Air flow-producing device, such as a vacuum cleaner or a blower

• US 20050055795A1
• Filed: 07/23/2004
• Published: 03/17/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 07/25/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation (Techtronic Industries Company Limited)
• Original Assignee: Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation (Techtronic Industries Company Limited)
• Inventors: Zick, Jonathan A., Bublitz, Scott D., Selby, David A., Ottens-Rendon, Melissa A., Zeiler, Jeffrey M.
• Granted Patent: US 7,712,182 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 15/353
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 5/14 cleaning by blowing-off, also combined with suction cleaning
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 5/22 with rotary fans
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 5/36 Suction cleaners with hose between nozzle and casing; Suction cleaners for fixing on staircases; Suction cleaners for carrying on the back
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 7/0085 adapted for special purposes not related to cleaning
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/0027 specially adapted for holding the suction cleaning tools
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/0036 specially adapted for holding the suction hose
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/009 Carrying-vehicles; Arrangements of trollies or wheels; Means for avoiding mechanical obstacles
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/22 Mountings for motor fan assemblies
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/2857 User input or output elements for control, e.g. buttons, switches or displays
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/2884 Details of arrangements of batteries or their installation
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/2894 Details related to signal transmission in suction cleaners
• CPC Class Codes: A47L 9/327 for suction cleaners with hose between nozzle and casing
• CPC Class Codes: F04D 25/02 Units comprising pumps and their driving means
• CPC Class Codes: F04D 25/06 the pump being electrically driven F04D25/08 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: F04D 25/0673 Battery powered
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/204 Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/244 Secondary casings; Racks; Suspension devices; Carrying devices; Holders characterised by their mounting method
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/247 specially adapted for portable devices, e.g. mobile phones, computers, hand tools or pacemakers
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/269 Mechanical means for varying the arrangement of batteries or cells for different uses, e.g. for changing the number of batteries or for switching between series and parallel wiring methods or arrangements for servicing or maintenance H01M6/50, H01M10/42
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/271 Lids or covers for the racks or secondary casings
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/284 : with incorporated circuit boards, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB]
• CPC Class Codes: H01M 50/296 : characterised by terminals of battery packs terminals of batteries H01M50/543
• CPC Class Codes: Y02E 60/10 : Energy storage using batteries

Abstract

Electrical components and vacuums. In some aspects, the invention provides an electrical component including a housing defining a passageway, a motor supported by the housing, the motor being selectively electrically connectable with a power source, a fan connected to the motor and operable to generate an airflow through the passageway, an electrical circuit supported by the housing, the electrical circuit being selectively electrically connectable with the power source, and a power-tool battery electrically connectable with the electrical circuit such that power is selectively transferred between the battery and the electrical circuit, the battery being connectable to the housing. In some aspects, the invention provides a vacuum.

Claims

1. An electrical component comprising:

a housing defining a passageway, the housing including a support portion having a housing projection and a housing groove;

a motor supported by the housing, the motor being selectively electrically connectable with a power source;

a fan connected to the motor and operable to generate an airflow through the passageway;

an electrical circuit supported by the housing, the electrical circuit being selectively electrically connectable with the power source; and

a power-tool battery electrically connectable with the electrical circuit such that power is selectively transferred between the battery and the electrical circuit, the battery including a battery support portion having a battery projection and a battery groove, the battery projection being engageable with the housing groove, and the housing projection being engageable with the battery groove to connect the battery to the housing.

2. The electrical component of claim 1, wherein the electrical circuit selectively electrically connects the motor and the power source.

3. The electrical component of claim 1, wherein the electrical circuit selectively electrically connects the motor and the power-tool battery.

4. The electrical component of claim 1, further comprising a charging circuit supported by the housing, wherein the charging circuit is selectively electrically connectable with the power source, and wherein the charging circuit is operable to selectively electrical connect the power-tool battery and the power source to charge the power-tool battery.

5. The electrical component of claim 1, wherein the housing also defines an opening, wherein the electrical component further comprises a container assembly having at least a first portion in fluid communication with the passageway, the container assembly having at least a second portion in fluid communication with the opening, wherein the fan is operable to generate an air flow through the passageway and into the first portion of the container assembly, and wherein, during operation of the fan generating the air flow, first debris is carried by the air flow through the passageway and into the first portion of the container assembly and second debris insertable through the opening into the second portion of the container assembly without substantially effecting the air flow.

6. The electrical component of claim 1, further comprising:

a second power-tool battery selectively electrically connectable with the electrical circuit such that power is selectively transferred between the second power-tool battery and the electrical circuit; and

a controller selectively electrically connectable with the electrical circuit, the first power-tool battery, and the second power-tool battery, the controller being operable to electrically connect at least one of the first power tool battery and the second power tool battery to the electrical circuit.

7. The electrical component of claim 6, wherein the controller is operable to monitor a charge level of the first power tool battery and of the second power tool battery and selectively electrically connect one of the first power tool battery and the second power tool battery to the electrical circuit in response to the charge level of the first power tool battery and of the second power tool battery.

8. The electrical component of claim 1, further comprising:

a hose connected to the housing, the hose being in fluid communication with the passageway such that the airflow passes through the hose, the hose being manipulatable by a user; and

a remote control supported on the hose, the remote control being operable by the user to selectively electrically connect the motor and the power source to selectively activate the fan.

9. The electrical component of claim 1, further comprising:

a door at least partially positionable in the passageway, the door being movable to effect the airflow through the passageway; and

a controller operably connected with the motor and the door, the controller being operable to allow movement of the door when the motor operates at a first speed.

10. The electrical component of claim 9, wherein the door is movable between a blocking position, in which the door limits air flow through the passageway, and an unblocking position, wherein the door is in the blocking position during an operating speed of the motor less than about the first speed, and wherein the door moves to the unblocking position during an operating speed of the motor of at least about the first speed.

11. The electrical component of claim 1, wherein the motor is a first motor selectively electrically connectable with a first power source, the electrical component further comprising a second motor different than the first motor, the second motor being supported by the housing and selectively electrically connectable with a second power source different from the first power source.

12. The electrical component of claim 1, wherein the electrical component includes a vacuum cleaner.

13. An electrical component comprising:

a housing defining a passageway;

a motor supported by the housing, the motor being selectively electrically connectable with a power source;

a fan connected to the motor and operable to generate an airflow through the passageway;

a hose connected to the housing, the hose being in fluid communication with the passageway such that the airflow passes through the hose, the hose being manipulatable by a user;

a battery connected to the housing, the battery being electrically connectable with the motor such that power is selectively transferred between the battery and the motor; and

a remote control supported on the hose, the remote control being operable by the user to selectively operate the motor.

14. The electrical component of claim 13, further comprising a handle connected to the housing.

15. The electrical component of claim 13, wherein the housing includes a support portion having a housing projection and a housing groove, wherein the battery includes a battery support portion having a battery projection and a battery groove, the battery projection being engageable with the housing groove, and the housing projection being engageable with the battery groove to connect the battery to the housing.

16. The electrical component of claim 13, wherein the battery includes a power-tool battery.

17. The electrical component of claim 13, further comprising a controller being operable to selectively electrically connect the motor with at least one of the power source and the battery.

18. The electrical component of claim 17, wherein the remote control is connected with the controller via a wired connection.

19. The electrical component of claim 17, wherein the remote control is connected with the controller via a wireless connection.

20. The electrical component of claim 17, wherein the motor is operable at a first speed and at a second speed, the controller selectively controlling the motor to operate at one of the first speed and the second speed, and wherein the remote control is operable between a first condition to operate the motor at the first speed and a second condition to operate the motor at the second speed.

21. The electrical component of claim 20, wherein the second speed is greater than the first speed.

22. The electrical component of claim 21, wherein the remote control is operable in a third condition in which the motor is not operated.

23. The electrical component of claim 20, wherein the remote control includes an actuator movable between a first position corresponding to the first condition of the remote control and a second position corresponding to the second condition of the remote control.

24. The electrical component of claim 13, wherein the electrical component includes a vacuum cleaner.

25. An electrical component comprising:

a housing assembly defining a passageway, the housing assembly also defining a receptacle;

a motor supported by the housing assembly, the motor being selectively electrically connectable with a power source;

a fan connected to the motor and operable to generate an airflow through the passageway;

an electrical circuit supported by the housing, a battery being supportable in the receptacle and connectable to the electrical circuit; and

a biasing member operable to bias the battery out of the receptacle.

26. The electrical component of claim 25, wherein the electrical circuit is a charging circuit electrically connectable to the battery and to a power source, and operable to charge the battery.

27. The electrical component of claim 25, wherein the receptacle has an open end.

28. The electrical component of claim 27, wherein the housing assembly includes a cover selectively closing the open end of the receptacle.

29. The electrical component of claim 28, wherein the cover includes a second biasing member, the second biasing member biasing the battery into the receptacle.

30. The electrical component of claim 25, wherein the battery is a power tool battery operable to power a power tool, the electrical circuit being electrically connectable to the power tool battery.

31. The electrical component of claim 30, wherein the battery is a slide-on power tool battery, and wherein the housing assembly includes a support portion, the support portion selectively supporting the slide-on power tool battery.

32. The electrical component of claim 31, wherein one of the slide-on power tool battery and the support portion include a projection, the other of the slide-on power tool battery and the support portion defining a recess, the projection being engageable in the recess to support the slide-on power tool battery on the support portion.

33. The electrical component of claim 30, wherein the battery is a tower power tool battery, and wherein the housing assembly defines an opening, the opening selectively supporting the tower power tool battery.

34. The electrical component of claim 33, wherein the tower power tool battery includes a battery insertion portion, the battery insertion portion being engageable in the opening of the housing assembly to support the tower power tool battery on the housing.

35. The electrical component of claim 25, wherein the receptacle has an open end and a closed end, the biasing member being supportable on the closed end of the receptacle.

36. The electrical component of claim 35, wherein the biasing member is a spring.

37. The electrical component of claim 25, further comprising an electrical connector assembly for connecting the battery to the electrical circuit, the electrical connector assembly being supported in the receptacle.

38. The electrical component of claim 37, wherein the receptacle has an open end, wherein the electrical connector assembly includes a support portion for supporting the battery, the support portion being movable relative to the housing assembly, and wherein the biasing member biases the support portion toward the open end of the receptacle to bias the battery toward the open end of the receptacle.

39. The electrical component of claim 25, further comprising a locking assembly operable to lock the battery in a position relative to the housing assembly.

40. The electrical component of claim 39, wherein the receptacle has an open end, and wherein the locking assembly includes a cover supported by the housing, the cover selectively closing the open end of the receptacle to lock the battery in the receptacle.

41. The electrical component of claim 39, further comprising an electrical connector assembly for electrically connecting the battery to the electrical circuit, wherein the locking assembly locks the battery to the electrical connector assembly.

42. The electrical component of claim 25, further comprising:

an electrical connector assembly for electrically connecting the battery to the electrical circuit, and

a locking assembly operable to lock the battery in a position relative to the housing assembly, the locking assembly locking the electrical connector to the housing assembly.

43. The electrical component of claim 42, wherein the locking assembly includes a locking projection on one of the electrical connector assembly and the housing assembly and a recess defined by the other of the electrical connector assembly and the housing assembly, the locking projection being movable between a locked position, in which the projection engages the recess to lock the electrical connector assembly in a position relative to the housing assembly, and an unlocked position, in which the electrical connector assembly is movable relative to the housing assembly.

44. The electrical component of claim 43, wherein the locking assembly includes an actuator operable to control movement of the locking projection between the locked position and the unlocked position.

45. The electrical component of claim 25, wherein the electrical component includes a vacuum cleaner.

46. An electrical component comprising:

a housing assembly defining a passageway;

a motor supported by the housing assembly, the motor being selectively electrically connectable with a power source;

a fan connected to the motor and operable to generate an airflow through the passageway;

an electrical circuit supported by the housing assembly; and

a connector assembly for supporting a battery and for connecting the battery to the electrical circuit, the connector assembly being movably supported by the housing assembly.

47. The electrical component of claim 46, wherein the electrical circuit is a charging circuit electrically connectable to the battery and to a power source and operable to charge the battery.

48. The electrical component of claim 46, wherein the housing assembly also defines a receptacle, and wherein the battery is supportable in the receptacle.

49. The electrical component of claim 48, wherein the receptacle has an open end, and wherein the electrical component further comprises a biasing member to bias the battery toward the open end of the receptacle.

50. The electrical component of claim 49, wherein the biasing member is supported between the housing assembly and the connector assembly to bias the connector assembly toward the open end of the receptacle.

51. The electrical component of claim 49, wherein the receptacle has an open end and a closed end, the biasing member being supportable on the closed end of the receptacle.

52. The electrical component of claim 51, wherein the biasing member is a spring.

53. The electrical component of claim 48, wherein the battery is one of a first battery having a first dimension and a second battery having a second dimension, the first dimension being different than the second dimension, and wherein the receptacle selectively receives one of the first battery and the second battery.

54. The electrical component of claim 53, wherein the receptacle accommodates only one of the first battery and second battery at a time.

55. The electrical component of claim 54, wherein the receptacle has an open end and a closed end, the receptacle defining an axis of insertion extending between the open end of the receptacle and the closed end of the receptacle, wherein the battery is one of a first battery having a first dimension and a second battery having a second dimension, the first dimension and the second dimension being measured generally along the axis of insertion.

56. The electrical component of claim 55, wherein the battery includes a battery terminal, and wherein the connector assembly includes a connector terminal connected to the electrical circuit, the battery terminal being connectable to the connector terminal, the battery terminal and the connector terminal being supportable in the receptacle.

57. The electrical component of claim 48, wherein the receptacle has an open end, and wherein the housing assembly includes a cover selectively closing the open end of the receptacle.

58. The electrical component of claim 46, wherein the connector assembly includes a support portion, the battery being supportable on the support portion, the support portion being movable relative to the housing assembly.

59. The electrical component of claim 58, wherein one of the battery and the support portion includes a projection and the other of the battery and the support portion defines a recess, the projection being engageable in the recess to support the battery on the connector assembly.

60. The electrical component of claim 46, wherein the battery includes a battery terminal, and wherein the connector assembly includes a connector terminal connected to the electrical circuit, the connector terminal being movable relative to the housing assembly, the battery terminal being connectable to the connector terminal to connect the battery to the electrical circuit.

61. The electrical component of claim 46, wherein the battery includes a battery terminal, and wherein the connector assembly includes a support portion for supporting the battery and a connector terminal connected to the electrical circuit, the support member and the connector terminal being movable relative to the housing, the battery terminal being connected to the terminal to connect the battery to the electrical circuit.

62. The electrical component of claim 46, further comprising a locking assembly operable to lock the battery in a position relative to the housing assembly.

63. The electrical component of claim 62, wherein the housing assembly defines a receptacle having an open end, the battery being supportable in the receptacle, and wherein the locking assembly includes a cover supported by the housing assembly, the cover closing the open end of the receptacle to lock the battery to the housing assembly.

64. The electrical component of claim 62, wherein the locking assembly includes a locking projection on one of the connector assembly and the housing assembly and a recess defined by the other of the connector assembly and the housing assembly, the locking projection being movable between a locked position, in which the projection engages the recess to lock the connector assembly in a position relative to the housing assembly, and an unlocked position, in which the connector assembly is movable relative to the housing assembly.

65. The electrical component of claim 64, wherein the locking assembly includes an actuator operable to control movement of the locking projection between the locked position and the unlocked position.

66. The electrical component of claim 64, wherein the locking assembly includes a biasing member biasing the locking projection toward the locked position.

67. The electrical component of claim 66, wherein the locking assembly includes an actuator operable to control movement of the locking projection between the locked position and the unlocked position, and wherein the biasing member biases the actuator to a position corresponding to the locked position of the locking projection to bias the locking projection to the locked position.

68. The electrical component of claim 46, wherein the electrical component includes a vacuum cleaner.

69. An electrical component comprising:

a housing assembly defining a passageway;

a motor supported by the housing assembly, the motor being selectively electrically connectable with a power source;

a fan connected to the motor and operable to generate an airflow through the passageway;

a blow-molded base connected to the housing assembly; and

a handle connected to at least one of the housing assembly and the base, the handle having an upper portion positioned above the housing assembly and a side portion positioned to one side of the housing assembly, the handle being configured to absorb impacts to the housing assembly.

70. An electrical component comprising:

a housing assembly defining a passageway and a receptacle having an open end, the housing assembly including a cover selectively closing the open end of the receptacle;

a motor supported by the housing assembly, the motor being selectively electrically connectable with a power source;

a fan connected to the motor and operable to generate an airflow through the passageway; and

an electrical circuit supported by the housing assembly, a first battery being supportable in the receptacle and connectable to the electrical circuit, the first battery having a first dimension, a second battery being supportable in the receptacle and connectable to the electrical circuit, the second battery having a second dimension, the first dimension being different than the second dimension, the receptacle selectively receiving one of the first battery and the second battery.

71. An electrical combination comprising:

an electrical component including

a component housing assembly defining a passageway, the component housing including a component connector,

a motor supported by the component housing assembly, the motor being selectively electrically connectable with a power source,

a fan connected to the motor and operable to generate an airflow through the passageway, and

an electrical circuit supported by the component housing assembly; and

a battery charger including

a charger housing including a charger connector, the charger connector being connectable with the component connector to removably connect the charger housing to the component housing, and

a charging circuit connectable to a battery and to a power source and operable to charge the battery.

72. An electrical component comprising:

a housing assembly defining a passageway, the housing assembly also defining a vent;

a motor supported by the housing assembly, the motor being selectively electrically connectable with a power source;

a fan connected to the motor and operable to generate an airflow through the passageway;

an electrical circuit supported by the housing and electrically connectable to at least one of a power source and to a battery;

wherein the vent releases heated air from the housing assembly and impedes entry of contaminants into the housing, the vent causing the heated air to turn downwardly through the vent before being released from the housing assembly.

73. The electrical combination of claim 72, further comprising a drain defined by the housing assembly, the drain releasing contaminants from the housing assembly.

74. The electrical component of claim 73, wherein the housing assembly includes an interior bottom wall defining the drain and interior side walls, and wherein the electrical circuit is suspended in the housing assembly out of contact with the interior bottom wall and the interior side walls.

75. The electrical component of claim 72, wherein the vent includes

a first protrusion extending into the housing, and

a second protrusion extending into the housing;

wherein a vent passageway is defined between the first and second protrusions, and wherein at least one of the first protrusion and the second protrusion has a stepped shape including a center portion, an outer lip portion extending downwardly from the center portion and an inner lip portion extending upwardly from the center portion.

76. The electrical component of claim 72, wherein the vent is a first vent, and wherein the electrical component further comprises a second vent defined by the housing assembly at a lower elevation relative to the first vent, the second vent allowing unheated air to enter the housing assembly.

77. The electrical component of claim 76, wherein the first vent and the second vent are positioned relative to the electrical circuit to convect air around the electrical circuit.

78. The electrical component of claim 73, wherein the drain is a first drain, and wherein the housing assembly includes

an interior housing assembly wall having the first drain defined therein, and

an exterior housing assembly wall having a second drain defined therein;

the second drain being fluidly connected with the first drain.

79. The electrical component of claim 78, wherein the second drain is offset from the first drain.

80. The electrical component of claim 72, further comprising a circuit board providing the electrical circuit, the circuit board being made of a flame-retardant plastic material.

81. An electrical component comprising:

a housing defining a passageway;

a motor supported by the housing, the motor being selectively electrically connectable with a power source, the motor being operable at a first speed and at a second speed;

a fan connected to the motor and operable to generate an airflow through the passageway;

a hose connected to the housing, the hose being in fluid communication with the passageway such that the airflow passes through the hose, the hose being manipulatable by a user;

a battery connected to the housing, the battery being electrically connectable with the motor such that power is selectively transferred between the battery and the motor;

a controller operable to selectively electrically connect the motor with at least one of the power source and the battery, the controller selectively controlling the motor to operate at one of the first speed and the second speed; and

a remote control supported on the hose, the remote control being operable by the user to selectively operate the motor, the remote control being operable between a first condition to operate the motor at the first speed and a second condition to operate the motor at the second speed.

82. The electrical component of claim 81, wherein the housing includes a support portion having a housing projection and a housing groove, wherein the battery includes a battery support portion having a battery projection and a battery groove, the battery projection being engageable with the housing groove, and the housing projection being engageable with the battery groove to connect the battery to the housing.

83. The electrical component of claim 81, wherein the battery includes a power-tool battery.

84. The electrical component of claim 81, wherein the remote control is connected with the controller via a wired connection.

85. The electrical component of claim 81, wherein the remote control is connected with the controller via a wireless connection.

86. The electrical component of claim 81, wherein the remote control is operable in a third condition in which the motor is not operated.

87. The electrical component of claim 81, wherein the remote control includes an actuator movable between a first position corresponding to the first condition of the remote control and a second position corresponding to the second condition of the remote control.

88. The electrical component of claim 81, wherein the electrical component includes a vacuum cleaner.

89. The electrical component of claim 81, wherein the second speed is greater than the first speed.

90. A vacuum comprising:

a housing defining a passageway and an opening;

a container assembly having at least a first portion in fluid communication with the passageway, the container assembly having at least a second portion in fluid communication with the opening;

a motor supported by the housing, the motor being selectively electrically connectable with a power source;

a fan connected to the motor and operable to generate an air flow through the passageway and into the first portion of the container assembly;

wherein, during operation of the fan generating the air flow, first debris is carried by the air flow through the passageway and into the first portion of the container assembly and second debris insertable through the opening into the second portion of the container assembly without substantially effecting the air flow.

91. The vacuum of claim 90, wherein the first portion of the container assembly is in fluid communication with the second portion of the container assembly.

92. The vacuum of claim 90, wherein the passageway is in fluid communication with the first portion of the container assembly and the second portion of the container assembly.

93. The vacuum of claim 90, wherein the opening is in fluid communication with the first portion of the container assembly and the second portion of the container assembly.

94. The vacuum of claim 90, wherein the first portion of the container assembly and the second portion of the container assembly are the same portion of the container assembly.

95. The vacuum of claim 90, wherein the housing includes a debris receptacle movable between a receiving position, in which debris is received into the receptacle, and an insertion position, in which debris in the receptacle is inserted into the second portion of the container assembly.

96. The vacuum of claim 95, wherein the debris receptacle is slidable between the receiving position and the insertion position.

97. The vacuum of claim 95, wherein the housing includes a seal assembly cooperating with the debris receptacle to maintain the air flow.

98. The vacuum of claim 90, wherein the container assembly includes an outer wall defining the first portion of the container assembly and the second portion of the container assembly and a container wall fluidly separating the first portion of the container assembly from the second portion of the container assembly.

99. The vacuum of claim 98, wherein the housing includes a door selectively covering the opening.

100. The vacuum of claim 90, wherein the passageway is not in fluid communication with the second portion of the container assembly.

101. The vacuum of claim 90, wherein the opening is not in fluid communication with the first portion of the container assembly.