good results in enabling the design of the grip component to be evaluated.

[0174] Other embodiments

[0175] Figure 7 A second embodiment of the invention, namely device 210, is shown, which has many features and combinations Figures 1 to 5 The embodiments described herein are similar in features. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, the following embodiments will only be described where they differ from the previously described embodiments. Where features are the same or similar, the same reference numerals have been used, and those features will not be described again.

[0176] The similar parts described previously have been assigned the same reference numerals.

[0177] The device 210 includes a cyclone separator device 72 located in the receiving space 14. The device 210 includes an air inlet 92 extending along one side of the main housing 12 and arranged to provide annular airflow into the waste receiving space 14.

[0178] In this example, the position of the main housing center of gravity 64 has been modified to include the effect of the air intake 92. The motor center of gravity 60 and the battery center of gravity 62 are in approximately the same positions as before. The design of the gripping member 22 is the same as in the previous embodiment. The applicant has found that, overall, the device 210 has a mass balance similar to that described in conjunction with the previous embodiment.

[0179] The significant advantage of this invention is that the same design approach has been found to be successful for both bagged and bagless embodiments.

[0180] Other modifications

[0181] Various other modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The device and its various components may have any suitable size and shape, and may be formed from any suitable material (within the specific definition herein).

[0182] In addition to the rod-shaped extension tube 88, the devices 10 and 210 may include different types of accessories 86, such as shorter extension tubes for closer work, cleaning heads that are directly mounted on the housing, crevice nozzles, padded nozzles, etc.

[0183] Conclusion

[0184] Therefore, a vacuum cleaning device is provided, which has several advantages compared to conventional devices. In particular, the mass position of the motor, battery, and main housing relative to the gripping components is arranged to optimize the balance of the device relative to the user's wrist fulcrum position WF when the device is held by the user in the main operating state.

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaning device, the device comprising: The main body shell defines a waste receiving space in which waste is received during use; Motor / battery housing; A motor and a battery, wherein the motor and the battery are located in the motor / battery housing; A gripping component designed for use by the user; in: The main body shell extends from the front end to the rear end along the longitudinal axis of the main body shell; The motor / battery housing is elongated and has a length, and the length extends substantially parallel to the axis of the main housing. The motor and the battery are arranged side by side along the length of the motor / battery housing, wherein the motor is located in front of the battery; Furthermore, the gripping component is located behind the main housing, above the motor, and in front of the battery.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the motor is located in a motor component of the motor / battery housing, the motor component being located at or toward the motor end of the motor / battery housing; The motor end of the motor / battery housing is the front end of the motor / battery housing; The battery is located in the battery component of the motor / battery housing, and the battery component is located at or toward the battery end of the motor / battery housing; The battery end of the motor / battery housing is the rear end of the motor / battery housing.

3. The device according to claim 2, wherein the motor end of the motor / battery housing is mounted or attached to the main body housing and can be integrally formed with the main body housing; and the battery end of the motor / battery housing is the free end of the motor / battery housing.

4. The apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the battery component of the motor / battery housing is detachable from the motor component.

5. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in a reference state, the axis of the main housing is horizontal, the gripping member is vertical when viewed along the axis of the main housing, and the gripping member is located vertically (or substantially vertically) above the motor.

6. The device of claim 5, wherein the motor has a center of gravity; in the reference state, the center of gravity of the motor is located vertically (or approximately vertically) below the gripping member.

7. The device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the battery has a center of gravity; in the reference state, the center of gravity of the battery is located behind and below the gripping member.

8. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus includes a mounting member for mounting the gripping member to the main body housing; the gripping member mounting member includes a protrusion extending rearward from the rear of the main body housing to an end of the gripping member; the gripping member extends from the mounting protrusion toward the motor / battery housing and ideally toward the motor component of the motor / battery housing; the gripping member extends from the mounting protrusion to the motor component of the motor / battery housing and is directly mountable or attachable to the motor / battery housing, ideally mountable or attachable to the motor component of the motor / battery housing.

9. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein when viewed along the axis of the main body housing, the main body housing has a cross-sectional profile shape, and when viewed along the axis of the main body housing, no portion of the gripping member extends laterally outward beyond the cross-sectional profile shape.

10. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the gripping member has a plurality of design reference lines.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the gripping member has a gripping member axis, the gripping member axis being an axis around which the mass of the gripping member will remain balanced during rotation; the gripping member axis includes one of the design reference lines.

12. The device of claim 10 or 11, wherein the gripping member includes a front surface average side profile line, which, when viewed from the side, is a straight line extending along the average profile of the front surface of the gripping member; the front surface average side profile line includes one of the design reference lines.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein when dependent on claim 6 or any claim thereto, the center of gravity of the motor is located in front of the average side profile of the front surface.

14. The apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein, when viewed laterally, the gripping member has a width at each end; a straight midpoint reference line extends through the midpoint of the width of each lateral end; the straight midpoint reference line includes one of the design reference lines.

15. The device according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein the gripping member includes a rear surface average side profile line, which, when viewed from the side, is a straight line extending along the average profile of the rear surface of the gripping member; the rear surface average side profile line includes one of the design reference lines.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein when dependent on claim 7 or any claim thereto, the center of gravity of the battery is located behind the average side profile of the rear surface.

17. The apparatus according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein said or each design reference line extends at an angle to the axis of the main housing; said angle is an oblique angle and may be at least 73°, possibly at least 76°, ideally at least 78°, and may not exceed 85°, possibly not exceed 82°, and ideally not exceed 80°.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein, when subordinate to claim 13, the center of gravity of the motor is located in front of all the design reference lines in the design reference lines; and the center of gravity of the battery is located behind all the design reference lines in the design reference lines.

19. The apparatus of claim 18, wherein the main housing has a center of gravity; the center of gravity of the main housing and the center of gravity of the motor are located on the same side of the design reference line, and the center of gravity of the main housing is located in front of the design reference line; and the center of gravity of the main housing and the center of gravity of the battery are located on opposite sides of the design reference line, and the center of gravity of the main housing is located behind the design reference line.

20. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in use, when a user grips the gripping member, the user's wrist joint provides a wrist fulcrum or pivot, and the user's hand pivots about the wrist fulcrum or pivot relative to the user's forearm located at the wrist fulcrum position; the wrist fulcrum position is located along the centerline of the gripping member, the centerline of the gripping member extending parallel to the axis of the main housing and bisecting the length of the gripping member.

21. The device according to claim 20, wherein in the main operating state, the axis of the main housing forms an approximate operating angle of 42° with the horizontal; in the main operating state, the center of gravity of the motor, the center of gravity of the battery, and the center of gravity of the main housing are all located below the wrist fulcrum position.

22. The apparatus according to claim 20 or 21, when dependent on claim 6 or any claim thereto, wherein in the main operating state, the center of gravity of the motor is located vertically (or substantially vertically) below the wrist pivot position.

23. The apparatus according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein, when dependent on claim 7 or any claim thereto, the main housing has a center of gravity; in the main operating state, the center of gravity of the battery is located on one side of the wrist pivot position, and the center of gravity of the main housing is located on the opposite side of the wrist pivot position.

24. The apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus includes a flow impeller driven by the motor, and the flow impeller is linearly arranged with the motor and is located at the motor end of the motor / battery housing.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the apparatus defines a connection channel connecting the waste receiving space to the impeller; the connection channel includes one or more curved portions; the curved portions may be S-shaped.

Images