Tool accessory facilitating pairing identification

By setting visual and tactile identification marks on electrical tool accessories and connectors, problems such as accessory installation errors and start-up standardization are solved, enabling rapid and accurate identification and installation, and reducing the risk of cross-contamination.

WO2026026623A1PCT designated stage Publication Date: 2026-02-05HANGZHOU GREAT STAR IND CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/CN2025/110042
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-11-19
Filing Date
2025-07-23
Publication Date
2026-02-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

The lack of accurate identification markings on existing electrical tool accessories leads to installation errors and the risk of cross-contamination, and makes it difficult to start appliances according to usage instructions.

Method used

Differentiated markings based on visual, tactile, functional, and color characteristics are applied to tool accessories and connectors to ensure that each pair of accessories and connectors has a unique marking at the connection point, facilitating quick and accurate identification and installation.

Benefits of technology

By using visual and tactile markings to identify differences, installation errors can be avoided, the risk of cross-contamination can be reduced, and appliances can be ensured to start up according to specifications.

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Abstract

A tool accessory (1000) facilitating pairing identification. The tool accessory (1000) comprises a plurality of pairs of engagement members (1) and accessories (2), connection portions of each pair of engagement member (1) and accessory (2) are each provided with an identification mark (3), and different pairs of engagement members (1) and accessories (2) have different identification marks (3).
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Description

Easy-to-identify matching tool accessories

[0001] Related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to Chinese patent applications filed on July 29, 2024, with application number 202421809081.5, entitled "Identification Switch" and on November 19, 2024, with application number 202422824775.2, entitled "Tool Accessory for Easy Identification and Pairing", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This application belongs to the field of identification structure technology, specifically relating to a tool accessory that facilitates easy identification and pairing. Background Technology

[0004] To adapt to different application scenarios or usage needs, some electrical appliances (such as vacuum cleaners) are generally equipped with various sizes of nozzles, tube brushes, or rocker switches and other tool accessories. These nozzles, tube brushes, and other tool accessories can be interchangeably connected to the vacuum cleaner's hose. However, currently, there are no distinguishing labels for different sizes of accessories (such as nozzles), and users can only identify different sizes of accessories by visual inspection. This can lead to installation errors and the need to rematch accessories, which not only reduces work efficiency but also increases the risk of cross-contamination.

[0005] Furthermore, according to electrical appliance usage guidelines, switches and similar accessories generally require the appliance to be connected to an external power source before the switch is operated to activate the appliance's circuit and start it. It is not permitted to activate the appliance's circuit by pressing the switch first, and then start it by connecting the external power source. Therefore, without an external power source connected, unless the switch's state is clearly indicated, it is unknown whether the appliance's circuit is activated or deactivated, making it impossible to predict whether the appliance will start immediately upon connecting external power. This makes it difficult to start the appliance according to its usage guidelines.

[0006] Based on the above, how to accurately and quickly identify tools and accessories of various forms and specifications so as to install and use them correctly is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0007] Based on this, this application provides a tool accessory that is easy to identify and pair.

[0008] The easily identifiable pairing tool accessories include several pairs of receiving parts and accessories. Each pair of receiving parts and accessories has a corresponding identification mark at the connection point. The identification marks of different pairs of receiving parts and accessories are different.

[0009] In one embodiment, the identification mark is a visual mark, so as to enable visual and intuitive identification and avoid errors.

[0010] In one embodiment, the identification mark is a tactile mark to avoid errors through tactile identification.

[0011] In one embodiment, the identification mark is a functional mark. Functional marks, such as the shape of a brush head or nozzle, help users quickly select accessories based on the markings.

[0012] In one embodiment, the identification mark is a specification mark to prevent users from selecting the wrong specification.

[0013] In one embodiment, the identification marker is a geometric shape. Attachments can be accurately and quickly identified based on differences in geometric shapes.

[0014] In one embodiment, the identification mark is a color mark. Different colors can represent different usage requirements and occasions, serving as a prompt to the user.

[0015] In one embodiment, the identification mark extends along the length and / or circumference of the receiving member and the accessory, allowing the user to observe it from multiple angles and directions.

[0016] In one embodiment, the identification mark is an adhesive layer coated on the surfaces of the receiving component and the accessory. This allows for the use of a different material to mark the accessory, making it more conspicuous.

[0017] In one embodiment, the identification mark is an embossed pattern formed on the surface of the receiver and the accessory, increasing the durability of the identification.

[0018] In one embodiment, the receiving member is configured as a switch body, on which a terminal block and a switching element are disposed; the accessory is configured as a control element, which is mounted on the switching element and drives the switching element to connect or disconnect the circuit by changing its own posture; the identification mark includes a first identification feature and a second identification feature, which are disposed on the control element and are visually different; as the posture of the control element changes, one of the first identification feature and the second identification feature can identify that the circuit is connected, and the other can identify that the circuit is disconnected.

[0019] In one embodiment, the visual difference is one of color difference, symbol difference, and light difference.

[0020] In one embodiment, the switching element is tiltably disposed on the switch body, and the control element includes a first end and a second end disposed opposite to each other. When the first end is pressed, the second end tilts up, and when the second end is pressed, the first end tilts up, thereby changing its own posture to drive the switching element to switch the circuit to be connected or disconnected.

[0021] In one embodiment, the control component is an integral structure, and the first identification feature and the second identification feature are both identification components assembled on the control component.

[0022] In one embodiment, the first identification feature and the second identification feature are snapped onto the top surface of the control member.

[0023] In one embodiment, the control element is assembled from a first component having the first identification feature and a second component having the second identification feature.

[0024] In one embodiment, the first component and the second component are interlocked to form the control element.

[0025] In one embodiment, the first component and the second component are provided with a receiving portion and an outer step respectively, and the outer step extends into the receiving portion to make the outer surface of the first component and the second component flat after they are snapped together.

[0026] In one embodiment, both the first identification feature and the second identification feature are visual features attached to the surface of the control element.

[0027] In one embodiment, both the first identification feature and the second identification feature are visual features that are embedded in the control element and exposed on the surface of the control element.

[0028] Details of one or more embodiments of this application are set forth in the following drawings and description. Other features, objects, and advantages of this application will become apparent from the specification, drawings, and claims. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To better describe and illustrate embodiments and / or examples of the inventions disclosed herein, reference may be made to one or more accompanying drawings. Additional details or examples used to describe the drawings should not be considered as limiting the scope of any of the disclosed inventions, the currently described embodiments and / or examples, or the best mode of these inventions as currently understood.

[0030] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a pair of receiving parts and accessories in one embodiment of this application.

[0031] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the interconnection between the connector and accessories in Figure 1.

[0032] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of another pair of receiving parts and accessories in one embodiment of this application.

[0033] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the interconnection between the connector and accessories in Figure 3.

[0034] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the third pair of receiving parts and accessories in one embodiment of this application.

[0035] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the interconnection between the connector and accessories in Figure 5.

[0036] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the fourth pair of receiving parts and accessories in one embodiment of this application.

[0037] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the interconnection between the receiving parts and accessories in Figure 7.

[0038] Figure 9 is an isometric view of an identification switch in one embodiment of this application.

[0039] Figure 10 is an exploded view of the structure of the switch marked in Figure 9.

[0040] Figure 11 is a structural schematic diagram of the switch marked in Figure 10 from another perspective.

[0041] Figure 12 is a side orthographic projection of the control component in Figure 9, which is equipped with the first and second identification features.

[0042] Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view along the AA direction of the structure shown in Figure 12.

[0043] Figure 14 is a top view of the structure shown in Figure 12.

[0044] Figure 15 is a BB-direction sectional view of the structure shown in Figure 14.

[0045] Figure 16 is an isometric view of an identification switch according to another embodiment of this application.

[0046] Figure 17 is an exploded view of the structure of the switch marked in Figure 16.

[0047] Figure 18 is a structural schematic diagram of the switch marked in Figure 17 from another perspective.

[0048] Figure 19 is a side view of the control component in Figure 16.

[0049] Figure 20 is a cross-sectional view of the control component in Figure 19 along the CC direction.

[0050] Figure 21 is an exploded view of the control component in Figure 16.

[0051] Figure 22 is a structural schematic diagram of the control component in Figure 21 from another perspective.

[0052] Reference numerals: 1000, tool accessory; 1, receiving part; 2, accessory; 3, identification mark; 10, extension tube; 20, function tube; 100, switch body; 110, terminal; 120, switching part; 121, pin; 122, plug hole; 200, control part; 2001, first end; 2002, second end; 201, first identification feature; 202, second identification feature; 203, pin; 204, first groove; 205, second groove; 206, positioning hole; 207, snap-fit ​​hole; 208, positioning post; 209, snap-fit ​​hook; 210, first component; 211, outer step; 212, snap-fit ​​flange; 220, second component; 221, storage part; 222, snap-fit ​​groove. Detailed Implementation

[0053] To make the above-mentioned objectives, features, and advantages of this application more apparent and understandable, the specific embodiments of this application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Many specific details are set forth in the following description to provide a thorough understanding of this application. However, this application can be implemented in many other ways different from those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar modifications without departing from the spirit of this application. Therefore, this application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0054] It should be noted that when a component is referred to as being "fixed to" or "set on" another component, it can be directly on the other component or there may be an intermediate component. When a component is considered to be "connected to" another component, it can be directly connected to the other component or there may be an intermediate component present. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used in this application's specification are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0055] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this application, "multiple" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0056] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature and the second feature are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0057] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used in this application have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used in this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used in this application includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0058] This application provides an easily identifiable pairing tool accessory 1000, comprising several pairs of receiving parts 1 and accessories 2. Each pair of receiving parts 1 and accessories 2 has a corresponding identification mark at the connection point. The identification marks of different pairs of receiving parts 1 and accessories 2 differ. It is understood that the differences in the identification marks 3 of different pairs of receiving parts 1 and accessories 2 may exist simultaneously on both receiving parts 1 and accessories 2, or may exist only on one of them. Furthermore, it is understood that the receiving parts 1 in several pairs of receiving parts 1 and accessories 2 may be different or the same; in other words, multiple accessories 2 may share a single receiving part 1.

[0059] Referring to Figures 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8, some tool accessories 1000 for vacuum cleaners are shown. Each pair of tool accessories 1000 is specifically configured as a pipe fitting. The pipe fitting specifically includes an extension pipe 10 as a receiving part 1 and a functional pipe 20 as an accessory 2. Different receiving parts 1 and accessories 2 can be selected according to different usage needs and occasions.

[0060] In Figures 1 and 2, identification mark 3 is a visible locking and unlocking mark, and it extends circumferentially towards the receiving part 1 and the accessory 2.

[0061] In Figures 3 and 4, the identification mark 3 is an arrow mark, which extends along the length of the receiving part 1 and the accessory 2.

[0062] In Figures 5 and 6, identification mark 3 is a specification mark, which includes both numerical and pattern parts, making the entire identification mark concentrated and easy to identify.

[0063] In Figures 7 and 8, the identification mark 3 is a geometric elongated pattern that extends along the length of the receiving part 1 and the accessory 2.

[0064] As shown in Figures 1-2, 3-4, 5-6, and 7-8, the receiving component 1 and accessory 2 can be used in different situations, therefore, they should be avoided from being used interchangeably. Furthermore, their mating diameters may differ; although receiving component 1 and accessory 2 can be inserted together when used interchangeably, the effect is not ideal. By using different identification marks 3, each pair of receiving component 1 and accessory 2 has a corresponding identical identification mark 3 at its connection point, with different identification marks 3 for different pairs of receiving component 1 and accessory 2. Thus, based on the identification marks 3, each receiving component 1 can be uniquely paired and connected with its corresponding accessory 2, avoiding incorrect connection.

[0065] As shown in Figures 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 and 7-8, the identification mark 3 of the receiving part 1 and the accessory 2 is presented as both a visual mark for visual identification and a tactile mark for tactile identification.

[0066] In other embodiments, when the shapes of the various attachments 2 differ, the identification mark 3 can also be a shape mark or a function mark of the attachment 2. Furthermore, regardless of the mark form, it can be colored to increase its recognizability.

[0067] In other embodiments, the identification mark 3 can also be a color mark, using color differences to achieve identification and pairing.

[0068] During manufacturing, the identification mark 3 can be an adhesive layer coated on the surface of the receiving parts and accessories, or it can be a textured surface formed on the surface of the receiving parts and accessories.

[0069] For example, taking the tool accessory 1000 as an identification switch on a vacuum cleaner as an example, this application will be further described in detail. As shown in Figures 9-15, the identification switch includes a switch body 100, a control element 200, a first identification feature 201, and a second identification feature 202. In other words, in this embodiment, the tool accessory 1000 is specifically configured as an identification switch, the receiving element 1 is specifically configured as the switch body 100, the accessory 2 is configured as the control element 200, and the identification mark 3 includes the first identification feature 201 and the second identification feature 202.

[0070] Furthermore, the switch body 100 is provided with a terminal 110 and a switching element 120. The terminal 110 is used to connect a wire to connect the switch to the circuit of an electrical appliance. The switching element 120 is mounted to the switch body 100 via a pin 121 to pivot relative to the switch body 100 about the pin. The top surface of the switching element 120 is provided with a insertion hole 122.

[0071] The control component 200 is a single, integrated structure. The control component 200 has pins 203, which are inserted into corresponding insertion holes 122 of the switching component 120 and fixedly connected thereto. Furthermore, the control component 200 acts like a cap over the switching component 120. When the first end 2001 of the control component 200 is pressed, the second end 2002 is raised; conversely, when the second end 2002 is pressed, the first end 2001 is raised. Therefore, pressing the raised end of the control component 200 changes the control component 200, thereby changing the orientation of the switching component 120, thus connecting or disconnecting the circuit. The top of the control component 200 has a first groove 204 biased towards the first end 2001 and a second groove 205 biased towards the second end 2002. Both the first groove 204 and the second groove 204 are provided with positioning holes 206 and snap-fit ​​holes 207.

[0072] Both the first identification feature 201 and the second identification feature 202 are identification components. In this embodiment, both the first identification feature 201 and the second identification feature 202 are injection molded parts, and the first identification feature 201 is green and the second identification feature 202 is red. Both the first identification feature 201 and the second identification feature 202 have a positioning post 208 and a snap-fit ​​hook 209. The first identification feature 201 is embedded in the first groove 204, and the second identification feature 202 is embedded in the second groove 205. The positioning post 208 is inserted into the corresponding positioning hole 206, and the snap-fit ​​hook 209 snaps into the corresponding snap-fit ​​hole 207. Accordingly, the first identification feature 201 and the second identification feature 202 are fixed to the control member 200 to indicate the state of the switch.

[0073] Because the control element 200 of this indicator switch acts like a seesaw—when the first end 2001 is pressed, the second end 2002 tilts up, and vice versa—the visual difference between the first indicator feature 201 and the second indicator feature 202 clearly indicates the state of the control element 200. When the indicator switch is in the state of connecting the electrical circuit, it reminds the user to switch the indicator switch to the state of disconnecting the electrical circuit before connecting the appliance to an external power source, thus avoiding starting the appliance while connected to an external power source and complying with the appliance's usage guidelines.

[0074] As shown in Figures 16-22, in one embodiment, this application also provides an identification switch. The identification switch in this embodiment differs from the identification switches shown in Figures 9-15 only in the structure of the control member 200 and the identification mark 3: the control member 200 is assembled from a first component 210 having a first identification feature 201 and a second component 220 having a second identification feature 202. Furthermore, the first component 210 is injection molded green to represent the first identification feature 201, and the second component 220 is injection molded red to represent the second identification feature 202. Further, the first component 210 has an outer step 211, and a snap-fit ​​flange 212 protrudes outward from the side of the outer step 211. The second component 220 has a receiving portion 221, and a snap-fit ​​groove 222 is provided on the inner wall side of the receiving portion 221. The outer step 211 extends into the receiving portion 221, making the outer surfaces of the first component 210 and the second component 220 flat, and the snap-fit ​​flange 212 is engaged in the snap-fit ​​groove 222. The control element 200 of this assembly structure is assembled to the switching element 120 in the same way as the control element 200 of the identification switch shown in Figures 9-15. The remaining structure of the identification switch in this embodiment is the same as that of the identification switch shown in Figures 9-15, and will not be described again.

[0075] The tool accessory 1000 described above, implemented as an identification switch, achieves visual differentiation through color differences. In specific implementations, the visual differentiation of the tool accessory 1000 implemented as an identification switch can also be symbol differences or light differences. For example, the numerical symbol 1 represents on, and the numerical symbol 0 represents off; bright light (fluorescent) represents on, and dark light represents off. Furthermore, both the first identification feature 201 and the second identification feature 202 are visual features attached to the surface of the control component 200. These attached visual features may include different printed patterns, colors, etc. Alternatively, both the first identification feature 201 and the second identification feature 202 may be embedded in the control component 200 and exposed on its surface. This allows the first identification feature 201 and the second identification feature 202 to be integrally molded with the control component 200 as inserts during injection molding.

[0076] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0077] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. Tool attachment pairs for easy identification, comprising a number of pairs of sockets and attachments, characterized in that, The connecting position of each pair of the receiving member and the accessory is provided with corresponding identification marks, and the identification marks of different pairs of the receiving member and the accessory are different.

2. The easily identifiable mating tool attachment of claim 1, wherein, The identification mark is a visual mark.

3. The easily identifiable mating tool attachment of claim 1, wherein, The identification mark is a tactile mark.

4. The easily identifiable mating tool attachment of claim 1, wherein, The identification mark is a functional mark.

5. The easily identifiable mating tool attachment of claim 1, wherein, The identification mark is a specification mark.

6. The easily identifiable mating tool attachment of any of claims 1-5, wherein, The identification mark is a geometric shape.

7. The easily identifiable mating tool attachment of any of claims 1-5, wherein, The identification mark is a color mark.

8. The easily identifiable mating tool attachment of any of claims 1-5, wherein, The identification mark extends in the length direction or / and the circumferential direction of the receiving member and the accessory.

9. The easily identifiable mating tool attachment of any of claims 1-5, wherein, The identification mark is an attached layer coated on the surface of the receiving member and the accessory.

10. The easily identifiable mating tool attachment of any of claims 1-5, wherein, The identification mark is a concave-convex pattern formed on the surface of the receiving member and the accessory.

11. The tool accessory of claim 1, wherein, The receiving member is configured as a switch body, and the switch body is provided with a wiring terminal and a switching member; The accessory is configured as a control member, the control member is assembled to the switching member and drives the switching member to turn on or turn off the circuit by changing the attitude of the control member; The identification mark includes first and second identification features, the first and second identification features are arranged on the control member, and the first and second identification features are visually different; with the change of the attitude of the control member, one of the first and second identification features can identify the circuit turn-on, and the other can identify the circuit turn-off.

12. The easily identifiable mating tool attachment of claim 11, wherein, The visual difference is one of color difference, symbol difference and light difference.

13. The easily identifiable mating tool attachment of claim 11, wherein, The switching member is pivotally arranged on the switch body, the control member includes oppositely arranged first and second ends, the second end is raised when the first end is pressed, and the first end is raised when the second end is pressed, so as to change the attitude of the control member and drive the switching member to switch the circuit on or off.

14. A tool accessory for easy identification of a pair according to claim 11 or 12 or 13, wherein, The control member is an integral structure, and the first and second identification features are identification members assembled on the control member.

15. The easily identifiable mating tool attachment of claim 14, wherein, The first and second identification features are clamped on the top surface of the control member.

16. The easily identifiable mating tool attachment of claim 11 or 12 or 13, wherein, The control member is assembled by a first member having the first identification feature and a second member having the second identification feature.

17. The easily identifiable mating tool attachment of claim 16, wherein, The first and second members are clamped to form the control member.

18. The easily identifiable mating tool attachment of claim 17, wherein, The first and second members are separately provided with a receiving portion and an outer step on the first and second members, and the outer step extends into the receiving portion to make the outer surface of the first and second members flat after clamping and connecting.

19. The easily identifiable mating tool attachment of claim 11 or 12 or 13, wherein, The first and second identification features are both visual features attached to the surface of the control member.

20. The easily identifiable mating tool attachment of claim 11 or 12 or 13, wherein, The first and second identification features are both visual features embedded in the control member and exposed on the surface of the control member.

Citation Information

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