Vacuum cleaner wand

Abstract

A wand (100) for releasable attachment between a cleaner head having a head attachment clip (242) and a vacuum cleaner body (450) is provided. The wand comprises an inner tube (205), an outer tube (210) at least partially surrounding the inner tube, the outer tube being axially slidable relative to the inner tube, a locking aperture (225) for receiving the head attachment clip (242), and a distal release unit (220) provided at a distal end of the wand (100), the distal release unit for forcing the head attachment clip out of the locking aperture upon axial sliding of the outer tube.

Description

Background Technology

[0001] A vacuum cleaner that includes a vacuum cleaner head detachable from the vacuum cleaner body may include interconnected rods that provide an airflow connection between the vacuum cleaner head and the vacuum cleaner body, for example, to extend the reach of the vacuum cleaner. Summary of the Invention

[0002] This disclosure provides a rod for releasably attaching between a vacuum cleaner head having a head attachment clip and a vacuum cleaner body. The rod includes: an inner tube; an outer tube at least partially surrounding the inner tube, the outer tube being axially slidable relative to the inner tube; a locking hole for receiving the head attachment clip; and a distal release unit disposed at a distal end of the rod for forcing the head attachment clip disengage from the locking hole when the outer tube slides axially.

[0003] A method is provided for releasably attaching a vacuum cleaner head to a vacuum cleaner body using a lever. The lever is attached to the vacuum cleaner head by receiving a head attachment snap in a locking hole. The lever releases the vacuum cleaner head by forcing the head attachment snap away from the locking hole via a distal release unit. The distal release unit is actuated by axially sliding the outer tube of the lever relative to the inner tube of the lever. In this way, the attachment of the vacuum cleaner head to the vacuum cleaner body using the lever can be released by movement of the outer tube relative to the inner tube.

[0004] In other words, a method is provided for attaching and detaching a vacuum cleaner head from a rod that leads to the vacuum cleaner body by sliding an outer tube. This makes attaching and detaching the vacuum cleaner head more convenient for the user, as the user does not need to physically touch the vacuum cleaner head itself to detach it. Instead, the user can simply slide the outer tube to a suitable configuration or position to perform the desired attachment / detachment operation; the outer tube may already be within arm's reach near the vacuum cleaner body.

[0005] In other words, the present invention provides a distal release unit for releasably attaching a vacuum cleaner head to a rod, which in turn is connected to a vacuum cleaner body. The distal release unit is actuated by a user sliding the outer tube of the rod relative to the inner tube of the rod. The outer tube cooperates with the distal release unit such that the state of the distal release unit changes in response to movement of the outer tube. For example, the outer tube may be mechanically coupled to, contact with, or abut against a movable element of the distal release unit. By sliding the outer tube of the rod relative to the inner tube of the rod, the distal release unit is actuated between an attached state and a disengaged state to selectively attach the rod to and detach it from the vacuum cleaner head. When the rod is releasably attached to the vacuum cleaner head, the inner tube may be rigidly held relative to the vacuum cleaner head.

[0006] The distal release unit may include a distal movable block having a distal abutment surface, the distal movable block cooperating with the outer tube such that axial sliding of the outer tube moves the distal movable block from a rest position to a release position, in which contact between the distal abutment surface and the head attachment snap forces the head attachment snap to disengage from the locking hole.

[0007] In this way, the mechanical movement of the outer tube can be directly transmitted to the distal movable block that contacts the head attachment buckle, forcing the head attachment buckle to disengage from the locking hole, thereby releasing the vacuum cleaner head from the rod.

[0008] The distal release unit may also include a distal biasing element that biases the distal movable block to its rest position.

[0009] In this manner, the distal movable block is biased toward its rest position, in which the vacuum cleaner head can be attached to the rod. In other words, the distal release unit is biased toward allowing the vacuum cleaner head to connect to the rod.

[0010] Therefore, the connection between the vacuum cleaner head and the rod is more secure, and the risk of the rod accidentally releasing from the vacuum cleaner head is reduced or eliminated. Furthermore, because the distal movable block is biased towards its rest position, the user does not need to move the outer tube to move the distal movable block from the release position to the rest position in order to connect the rod to the vacuum cleaner head. In other words, the user does not need to move the rod again between releasing the vacuum cleaner head and attaching the other vacuum cleaner head.

[0011] The biasing element can be a spring, such as a tension spring or a compression spring. The spring can be a helical spring, a leaf spring, etc.

[0012] The distal biasing element can be connected between the distal movable block and the axial distal end of the inner tube or the rod.

[0013] In this manner, the distal biasing element can bias the distal movable block to move relative to the inner tube, and under the biasing action, it can also bias the outer tube to move relative to the inner tube.

[0014] The distal abutment surface may be inclined toward the inner tube from the distal edge to the proximal edge.

[0015] In this way, the distal abutment surface can gradually force the head attachment latch to disengage from the locking hole during movement, thereby reducing the force required to move the distal movable block from its rest position to its release position.

[0016] In other words, as the distal abutment surface moves to force the head attachment snap to disengage from the locking hole, the distance between the distal abutment surface and the locking hole gradually decreases until the locking hole can no longer receive the head attachment snap.

[0017] The distal movable block is pivotally or slidably mounted in the rod.

[0018] In this way, the distal movable block can slide relative to the inner tube together with the outer tube, for example, axially. Alternatively, the axial sliding of the outer tube can cause the distal movable block to move about a pivot point. For example, the pivot point of the distal movable block can be offset from the movement path of the outer tube, such that contact between the outer tube and the distal movable block as the outer tube moves along the movement path causes the distal movable block to rotate about the pivot point.

[0019] The distal movable block is slidably mounted in the rod, and the distal movable block may include a fixed portion fixed to the outer tube.

[0020] For example, the distal movable block can be removably received within the opening of the outer tube, can be rigidly fixed to the outer tube, or can be integrally formed with the outer tube.

[0021] The outer tube can slide axially toward the distal end of the rod to move the distal movable block to its release position.

[0022] For example, to release the vacuum cleaner head from the stick, the user can slide the outer tube axially toward the vacuum cleaner head. In this way, the user can slide the outer tube toward the distal end of the stick, and thus toward the distal release unit and the vacuum cleaner head, causing the distal movable block to move from its rest position to its release position and separate the vacuum cleaner head from the stick. Alternatively, the user can push the outer tube along the direction of the vacuum cleaner head and away from the vacuum cleaner body to separate the vacuum cleaner head from the stick.

[0023] Alternatively, the outer tube can slide axially away from the axial distal end of the rod to move the distal movable block to its released position.

[0024] Therefore, in order to release the vacuum cleaner head from the rod, the user can slide the outer tube away from the vacuum cleaner head and axially toward the vacuum cleaner body. In this way, the user can slide the outer tube away from the distal end of the rod, and thus away from the distal release unit and the vacuum cleaner head, so that the distal movable block moves from its rest position to its release position and separates the vacuum cleaner head from the rod. Alternatively, the user can pull the outer tube along the direction of the vacuum cleaner body and away from the vacuum cleaner head to separate the vacuum cleaner head from the rod.

[0025] The rod may also include a distal collar that at least partially defines the locking hole.

[0026] In this way, the locking hole can be partially shielded by the distal collar, thereby reducing the entry of debris that may interfere with the distal release unit.

[0027] The distal movable block is pivotally mounted in the rod, and the outer tube can slide axially toward the axial distal end of the rod to move the distal movable block to its release position; or, the outer tube can slide axially away from the axial distal end of the rod to move the distal movable block to its release position.

[0028] For example, to release the vacuum cleaner head from the rod, the user can slide the outer tube axially toward the vacuum cleaner head. In this way, the user can slide the outer tube toward the distal end of the rod, and thus toward the distal release unit and the vacuum cleaner head, causing the distal movable block to rotate from its rest position to its release position and separate the vacuum cleaner head from the rod. Alternatively, the user can push the outer tube along the direction of the vacuum cleaner head and away from the vacuum cleaner body to separate the vacuum cleaner head from the rod.

[0029] Alternatively, to release the vacuum cleaner head from the rod, the user can slide the outer tube away from the vacuum cleaner head and axially toward the vacuum cleaner body. In this way, the user can slide the outer tube away from the distal end of the rod, and thus away from the distal release unit and the vacuum cleaner head, causing the distal movable block to rotate from its rest position to its release position and separate the vacuum cleaner head from the rod. In other words, the user can pull the outer tube along the direction of the vacuum cleaner body and away from the vacuum cleaner head to separate the vacuum cleaner head from the rod.

[0030] The outer tube can slide axially relative to the distal collar, and the distal movable block is pivotally mounted to the distal collar.

[0031] The rod may also include a distal ejection unit located at the distal end of the rod for forcing the vacuum cleaner head away from the rod when the outer tube slides axially.

[0032] In this way, the vacuum cleaner head can be forced away from the rod when it is released, thereby preventing the vacuum cleaner head from being accidentally reattached and reducing the burden on the user to move the rod away from the vacuum cleaner head when trying to release it from the rod.

[0033] The rod may also include a proximal release unit disposed at the proximal end of the rod for releasing the rod from the vacuum cleaner body.

[0034] Therefore, this disclosure provides a method for releasably attaching a rod to both a vacuum cleaner head and a vacuum cleaner body. The rod is attached to the vacuum cleaner head using a distal release unit and to the vacuum cleaner body using a proximal release unit. Both the distal and proximal release units are actuated by axially sliding the outer tube of the rod relative to the inner tube of the rod. In this manner, the attachment of the vacuum cleaner head to the vacuum cleaner body achieved by the rod can be released by movement of the outer tube.

[0035] In other words, a method is provided for attaching and detaching the vacuum cleaner head and vacuum cleaner body from a rod by sliding an outer tube that connects them. This method makes attaching and detaching the vacuum cleaner head and vacuum cleaner body more convenient for the user, as the user does not need to interact separately with the vacuum cleaner head and vacuum cleaner body to detach them from the rod. Instead, the user can simply slide the outer tube to the appropriate configuration or position to perform the desired attachment / detachment operation for the vacuum cleaner head and / or vacuum cleaner body, and the outer tube may already be within arm's reach.

[0036] In other words, the present invention provides a distal release unit and a proximal release unit for releasably attaching a vacuum cleaner head and a vacuum cleaner body to a rod, respectively. The distal and proximal release units are actuated by a user sliding the outer tube of the rod relative to the inner tube of the rod. The outer tube cooperates with the distal and proximal release units such that the states of the distal and proximal release units change in response to movement of the outer tube. For example, the outer tube may be mechanically coupled to, contact with, or abut against movable elements of the distal and proximal release units. By sliding the outer tube of the rod relative to the inner tube of the rod, the distal and proximal release units can be actuated between an attached and dismounted state to selectively attach the rod to and / or detach it from the vacuum cleaner head and / or vacuum cleaner body. When the rod is releasably attached to the vacuum cleaner head and the vacuum cleaner body, the inner tube can be rigidly held relative to the vacuum cleaner head and the vacuum cleaner body.

[0037] The direction of travel of the outer tube used to release the vacuum cleaner head relative to the inner tube can be the same as the direction of travel of the outer tube used to release the vacuum cleaner body relative to the inner tube.

[0038] For example, to release the vacuum cleaner head from the rod, the user can slide the outer tube axially toward the vacuum cleaner head. Similarly, to release the vacuum cleaner body from the rod, the user can slide the outer tube axially toward the vacuum cleaner head (in other words, away from the vacuum cleaner body).

[0039] Alternatively, to release the vacuum cleaner head from the rod, the user can slide the outer tube away from the vacuum cleaner head and axially toward the vacuum cleaner body. Similarly, to release the vacuum cleaner body from the rod, the user can slide the outer tube away from the vacuum cleaner head.

[0040] In this case, the distance that the outer tube needs to slide in order to release the vacuum cleaner head may be different from the distance that the outer tube needs to slide in order to release the vacuum cleaner body.

[0041] The direction of travel of the outer tube relative to the inner tube for releasing the vacuum cleaner head may be different from the direction of travel of the outer tube relative to the inner tube for releasing the vacuum cleaner body.

[0042] For example, to release the vacuum cleaner head from the rod, the user can slide the outer tube axially toward the vacuum cleaner head and away from the vacuum cleaner body. Similarly, to release the vacuum cleaner body from the rod, the user can slide the outer tube axially toward the vacuum cleaner body and away from the vacuum cleaner head.

[0043] Alternatively, to release the vacuum cleaner head from the rod, the user can slide the outer tube away from the vacuum cleaner head and axially toward the vacuum cleaner body. Correspondingly, to release the vacuum cleaner body from the rod, the user can slide the outer tube toward the vacuum cleaner head and axially away from the vacuum cleaner body.

[0044] A rod for releasably attaching between a vacuum cleaner head and a vacuum cleaner body is also provided, the rod including an inner tube, an outer tube at least partially surrounding the inner tube, and a proximal release unit disposed at a proximal end of the rod, the outer tube being axially slidable relative to the inner tube, the proximal release unit being used to release the rod from the vacuum cleaner body.

[0045] This disclosure provides a method for releasably attaching a vacuum cleaner head to a vacuum cleaner body using a rod. The rod is attached to the vacuum cleaner body using a proximal release unit. The proximal release unit is actuated by sliding the outer tube of the rod axially relative to the inner tube of the rod. In this manner, the attachment of the vacuum cleaner head to the vacuum cleaner body via the rod can be released by movement of the outer tube.

[0046] In other words, a method is provided for attaching and detaching the vacuum cleaner body from the rod by sliding an outer tube leading to the vacuum cleaner head. This method makes attaching and detaching the vacuum cleaner body more convenient for the user, as the user does not need to physically touch the vacuum cleaner body itself to detach it. Instead, the user can simply slide the outer tube to a suitable configuration or position to perform the desired attachment / detachment operation; the outer tube may already be within arm's reach.

[0047] In other words, the present invention provides a proximal release unit for releasably attaching a vacuum cleaner body to a rod, which in turn is connected to a vacuum cleaner head. The proximal release unit is actuated by a user sliding the outer tube of the rod relative to the inner tube of the rod. The outer tube cooperates with the proximal release unit such that the state of the proximal release unit changes in response to movement of the outer tube. For example, the outer tube may be mechanically coupled to, contact with, or abut against a movable element of the proximal release unit. By sliding the outer tube of the rod relative to the inner tube of the rod, the proximal release unit is actuated between an attached state and a disengaged state to selectively attach the rod to and detach it from the vacuum cleaner body. When the rod is releasably attached to the vacuum cleaner body, the inner tube can be rigidly held relative to the vacuum cleaner body.

[0048] The proximal release unit may include a proximal movable block having a rod attachment latch for attachment to the vacuum cleaner body and a proximal abutment surface. The proximal movable block cooperates with the outer tube such that axial sliding of the outer tube moves the proximal movable block from a rest position to a release position. In the release position, contact between the proximal abutment surface and the outer tube causes the rod attachment latch to move and disengage from the vacuum cleaner body.

[0049] In this way, the mechanical movement of the outer tube can be directly transmitted to the proximal movable block including the rod attachment buckle, so as to force the rod attachment buckle to disengage from the vacuum cleaner body.

[0050] In other words, the user can slide the outer tube to force the rod attachment clip of the rod to disengage from the vacuum cleaner body, thereby releasing the rod from the vacuum cleaner body.

[0051] The proximal movable block is pivotally mounted in the rod.

[0052] For example, axial sliding of the outer tube can cause the proximal movable block to move around a pivot point. For example, the pivot point of the proximal movable block can be offset from the movement path of the outer tube, such that when the outer tube moves along the movement path and contacts the proximal movable block, the proximal movable block will rotate around the pivot point.

[0053] The proximal release unit may also include a biasing element that biases the proximal movable block to its rest position.

[0054] In this manner, the proximal movable block is biased toward its rest position, in which the rod can be attached to the vacuum cleaner body. In other words, the proximal release unit is biased toward allowing the rod to connect to the vacuum cleaner body.

[0055] Therefore, the connection between the vacuum cleaner body and the handle is more secure, and the risk of the handle being accidentally released from the vacuum cleaner body is reduced or eliminated. Furthermore, because the proximal movable block is biased towards its rest position, the user does not need to move the outer tube to move the proximal movable block from the release position to the rest position in order to connect the handle to the vacuum cleaner body. In other words, the user does not need to move the handle again between releasing the handle and reattaching it to the vacuum cleaner body.

[0056] The biasing element can be a spring, such as a tension spring or a compression spring. The spring can be a helical spring, a leaf spring, etc.

[0057] The rod may further include a proximal collar, the outer tube being axially slidable relative to the proximal collar, and wherein the proximal movable block is pivotally mounted to the proximal collar and / or the biasing element is connected between the collar and the proximal movable block.

[0058] In this way, the movable portion of the proximal release unit can be at least partially shielded by the proximal collar, thereby reducing the entry of debris that may interfere with the proximal release unit.

[0059] The axial sliding of the outer tube toward the proximal end of the rod can cause the outer tube to contact the proximal contact surface, pivot the proximal movable block, and move the rod attachment buckle.

[0060] For example, to release the vacuum cleaner body from the rod, the user can slide the outer tube axially toward the vacuum cleaner body. In this way, the user can slide the outer tube toward the proximal end of the rod, and thus toward the proximal release unit and the vacuum cleaner body, causing the proximal movable block to move from its rest position to its release position and separate the vacuum cleaner body from the rod. Alternatively, the user can pull the outer tube along the direction of the vacuum cleaner body and away from the vacuum cleaner head to separate the vacuum cleaner body from the rod.

[0061] Alternatively, axial sliding of the outer tube away from the proximal end of the rod can cause the outer tube to contact the proximal contact surface, pivot the proximal movable block, and move the rod attachment latch.

[0062] Therefore, in order to release the vacuum cleaner body from the rod, the user can slide the outer tube away from the vacuum cleaner body and axially toward the vacuum cleaner head. In this way, the user can slide the outer tube away from the proximal end of the rod, and thus away from the proximal release unit and the vacuum cleaner body, causing the proximal movable block to move from its rest position to its release position and separate the vacuum cleaner body from the rod. Alternatively, the user can push the outer tube along the direction of the vacuum cleaner head and away from the vacuum cleaner body to separate the vacuum cleaner body from the rod.

[0063] The proximal movable block is pivotally mounted to the inner tube and / or the biasing element can be connected between the collar and the inner tube, wherein the proximal contact surface extends through an opening in the outer tube.

[0064] The outer tube slides axially away from the proximal end of the rod, causing the outer tube to contact the proximal contact surface, causing the proximal movable block to pivot and the rod attachment buckle to move.

[0065] For example, to release the vacuum cleaner body from the rod, the user can slide the outer tube axially toward the vacuum cleaner body. In this way, the user can slide the outer tube toward the proximal end of the rod, and thus toward the proximal release unit and the vacuum cleaner body, causing the proximal movable block to move from its rest position to its release position and separate the vacuum cleaner body from the rod. Alternatively, the user can pull the outer tube along the direction of the vacuum cleaner body and away from the vacuum cleaner head to separate the vacuum cleaner body from the rod.

[0066] Alternatively, the outer tube slides axially toward the proximal end of the rod to contact the proximal contact surface, causing the proximal movable block to pivot and the rod attachment latch to move.

[0067] Therefore, in order to release the vacuum cleaner body from the rod, the user can slide the outer tube away from the vacuum cleaner body and axially toward the vacuum cleaner head. In this way, the user can slide the outer tube away from the proximal end of the rod, and thus away from the proximal release unit and the vacuum cleaner body, causing the proximal movable block to move from its rest position to its release position and separate the vacuum cleaner body from the rod. Alternatively, the user can push the outer tube along the direction of the vacuum cleaner head and away from the vacuum cleaner body to separate the vacuum cleaner body from the rod.

[0068] The proximal contact surface can be inclined toward the inner tube from the proximal edge to the distal edge.

[0069] In this way, the outer tube can gradually force the rod attachment buckle to disengage from the vacuum cleaner body during movement, thereby reducing the force required to move the proximal movable block from its rest position to its release position.

[0070] In other words, as the proximal contact surface moves to force the head attachment snap to disengage from the locking hole, the distance between the distal abutment surface and the locking hole gradually decreases until the locking hole can no longer receive the head attachment snap.

[0071] The rod may also include a proximal ejection unit disposed at the proximal end of the rod, for forcing the vacuum cleaner body away from the rod when the outer tube slides axially.

[0072] In this way, the rod can be forced away from the vacuum cleaner body when it is released, thereby preventing the rod from being accidentally reattached and reducing the burden on the user to move the rod away from the vacuum cleaner body when attempting to release it from the vacuum cleaner body.

[0073] The inner tube may include a plurality of positioning protrusions, and the outer tube includes a deformable protrusion configured to engage with the positioning protrusions to releasably fix the outer tube at a predetermined axial position relative to the inner tube.

[0074] In this way, the outer tube can be held in one of a predetermined axial position or multiple predetermined axial positions until the user applies force to it. For example, when the rod includes both a distal release unit and a proximal release unit as described above, and when the outer tube is slid in the same direction to actuate both the distal and proximal release units, the positioning protrusion can be provided to provide a first predetermined axial position for actuating the distal release unit and a second predetermined axial position for actuating the proximal release unit. Therefore, the axial movement of the outer tube can be limited to discrete lengths to prevent the user from unintentionally releasing the vacuum cleaner head or the vacuum cleaner body.

[0075] This disclosure provides a vacuum cleaner system, including: a vacuum cleaner body; a vacuum cleaner head; and a rod according to any of the above embodiments, the rod connecting the vacuum cleaner head to the vacuum cleaner body. The vacuum cleaner head includes a movable head attachment snap received within a locking hole in the rod.

[0076] In some cases, the vacuum cleaner head may include one or more electronic components that require electricity to operate. In this case, the handle may also include an electrical connection configured to connect to the vacuum cleaner head via the distal release unit and to the vacuum cleaner body via the proximal release unit. The electrical connection may be accommodated between the outer tube and the inner tube.

[0077] This disclosure provides a method for releasably attaching a vacuum cleaner head to a vacuum cleaner body using a lever.

[0078] The method includes providing a vacuum cleaner head to the distal end of the rod such that a head attachment snap of the vacuum cleaner head is received in a locking hole in the rod. By sliding the outer tube of the rod, in some cases towards the vacuum cleaner head and in others away from the vacuum cleaner head, a distal release unit is actuated, thereby releasing the vacuum cleaner head from the rod. Actuation of the distal release unit forces the head attachment snap disengage from the locking hole in the rod, thus releasing the vacuum cleaner head from the rod.

[0079] The method may further include providing a vacuum cleaner body to the proximal end of the rod, such that the vacuum cleaner body is attached to a proximal release unit of the rod. By sliding the outer tube of the rod, in some cases towards the vacuum cleaner body and in others away from the vacuum cleaner body, the proximal release unit is actuated, thereby releasing the vacuum cleaner body from the rod. Actuation of the proximal release unit releases the vacuum cleaner body from the rod. Attached Figure Description

[0080] Figure 1 A perspective view of a rod used to connect a vacuum cleaner head to the body of a vacuum cleaner is shown.

[0081] Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of the distal release unit is shown.

[0082] Figure 2B It shows that it can be used with Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of the remote ejection unit used in conjunction with the remote release unit.

[0083] Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of the distal release unit is shown.

[0084] Figure 3B It shows that it can be used with Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of the remote ejection unit used in conjunction with the remote release unit.

[0085] Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the proximal release unit is shown.

[0086] Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the proximal release unit is shown.

[0087] Figure 6 It shows having Figure 2A The distal release unit and Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the rod of the proximal release unit.

[0088] Figure 7 It shows having Figure 3A The distal release unit and Figure 5 A cross-sectional view of the rod of the proximal release unit.

[0089] Figure 8 It shows having Figure 3A The distal release unit and Figure 4 A cross-sectional view of the rod of the proximal release unit. Detailed Implementation

[0090] Figure 1 A perspective view of a rod 100 for attaching a vacuum cleaner head to the body of a vacuum cleaner is shown. Figure 1In the example shown, rod 100 is shown separately.

[0091] The rod 100 includes an inner wall (not shown), an outer wall 101, a distal release unit 102 configured to connect and disconnect the rod from the vacuum cleaner head, and a proximal release unit 103 configured to connect and disconnect the rod from the vacuum cleaner body.

[0092] Figure 2A and Figure 3A Cross-sectional views of two examples of distal release units according to various implementations of the rod used to connect the vacuum cleaner head to the body of the vacuum cleaner are shown. Figure 2A and Figure 3A The illustration provided only shows one side of the rod.

[0093] Figure 2A An example of a distal release unit 220 is shown, which is configured to be actuated by a user by pulling the outer tube 210 away from the vacuum cleaner head and toward the vacuum cleaner body along direction A. The outer tube 210 slides axially relative to the inner tube 205, the position of which remains unchanged relative to the vacuum cleaner head or the vacuum cleaner body.

[0094] Figure 2A The distal release unit 220 includes a distal movable block 222 slidably mounted in the rod between the inner tube 205 and the outer tube 210. The distal movable block has a distal abutment surface 223 that slopes toward the inner tube from a distal edge to a proximal edge, and the distal movable block is connected to the axial distal end of the rod via a distal biasing element 224.

[0095] Figure 2A The distal movable block 222 is shown in a stationary position, in which the head attachment snap 242 can be received in a locking hole 225 of the rod, the locking hole 225 being at least partially defined by the distal collar 226. The head attachment snap is rotatably mounted in the vacuum cleaner head collar 240 at a pivot point 243.

[0096] When the outer tube 210 slides along direction A, the distal movable block 222, which is received inside the outer tube 210 to connect the two cooperatively, also moves along direction A, overcoming the biasing force of the biasing element 224, so that the distal movable block 222 moves from the rest position to the release position.

[0097] As the distal movable block 222 moves from the rest position to the release position, the distal abutment surface 223 gradually forces the head attachment latch 242 out of the locking hole 225 to release the vacuum cleaner head from the rod. The head attachment latch 242 is pivotally mounted in the vacuum cleaner head such that movement of the distal movable block 222 in direction A causes the head attachment latch 242 to move in direction B and pivotally rotate away from the locking hole 225. The head attachment latch is connected to the vacuum cleaner head collar 240 via an attachment biasing element 244, which resists the action of the head attachment latch 242 rotating about the pivot point 243 and returns the head attachment latch to the attachment configuration after release.

[0098] When the user releases the outer tube 210, the biasing element 224 forces the distal movable block 222 and the outer tube 210 to return from the released position to the stationary position.

[0099] Figure 2B It shows that it can be used with Figure 2A A cross-sectional view of the distal ejection unit 260 used in conjunction with the distal release unit 220.

[0100] Figure 2B The distal ejection unit 260 shown includes a movable ejection block 261, which is pivotally mounted to the rod and referenced above. Figure 2A The described distal movable block is cooperatively connected to the outer tube 210 in a similar manner.

[0101] As described above, when the external tube 210... Figure 2A When the vacuum cleaner head is moved in direction A to release it, the outer tube also moves the movable ejector block 261, causing the movable ejector block 261 to rotate about the pivot point 262 and abut against the ejector pin 263. The ejector pin 263 then moves in direction C.

[0102] The ejector pin 263 transmits the force from the outer tube 210 to the vacuum cleaner head collar 240, thereby causing the vacuum cleaner head to move in direction C when released from the rod. The outer tube returns to its rest position under the action of the bias element 224 of the distal release unit 220, thus resetting the distal ejector unit 260 to its rest position.

[0103] Figure 3A An example of a distal release unit 320 is shown, which is configured to be actuated by a user by pushing the outer tube 310 toward the vacuum cleaner head and away from the vacuum cleaner body along direction C. The outer tube 310 slides axially relative to the inner tube 305, the position of which remains unchanged relative to the vacuum cleaner head or the vacuum cleaner body.

[0104] Figure 3AThe distal release unit 320 includes a distal movable block 322 pivotally mounted in the rod, particularly within a distal collar 326. The distal movable block 322 has a distal abutment surface 323 that slopes toward the inner tube from a distal edge to a proximal edge, and the distal movable block is connected to the axial distal end of the rod via a distal biasing element 324.

[0105] Figure 3A The distal movable block 322 is shown in a stationary position, in which the head attachment snap 342 can be received in a locking hole 325 of the rod, the locking hole 325 being at least partially defined by a distal collar 326. The head attachment snap is rotatably mounted in a vacuum cleaner head collar 340 at a pivot point 343.

[0106] When the outer tube 310 slides along direction C, the distal movable block 322 rotates around the pivot point 327 to overcome the biasing force of the biasing element 324 and move the distal abutment surface 323 along direction D, thereby moving the distal movable block 322 from the rest position to the release position.

[0107] As the distal movable block 322 moves from the rest position to the release position, the distal abutment surface 323 gradually forces the head attachment latch 342 out of the locking hole 325 to release the vacuum cleaner head from the rod. The head attachment latch 342 is pivotally mounted in the vacuum cleaner head such that rotation of the distal movable block 322 and movement of the distal abutment surface in direction D cause the head attachment latch 342 to move in direction D and pivotally rotate away from the locking hole 325. The head attachment latch is connected to the vacuum cleaner head collar 340 via an attachment biasing element 344, which resists the action of the head attachment latch 342 as it rotates about the pivot point 343 and returns the head attachment latch to the attachment configuration after release.

[0108] When the user releases the outer tube 310, the biasing element 324 forces the distal movable block 322 and the outer tube 310 to return from the released position to the stationary position.

[0109] Figure 3B It shows that it can be used with Figure 3A A cross-sectional view of the remote ejection unit 360 used in conjunction with the remote release unit 320.

[0110] Figure 3B The distal ejection unit 360 shown includes a movable ejection block 361, which is pivotally mounted to the rod and is referenced above. Figure 2A The described distal movable block is cooperatively connected to the outer tube 310 in a similar manner.

[0111] As described above, when the external tube 310... Figure 3A When the vacuum cleaner head is moved in direction C to release it, the outer tube also moves the movable ejector block 361, causing the movable ejector block 361 to rotate about the pivot point 362 and abut against the ejector pin 363. The ejector pin 363 then moves in direction C.

[0112] The ejector pin 363 transmits the force from the outer tube 310 to the vacuum cleaner head collar, causing the vacuum cleaner head to move in direction C when released from the rod. The outer tube returns to its rest position under the action of the bias element 324 of the distal release unit 320, thus resetting the distal ejector unit 360 to its rest position.

[0113] Figure 4 and Figure 5 Cross-sectional views of two examples of proximal release units according to various implementations of the rod used to connect the vacuum cleaner head to the body of the vacuum cleaner are shown. Figure 4 and Figure 5 The illustration provided only shows one side of the rod.

[0114] Figure 4 An example of a proximal release unit 430 is shown, which is configured to be actuated by a user by pushing the outer tube 410 toward the vacuum cleaner head and away from the vacuum cleaner body 450 along direction C. The outer tube 410 slides axially relative to the inner tube 405, the position of which remains unchanged relative to the vacuum cleaner head or the vacuum cleaner body.

[0115] Figure 4 The proximal release unit 430 includes a proximal movable block 432 pivotally mounted in the rod. The proximal movable block 432 has a proximal abutment surface 433 that slopes toward the inner tube from a proximal edge to a distal edge, and the proximal movable block is connected to the proximal end of the inner tube 405 via a proximal biasing element 434.

[0116] Figure 4 The proximal movable block 432 is shown in a stationary position, in which the rod attachment latch 435 can be received in a recess in the vacuum cleaner body. The proximal release unit is partially shielded by a proximal collar 436.

[0117] When the outer tube 410 slides in direction C, the proximal movable block 432 rotates around the pivot point 437 to overcome the biasing force of the biasing element 434 and move the rod attachment buckle 435 in direction D, thereby moving the proximal movable block 432 from the rest position to the release position.

[0118] As the proximal movable block 432 moves from the rest position to the release position, the rod attachment latch 435 gradually moves out of the vacuum cleaner body 450 to release the vacuum cleaner body 450 from the rod.

[0119] When the user releases the outer tube 410, the biasing element 434 forces the proximal movable block 432 and the outer tube 410 to return from the released position to the rest position.

[0120] Figure 5 An example of a proximal release unit 530 is shown, which is configured to be actuated by a user by pulling the outer tube 510 away from the vacuum cleaner head and toward the vacuum cleaner body 550 along direction A. The outer tube 510 slides axially relative to the inner tube 505, the position of which remains unchanged relative to the vacuum cleaner head or the vacuum cleaner body.

[0121] Figure 5 The proximal release unit 530 includes a proximal movable block 532 pivotally mounted in the rod, particularly within a proximal collar 536. The proximal movable block 532 has a proximal abutment surface 533 that slopes toward the inner tube from a proximal edge to a distal edge, and the proximal movable block is connected to the proximal collar 536 via a proximal biasing element 534.

[0122] Figure 5 The proximal movable block 532 is shown in a stationary position, in which the rod attachment latch 535 can be received in a recess of the vacuum cleaner body 550. The proximal release unit is partially shielded by a proximal collar 536.

[0123] When the outer tube 510 slides along direction A, the proximal movable block 532 rotates around the pivot point 537 to overcome the biasing force of the biasing element 534 and move the rod attachment buckle 535 along direction D, thereby moving the proximal movable block 532 from the rest position to the release position.

[0124] As the proximal movable block 532 moves from the rest position to the release position, the rod attachment latch 535 gradually moves out of the vacuum cleaner body 550 to release the vacuum cleaner body 550 from the rod.

[0125] When the user releases the outer tube 510, the biasing element 534 forces the proximal movable block 532 and the outer tube 510 to return from the released position to the stationary position.

[0126] The rod may further include a proximal ejection unit disposed at the proximal end of the rod, for forcing the vacuum cleaner body away from the rod when the outer tube slides axially. When with Figure 5When implemented together with the proximal release unit, the proximal ejection unit can be used in conjunction with... Figure 2B The ejector pin is arranged in a similar manner to the distal ejector unit, such that it abuts against the vacuum cleaner body; or, when in conjunction with... Figure 4 When implemented together with the proximal release unit, the proximal ejection unit can be used in conjunction with... Figure 3B The ejector pin is arranged in a similar manner to the far-side ejector unit, so that the ejector pin abuts against the vacuum cleaner body.

[0127] Figure 6 An example is shown of a rod 600 connecting a vacuum cleaner head 640 to a vacuum cleaner body 450. The rod includes an inner tube 605 and an outer tube 610 as described above. The vacuum cleaner head 640 is connected by means of the rod 600 as described above. Figure 2A The distal release unit 220 is releasably connected to the rod 600. The vacuum cleaner body 450 is referenced above. Figure 4 The proximal release unit 430 is releasably connected to the rod 600.

[0128] Figure 6 An arrangement that can be described as a pull-push arrangement is shown, because the user holding the system at the vacuum cleaner body will pull the outer tube 610 toward himself to release the vacuum cleaner head 640 from the lever 600 and push the outer tube 610 away from himself to release the vacuum cleaner body 450 from the lever.

[0129] Figure 7 An example of a rod 700 connecting a vacuum cleaner head 740 to a vacuum cleaner body 550 is shown. The rod includes an inner tube 705 and an outer tube 710 as described above. The vacuum cleaner head 740 is connected by means of the above reference. Figure 3A The distal release unit 320 is releasably connected to the rod 700. The vacuum cleaner body 550 is constructed using the method described above. Figure 5 The proximal release unit 530 is releasably connected to the rod 700.

[0130] Figure 7 An arrangement that can be described as a push-pull arrangement is shown, because a user holding the system at the vacuum cleaner body will pull the outer tube 710 toward himself to release the vacuum cleaner head 740 from the lever 700 and push the outer tube 710 away from himself to release the vacuum cleaner body 550 from the lever.

[0131] Figure 8 An example is shown of a rod 800 connecting a vacuum cleaner head 740 to a vacuum cleaner body 450. The rod includes an inner tube 805 and an outer tube 810 as described above. The vacuum cleaner head 740 is connected by means of a rod 800 connected to a vacuum cleaner body 450 as described above. Figure 3A The distal release unit 320 is releasably connected to the rod 800. The vacuum cleaner body 550 is constructed using the method described above. Figure 4 The proximal release unit 430 is releasably connected to the rod 800.

[0132] Figure 8 An arrangement that can be described as a push-push arrangement is shown, because the user holding the system at the vacuum cleaner body pushes the outer tube 810 away from himself to release the vacuum cleaner head 740 from the lever 800, and also pushes the outer tube 810 away from himself to release the vacuum cleaner body 450 from the lever.

[0133] exist Figure 8 In the example shown, the rod also includes a plurality of positioning protrusions 820, 821, 822 positioned on the inner tube 805. The outer tube 810 includes a deformable protrusion 823 configured to engage with the positioning protrusions 820, 821, 822 to releasably secure the outer tube 810 at a predetermined axial position relative to the inner tube 805.

[0134] Figure 8 The lever 800 is shown in its resting position. When the user pushes the outer tube 810 to release the vacuum cleaner head 740, the outer tube 810 can move until the deformable protrusion 823 is located between the positioning protrusion 820 and the positioning protrusion 821. When the user pushes the outer tube 810 to release the vacuum cleaner body 450, the outer tube 810 can move until the deformable protrusion 823 is located between the positioning protrusion 821 and the positioning protrusion 822.

[0135] It should be understood that it is possible to communicate with Figure 8 A pull-pull arrangement can be achieved in a similar way as shown, i.e., using... Figure 2A Replacement of the distal release unit 220 Figure 3A The distal release unit 320, and with Figure 5 Replacement of the proximal release unit 530 Figure 4 The proximal release unit 430. In this case, when the rod is in the rest position, the deformable protrusion 823 can be located between the distal release unit and the positioning protrusion 822.

Claims

1. A rod for releasably attaching between a vacuum cleaner head having a head attachment snap and a vacuum cleaner body, said rod comprising: Inner tube; An outer tube that at least partially surrounds the inner tube, the outer tube being axially slidable relative to the inner tube; A locking hole for receiving the head attachment buckle; as well as A distal release unit located at the distal end of the rod is used to force the head attachment snap to disengage from the locking hole when the outer tube slides axially.

2. The rod according to claim 1, wherein, The distal release unit includes a distal movable block having a distal abutment surface. The distal movable block cooperates with the outer tube such that axial sliding of the outer tube moves the distal movable block from a rest position to a release position. In the release position, contact between the distal abutment surface and the head attachment snap forces the head attachment snap to disengage from the locking hole.

3. The rod according to claim 2, wherein, The distal release unit also includes a distal biasing element that biases the distal movable block to its rest position.

4. The rod according to any one of claims 2 to 3, wherein, The distal biasing element is connected between the distal movable block and the axial distal end of the inner tube or the rod.

5. The rod according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein, The distal abutment surface slopes toward the inner tube from the distal edge to the proximal edge.

6. The rod according to any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein, The distal movable block is pivotally or slidably mounted in the rod.

7. The rod according to claim 6, wherein, The distal movable block is slidably mounted in the rod, and the distal movable block includes a fixed portion fixed to the outer tube.

8. The rod according to claim 7, wherein: The outer tube can slide axially away from the distal end of the rod to move the distal movable block to its released position; or The outer tube can slide axially toward the distal end of the rod to move the distal movable block to its release position.

9. The rod according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The rod also includes a distal collar that at least partially defines the locking hole.

10. The rod according to claim 6, wherein, The distal movable block is pivotally mounted in the rod, and wherein: The outer tube can slide axially toward the distal end of the rod to move the distal movable block to its released position; or The outer tube can slide axially away from the distal end of the rod to move the distal movable block to its release position.

11. The rod according to claim 10, wherein, The rod also includes a distal collar that at least partially defines the locking hole, the outer tube being axially slidable relative to the distal collar, and wherein the distal movable block is pivotally mounted to the distal collar.

12. The rod according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The rod also includes a distal ejection unit located at the distal end of the rod, for forcing the vacuum cleaner head away from the rod when the outer tube slides axially.

13. The rod according to any one of the preceding claims further includes a proximal release unit disposed at the proximal end of the rod for releasing the rod from the vacuum cleaner body.

14. A rod for releasably attaching between a vacuum cleaner head and a vacuum cleaner body, the rod comprising: Inner tube; An outer tube that at least partially surrounds the inner tube, the outer tube being axially slidable relative to the inner tube; as well as A proximal release unit located at the proximal end of the rod is used to release the rod from the vacuum cleaner body.

15. The rod according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, The proximal release unit includes a proximal movable block having a rod attachment latch for attachment to the vacuum cleaner body and a proximal abutment surface. The proximal movable block cooperates with the outer tube, such that axial sliding of the outer tube moves the proximal movable block from a rest position to a release position. In the release position, contact between the proximal abutment surface and the outer tube causes the rod attachment latch to move and disengage from the vacuum cleaner body.

16. The rod according to claim 15, wherein, The proximal movable block is pivotally mounted in the rod.

17. The rod according to claim 15 or 16, wherein, The proximal release unit also includes a biasing element that biases the proximal movable block to its rest position.

18. The rod according to claim 16 or 17, wherein, The rod further includes a proximal collar, the outer tube is axially slidable relative to the proximal collar, and wherein the proximal movable block is pivotally mounted to the proximal collar and / or the biasing element is connected between the collar and the proximal movable block.

19. The rod according to claim 18, wherein: The outer tube slides axially toward the proximal end of the rod, causing the outer tube to contact the proximal contact surface, pivoting the proximal movable block, and moving the rod attachment latch; or The outer tube slides axially away from the proximal end of the rod, causing the outer tube to contact the proximal contact surface, causing the proximal movable block to pivot and the rod attachment buckle to move.

20. The rod according to claim 16 or 17, wherein, The proximal movable block is pivotally mounted to the inner tube and / or the biasing element is connected between the collar and the inner tube, wherein the proximal contact surface extends through an opening in the outer tube.

21. The rod according to claim 20, wherein: The outer tube slides axially from its proximal end away from the rod, causing the outer tube to contact the proximal contact surface, pivoting the proximal movable block, and moving the rod attachment latch; or The outer tube slides axially toward the proximal end of the rod, causing the outer tube to contact the proximal contact surface, causing the proximal movable block to pivot and the rod attachment buckle to move.

22. The rod according to any one of claims 15 to 21, wherein, The proximal contact surface slopes toward the inner tube from the proximal edge to the distal edge.

23. The rod according to any one of claims 13 to 22, wherein, The rod also includes a proximal ejection unit located at the proximal end of the rod, used to force the vacuum cleaner body away from the rod when the outer tube slides axially.

24. The rod according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The inner tube includes a plurality of positioning protrusions, and the outer tube includes a deformable protrusion configured to engage with the positioning protrusions to releasably fix the outer tube at a predetermined axial position relative to the inner tube.

25. A vacuum cleaner system, comprising: Vacuum cleaner body; Vacuum cleaner head; as well as The rod according to any one of claims 1 to 24 connects the vacuum cleaner head to the vacuum cleaner body. The vacuum cleaner head includes a movable head attachment buckle received in a locking hole in the rod.

Images