U.S. patent application number 12/591516 was filed with the patent office on 2011-05-26 for auxiliary vacuum device for a central vacuum cleaning system.
Invention is credited to Sylvain David, Francois Gelinas, Amiel Lapalme, Christian Marcil, Urs Widmer.
Application Number | 20110119860 12/591516 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44060962 |
Filed Date | 2011-05-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110119860 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Marcil; Christian ; et
al. |
May 26, 2011 |
Auxiliary vacuum device for a central vacuum cleaning system
Abstract
An auxiliary vacuum device for a central vacuum cleaning system
is location specific and comprises housing mountable externally on
an inlet of a mounting plate of the system, a dedicated flexible
concertina hose is provided on the device and a cleaning tool
mounting probe is registrable with a docking station. When the
probe is removed from the docking station, a lever may be moved in
first and second directions to selectively activate and deactivate
the motor of the central vacuum cleaning system and the device.
When the probe is parked in the docking station the probe moves the
lever in one of the directions and holds the lever in a deactivated
configuration, thus deactivating the motor and the device and
preventing activation thereof.
Inventors: |
Marcil; Christian;
(Vaudreuil-Dorion, CA) ; Widmer; Urs;
(St-Chrysostome, CA) ; Lapalme; Amiel; (Laval,
CA) ; David; Sylvain; (Saint-Joseph du-lac, CA)
; Gelinas; Francois; (Lachenaie, CA) |
Family ID: |
44060962 |
Appl. No.: |
12/591516 |
Filed: |
November 23, 2009 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
15/314 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47L 5/38 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
15/314 |
International
Class: |
A47L 5/38 20060101
A47L005/38 |
Claims
1. An auxiliary vacuum device for a central vacuum cleaning system
for premises defining areas of occupancy, said system including an
electrically powered vacuum generating unit, a system network of
piping extending throughout the premises and terminating in at
least one inlet formed in one of the walls defining at least some
of the areas of occupancy, the device comprising a housing adapted
for installation externally of the wall at a mounting plate of the
system network, the mounting plate disposed on the wall with the
inlet extending through the mounting plate, the housing being
provided with a port for communication with said inlet, a connector
exterior to the housing, a pipe extending within the housing from
said port to said connector, a flexible hose connected to said port
and extending externally from the housing, a cleaning tool mounting
probe provided on the hose distal the connector, a docking station
on housing for parking of the probe therein and extending
proximally alongside a proximal side of housing, and a switch
mechanism having a pivotally mounted lever extending within the
housing and outside of the housing into the docking station, said
lever being pivotable, when said probe is disengaged from said
docking station, in a first direction into a activated position
therefor to place said switch mechanism in an activated
configuration in which the electrically powered vacuum generating
unit is activated and generates a vacuum to enable vacuuming, and
in a generally opposed second direction into a deactivated position
therefor to place said switch mechanism in a deactivated
configuration in which the electrically powered vacuum generating
unit is deactivated, said probe moving said lever in said second
direction to place said switch mechanism into said deactivated
configuration when said probe is parked in said docking station and
holding said switch mechanism in said deactivated configuration
when parked in said docking station.
2. The device of claim 1, wherein said lever is pivotally mounted
in axial alignment with said docking station, said lever having an
exterior lever arm extending on the outside of the housing into
said docking station and a generally longitudinally opposed
interior lever arm extending within the housing.
3. The device of claim 2, wherein the switch mechanism further
comprises first and second electrical terminals connected by wires
to an electrical power supply and to said electrically powered
vacuum generating unit, said lever enabling electrical connection
between said terminals and flow of electricity to electrically
powered vacuum generating unit when said lever is in said activated
position for said activated configuration and disabling said
electrical connection when said lever is in said deactivated
position for said deactivated configuration.
4. The device of claim 3, further comprising an electrically
conductive torsion spring mounted in said housing, said torsion
spring having first and second spring arms, said first spring arm
connected to said first electrical terminal and said second spring
arm connected to said lever at said interior lever arm, said second
spring arm being resiliently movable in said first direction by
pivoting of said exterior lever arm in said first direction to
enable said electrical connection with said second terminal, the
lever being placed thereby in said activated position and said
switch mechanism in said activated configuration, and in said
second direction by pivoting of said exterior lever arm to disable
said electrical connection for said deactivated configuration, the
lever being placed thereby in said deactivated position and said
switch mechanism in said deactivated configuration.
5. The device of claim 4, further comprising an electrically
conductive contact arm mounted in said housing and connected to
said second terminal, said second spring arm being movable by
pivoting of said exterior lever arm in said first direction into
contact with said contact arm when said lever is placed in said
activated position, thereby enabling said electrical connection for
said activated configuration, and in said second direction to move
said second spring arm away from said contact arm by pivoting of
said exterior lever arm in said second direction when said lever in
placed in said deactivated position, thereby disabling said
electrical connection for said deactivated configuration.
6. The device of claim 5, further comprising spaced apart first and
second metal bracket plates mounted in the housing, said first
bracket plate mounted distal said contact arm and said second
bracket plate mounted proximal said contact arm, and an arm magnet
mounted on said interior lever arm between said plates, said arm
magnet contacting said first bracket plate when said switch
mechanism is in said deactivated configuration and maintaining by
magnetic force said switch mechanism in said deactivated
configuration with said lever in said deactivated position, and
contacting said second bracket plate when said switch mechanism is
in said activated configuration and maintaining by magnetic force
said switch in said activated configuration with said lever in said
activated position.
7. The device of claim 2, wherein said docking station comprises a
docking station wall extending alongside said proximal side, said
exterior lever arm being moved generally clockwise away from said
docking station wall when said lever is moved in said first
direction and generally clockwise towards said docking station wall
when said lever is moved in said second direction.
8. The device of claim 7, wherein said exterior arm lever is
generally in planar registration with said docking station wall
when said lever is in said deactivated position.
9. The device of claim 8, wherein said docking station comprises a
receptacle for releasable and sealing insertion of a probe end of
said probe therein when said probe is parked in said docking
station, said receptacle being disposed within said housing with
said docking station wall extending downwardly and in back of said
receptacle.
10. The device of claim 9, wherein said receptacle comprises a
socket, a socket cap plug, a socket cap, and a resilient biasing
element, said socket receiving said probe end and said resilient
biasing element resiliently biasing said socket cap onto said probe
end when inserted into said socket to provide sealing connection
therewith when said probe is parked in said docking station.
11. The device of claim 7, wherein said probe is sized and shaped
to abut against said docking station wall when parked in said
docking station, said probe pushing said exterior lever arm in said
second direction into said deactivated position, thereby placing
said switch mechanism into said deactivated configuration, when
said probe is parked in said docking station and abutting against
said exterior lever arm and holding said lever in said deactivated
position, said probe thereby holding said switch mechanism in said
deactivated configuration while parked in said docking station.
12. The device of claim 8, wherein said probe has a probe flange
extending at least partially therearound and said docking station
wall has a ledge extending thereacross, said ledge and said probe
flange being positioned for resting of the probe flange on said
ledge when said probe is seated in said docking station with said
probe end inserted in said receptacle.
13. The device of claim 12, wherein said probe flange comprises a
metal member and said docking station comprises a docking station
magnet disposed adjacent said ledge, said docking station magnet
being positioned generally across from said metal member when said
probe flange rests on said ledge and thereby magnetically retaining
said probe parked in said docking station with said probe flange
resting on said ledge.
14. The device of claim 10, wherein said plug is constructed of a
resilient foam.
15. The device of claim 10, wherein said resilient biasing element
comprises a resilient plug spring.
16. The device of claim 10, wherein said resilient biasing element
comprises a resilient foam member.
17. The device of claim 10, wherein said receptacle further
comprises a receptacle cover rigidly connected to said socket, said
resilient biasing element being disposed between said socket cap
and said receptacle cover.
18. The device of claim 10, wherein said socket is rigidly mounted
in said housing by rigid connection to said front cover.
19. The device of claim 1, further comprising a cleaning tool
chamber formed in said housing for storage of at least one cleaning
tool in said chamber, said cleaning tool being attachable to said
probe.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates in general to a central vacuum
cleaning system and more particularly to an auxiliary device for
attachment to the central vacuum cleaning system.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Central vacuum cleaning systems are well known and are to be
found in domestic and commercial premises to provide a centralized
cleaning regime based on the vacuum cleaner principle to minimize
the carriage of conventional equipment from place to place.
Naturally, there are available small portable vacuum cleaners
operable independently of the central vacuum system, which may
easily be transported manually from location to location within
domestic or commercial premises, but generally their power is
restricted by the need to afford portability.
[0003] It is normal in a central vacuum cleaning system, for
example as deployed in a condominium, to site a few strategically
placed connection stations, coupled in a circuit to a central
vacuum generating unit, and to provide a flexible hose of not
inconsiderable length for registration with one station enabling
cleaning of a number of rooms and areas to be achieved with that
one length of hose. The length of the hose makes laborious the task
of vacuuming in view of the need to carry such an unwieldy and
relatively heavy mass of hose between stations.
[0004] Various proposals to alleviate this problem have been made.
For example, US Patent Application Publication No. US 2007/0256269
to Pagni discloses a location specific unit integral with the
fabric of the building in which it is to be employed, namely within
the wall structure. However, this proposal merely provides a vacuum
system for each cleaning area, rather than a central vacuum system
with a number of outlets throughout the building.
[0005] Another example of prior art is to be found in US Patent
Application Publication No. US 2008/0092323 to Smith et al who
describe a central vacuum cleaning system as such with wall valves
in the various rooms of a building structure and one cabinet
housing cleaning tools including a flexible hose connected into the
central system through a wall valve within the cabinet, which again
is mounted within a stud wall.
[0006] There are other systems which provide for a similar
arrangement as in the Smith et al proposal but with a free-standing
cabinet, for example in a kitchen, housing an appropriate suction
tool on a hose connected permanently to an inlet of the central
vacuum cleaning system. Removal of the tool from a specially
designed docking station, incorporating a switching arrangement,
activates the vacuuming mode with replacement of the tool causing
deactivation. A disadvantage of such a system is it always requires
the opening of a cabinet door before reaching the cleaning tool,
and the door remains open during operation of the system, which
might be highly cumbersome.
[0007] An auxiliary vacuum device which at least partially
addresses some of the aforementioned shortcomings is taught by U.S.
Pat. No. 7,594,295 issued to the Applicants on Sep. 29, 2009. This
reference teaches an auxiliary vacuum device mountable externally
of the structure of the building in which the system is installed
on an inlet mounting plate the same type used to install a
conventional inlet valve. Further, the auxiliary vacuum device
incorporates a manageable length of flexible hose permanently
associated with the system and has a tapered sealing component
(docking station and probe) capable of receiving most cleaning
accessories for different cleaning tasks. Thus, the auxiliary
vacuum device is location specific and may be readily adapted to
different cleaning tasks. Additionally, the switching mechanism of
the auxiliary vacuum device is so designed as to avoid startup and
automatically shut down the device if the probe is installed in the
docking station when the probe of the auxiliary vacuum device is
docked/sealed, thus protecting the central vacuum cleaning system
motor from harmful overloading and allowing other inlet stations to
be used in the central vacuum cleaning system. An independent
on/off switch for local operation and safety purposes allows a
user, when the probe is removed from docking station the operator
must manually press the on/off button to allow central vacuum
cleaning system to start. Should the operator have to stop the
central vacuum cleaning system for any reason he can do so by
simply repressing the on/off button. Unfortunately, the switch
mechanism enabling the on/off functionality for the probe and
docking station and the separate on/off switch is unnecessarily
complex and cumbersome in that it requires a substantial number of
cams, guide arms, stub shafts, and the like to provide the
aforementioned functionality.
[0008] Accordingly, there is a need for an improved auxiliary
vacuum device for use with a central vacuum cleaning system and
having a simplified switching mechanism for activating and
deactivating the device.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is therefore a general object of the present invention to
provide an auxiliary vacuum device for use with a central vacuum
cleaning system and having a simplified switching mechanism for
activating and deactivating the device.
[0010] An advantage of the present invention is that the switching
mechanism for deactivating and activating the device is of simple
construction and design.
[0011] A further advantage of the present invention is that the
switching mechanism uses a single lever or switch for ensuring both
automatic deactivation of the device when the probe is installed in
the docking station and enabling activation of the device when the
probe is removed from the docking station.
[0012] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that the
switching mechanism is designed such that, when the probe is
removed from the docking station, accidental activation of the
device is discouraged.
[0013] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided
an auxiliary vacuum device for a central vacuum cleaning system for
premises defining areas of occupancy, the system including an
electrically powered vacuum generating unit, a system network of
piping extending throughout the premises and terminating in at
least one inlet formed in one of the walls defining at least some
of the areas of occupancy, the device comprising a housing adapted
for installation externally of the wall at a mounting plate of the
system network, the mounting plate disposed on the wall with the
inlet extending through the mounting plate, the housing being
provided with a port for communication with the inlet, a connector
exterior to the housing, a pipe extending within the housing from
the port to the connector, a flexible hose connected to the port
and extending externally from the housing, a cleaning tool mounting
probe provided on the hose distal the connector a docking station
for parking of the probe therein and extending adjacently alongside
a proximal side of the housing, and a switch mechanism having a
pivotally mounted lever extending within the housing and outside of
the housing into the docking station, the lever being pivotable,
when the probe is disengaged from the docking station, in a first
direction into a activated position therefor to place the switch
mechanism in an activated configuration in which the device is
activated and in a generally opposed second direction into a
deactivated position therefor to place the switch mechanism in a
deactivated configuration in which the device is deactivated, the
probe moving the lever in the second direction to place the switch
mechanism into the deactivated configuration when the probe is
parked in the docking station and holding the switch mechanism in
the deactivated configuration when parked in the docking
station.
[0014] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent from a careful reading of the detailed description
provided herein, with appropriate reference to the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will
become better understood with reference to the description in
association with the following Figures, in which similar references
used in different Figures denote similar components, wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of an auxiliary vacuum device in
accordance with an embodiment of the present invention showing the
device aligned for external mounting to an inlet mounting plate of
a central vacuum cleaning system;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a partial exploded view of the interior of the
device;
[0018] FIG. 3 is an enlarged partial perspective view of the
switching mechanism and receptacle for the device; and
[0019] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of an auxiliary vacuum device in
accordance with a variant of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0020] With reference to the annexed drawings the preferred
embodiment of the present invention will be herein described for
indicative purpose and by no means as of limitation.
[0021] In FIG. 1, there is illustrated an auxiliary vacuum device,
shown generally as 1, which is mountable on a mounting plate 5.
Mounting plate 5 incorporates an inlet opening 2 of a central
vacuum cleaning system (not shown) which incorporates an
electrically powered vacuum generating unit, including a motor, for
generating a vacuum. The operation of vacuum generating unit is
controlled by the device 1 in the manner hereinafter defined.
Suitable low voltage electrical wires 3, 4, connected to an
electrical power supply and to the electrically powered vacuum
generating unit, are provided and protrude from a rear aperture 300
in the mounting plate 5 which is installed in or on a wall 6 of the
area of occupancy or premises in which the central vacuum cleaning
system is installed.
[0022] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, the device 1, includes
inter alia a housing, shown generally as 10, having a rear wall or
housing plate 56, a front cover 230, and a top cover 54. The rear
housing plate 56 generally extends proximal the mounting plate 5
when the device 10 is connected thereto. The top cover 54 and front
cover 230 are, preferably removably, connected to the housing plate
56, using means, for example screws, well known in the art.
[0023] The housing 10 is provided with a port 12 for registration
and flow communication with the inlet opening 2, typically provided
with a seal member 7 such as an O-ring or the like. Further, the
housing 10 encases a typically 90-degree elbow pipe 13 which
interconnects the port 12 with a connector 14 for a flexible
concertina hose 16, with a portion of the connector 14 extending
preferably externally of the housing 10. The length of the flexible
concertina hose 16 may be of the order of up to 1.5 metres
extensible to 6 metres, thus providing a local hose 16 of
manageable length for the location concerned. However, various
lengths and different types of hoses, for example extruded or
extruded electric hose with on/off switch, etc, may be deployed.
The hose 16 is removable from the device 1 by turning the connector
14 such that hose protrusion 116 may be passed through the
passageway of L-shaped notch 118 in housing 10. At the end of the
hose 16, distal from the connector 14, is a cleaning tool mounting
probe 18 for attachment of cleaning accessories or tools 200, such
as those shown for device 1' in FIG. 4, thereto. Preferably, the
probe 18 is of tapered conical shape and is sized such that most
typical cleaning tools 200 can be mounted or received thereon, thus
enabling use of the device 1 for different cleaning tasks.
[0024] Reference is now made to FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4. The housing 10
is further provided with a docking station, shown generally as 20
in which the probe 18 may be parked, for example releasably
inserted or seated. The docking station 20 extends downwardly out
of the interior of housing 10, proximal the top cover 54, and
generally alongside and parallel a proximal side 224 of the housing
10. In particular, the docking station 20 has a receptacle, shown
generally as 50, fixedly mounted within housing 10 at 202, and a
rear docking station wall 52, preferably formed on front cover 230,
extending on the exterior of the housing 10 from a rear portion of
the receptacle 50 towards the bottom 240. Thus, docking station
wall 52 preferably abuts the receptacle 50 and extends below the
receptacle 50 and in back thereof.
[0025] The receptacle 50, best illustrated in FIG. 3, provides for
sealing, yet removable insertion of the probe end 64 into the
receptacle 50. As shown, the receptacle 50 includes a receptacle
cover 208, a socket 204, and a socket cap 206 formed of a
resilient, and preferably partially rigid, foam. The socket 204 is,
preferably, fixedly and rigidly connected to housing 10, for
example formed in, bonded, or fixedly connected to interior of
front cover 230 at 202. Receptacle cover 208 covers socket 204 and
is, preferably removably, connected thereto, for example with
screws or the like. As shown, socket 204 is of tapered conical form
and is configured, notably sized and shaped, along with the probe
end 64 of probe 18, for removable insertion of probe 18, notably
probe end 64, therein. The socket cap 206 is disposed between
receptacle cover 208 and socket 204, with a resilient biasing
mechanism or element 117 disposed between the receptacle cover 208
and the socket cap 206. The resilient biasing element 117
resiliently biases the socket cap 206 downwards toward top socket
end 214 and enables upward and downward resilient vertical movement
of plug 206 as shown by arrows A while biasing the socket cap 206
onto top socket end 214. The socket cap 206 is sized and shaped to
securely and completely cover, preferably sealingly, the top socket
end 214 when seated thereon. At the same time, the socket cap 206
is of sufficient size that it cannot accidentally be passed
completely through top socket end 214, thus minimizing the risk
that the socket cap 206 may be accidentally removed or ejected from
the receptacle 50 by action of the vacuum from the probe 18.
[0026] When the probe end 64 is initially inserted into the
receptacle 50, the socket cap 206 may be biased upwardly by the
probe 18 and then be resiliently biased downwardly by the resilient
biasing element 117 to sealingly engage and cover the probe end 64,
thus providing sealing connection therewith. The sealing of the
probe end 64 in receptacle 50 advantageously prevents air from
being drawn through the probe end 64 in receptacle 50 in one device
1 while another apparatus not shown, connected to central vacuum
cleaning system is in use. It will be appreciated by one skilled in
the art that the resilient biasing element 117 could include any
material or mechanism that provides the required resiliency and
biasing towards the socket 204, for example a conventional
resilient spring. Alternatively, the resilient biasing element 117
could be a resilient foam member, made of a resilient memory foam
disposed between socket cap 206 and receptacle cover 208.
[0027] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, and 4, probe 18 also has a
probe flange 110 extending horizontally and circumferentially
around at least a portion thereof. Further, docking station 20 has
a ledge 112, best shown in FIG. 2, extending horizontally along the
rear docking station wall 52 proximal the bottom 240 of the docking
station 20 away from proximal side 224 towards the interior of the
housing 10. Preferably, the ledge 112 could be provided by a
depression or cavity 114 formed within the rear docking station
wall 52. Alternatively, the ledge 112 could be a flange protruding
outwardly from the rear docking station wall 52. The probe flange
110 and the ledge 112 are configured, for example positioned, sized
and shaped, such that when probe end 64 is inserted into receptacle
50, the probe flange 110 rests on the ledge 112, with the resilient
biasing element 117 biasing the socket cap 206 downwardly onto the
probe end 64 to ensure sealing connection therewith. The probe 18
may be removed from docking station 20 by pulling outwardly thereon
to disengage flange 110 from ledge 112 and allow the probe 18 to be
pulled outwardly and/or vertically downwardly. Preferably, the
flange 110 includes a metal member or strip 216 and the docking
station 20 has a docking station magnet 218 disposed on, within, or
behind rear docking station wall 52 adjacent or proximal the ledge
112. In particular, the docking station magnet 218 is preferably
positioned such that when the probe 18 is seated in the docking
station 20 with the probe flange 110 resting on the ledge 112, the
docking station magnet 218 is situated proximal to and preferably
directly across from, the metal strip 216 such that the docking
station magnet 218 may exert sufficient magnetic attraction on the
strip 216 to magnetically retain the probe 18 against the docking
station rear wall 52 with flange 110 seated on ledge 112. Thus, the
flange 110, notably metal strip 216, is magnetically attracted
towards docking station magnet 218 proximal ledge 112 when in
proximity thereto, facilitating insertion of the probe 18 into the
docking station 20 and impeding accidental removal of the probe 18
therefrom. If desired, when the ledge 112 is provided as part of
cavity 114 formed within the rear docking station wall 52, the
cavity 114 and the flange 110 may be sized, shaped and positioned
such that the flange 110 fits snugly in the cavity 114 when rested
on the ledge 112.
[0028] A contact member or lever, shown generally as 58, for
activating and deactivating the device 1 is pivotally mounted in or
on the housing 10 on pivotal mounting 62, defining axis X,
extending adjacent and parallel the docking station 20. Thus, the
lever 58 is pivotally mounted on pivotal mounting 62 in general
axial alignment with the docking station 20. The lever 58 includes
an exterior lever portion or arm 86 which extends outwardly from
the pivotal mounting into the docking station 20 and forms a
movable portion 86 of the docking station wall 52. The lever 58
also has an interior lever portion or arm 88, generally
longitudinally opposed to exterior lever arm 86, extending inwardly
from pivotal mounting 62 into housing 10. The lever 58 is pivotally
movable back and forth relative axis X in opposing rotational
directions D1, generally clockwise, and D2, generally
counter-clockwise.
[0029] FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the mechanical details of the
switch mechanism, shown generally as 23, for activating and
deactivating the device 1. As shown, first and second wires 3, 4,
are fed through the rear housing plate 56. Outside the housing 10,
the wires 3, 4 are connected to the central vacuum cleaning system,
not shown, and notably the motor control switching unit which
controls activation and deactivation of a motor of the electrically
powered vacuum generating unit. Within the housing 10, the first
and second wires 3, 4 are respectively connected to first and
second terminating screws 26, 28 constituting first and second
terminals 26, 28 for the wires 3, 4 in conventional manner. The
first terminal 26, connected to wire 3, provides a contact point
for a first spring arm 70, connected to terminal 26, of torsion
spring 27, made of resilient electrically conductive material, for
example a resilient metal. The second terminal 28, connected to
wire 4, provides a mount for a contact arm 29, also of electrically
conductive material, disposed proximal the second spring arm 72 of
torsion spring 27, both spring arms 70, 72 extending generally
outwardly away from the coil 74 of spring 27.
[0030] A generally u-shaped metal bracket 80, having longitudinally
opposed first and second bracket end plates 82, 84, with a middle
bracket plate 87 extending therebetween, is also mounted in or
connected to housing 10. The second spring arm 72 is connected to
the interior lever arm 88 proximal interior lever arm end thereof,
for example by threading of the arm 72 through an arm socket or arm
aperture 90. An arm magnet 96 is also mounted or connected to
interior lever arm 88, preferably generally opposite to the
connection of second spring arm 72, for example on an opposite side
of interior lever arm 88.
[0031] The lever 58, notably lever arms 86, 88, magnet 96, spring
27 and second spring arm 72 connected to interior lever arm 88, and
bracket end plates 82, 84, are configured, for example sized,
shaped and positioned, such that, when the probe 18 is removed from
docking station 20, the lever 58 may be pivoted by a user, using
exterior lever arm 86, in directions D1 and D2 between,
respectively, an activated position 102 (direction D1) for the
lever 58, and notably exterior lever arm 86, corresponding to an
activated configuration 100 for the switch mechanism 23, and a
deactivated position 104 (direction D2) corresponding to a
deactivated configuration 106. For the deactivated configuration
106, interior lever arm 88 is positioned distal second bracket end
plate 84, with second spring arm 72 separated from contact member
29, arm magnet 96 in abutting contact with first bracket end plate
82, and exterior lever arm 86 in generally planar registration with
rear docking station wall 52. In the deactivated configuration 106,
magnetic force or attraction exerted by magnet 96 in direction D2,
and stronger than any opposing resilient force exerted by spring
coil 74 in direction D1 on second spring arm 72 towards second
bracket end plate 84, magnetically holds the magnet 96 against the
first bracket end plate 82. Thus, in deactivated configuration 106,
arm magnet 96 retains interior lever arm 88 positioned distal
second bracket end plate 84 and second spring arm 72 separated from
contact arm 29, thus disabling and preventing electrical connection
between the second spring arm 72 and the second terminal 28 via
contact arm 29. As the second spring arm 72 is separated from
contact arm 29, there is no electrical connection from first
terminal 26 and spring 27 to second terminal 28 and the electrical
connection or circuit between the device 1 and the central vacuum
cleaning system is disabled. Accordingly, the central vacuum
cleaning system, and notably the motor thereof, is deactivated,
thereby deactivating the device 1. As the action of the arm magnet
96 retains the magnet 96 in abutment with the first bracket end
plate 82, the arm magnet 96 retains the lever 58 in the deactivated
position 104 and the switch mechanism in the deactivated
configuration 106, thus impeding accidental activation. At the same
time, in deactivated configuration 106, abutment of arm magnet 96
with first bracket end plate 82 prevents further movement of
exterior lever arm 86 in direction D2 beyond deactivated position
104 in which the exterior lever arm 86 is in generally planar
registration with the docking station wall 52.
[0032] For the activated configuration 100, the probe 18 must be
removed from the docking station 20. For the activated
configuration 100, interior lever arm 88 is positioned proximal
second bracket end plate 84, with second spring arm 72 in abutting
contact with contact member 29, arm magnet 96 in abutting contact
with second bracket end plate 84, and exterior lever arm 86
extending generally slightly outwardly spaced apart relative
docking station wall 52 in activated position 102 for the lever 58.
In the activated configuration 100, magnetic force or attraction
exerted by the arm magnet 96 in direction D1, and stronger than any
opposing resilient force exerted by spring coil 74 in direction D2
on second spring arm 72 towards first bracket end plate 82,
abuttingly holds the magnet 96 against the second bracket end plate
84. Thus, in activated configuration 100, magnet 96 retains second
spring arm 72 in abutting contact with contact arm 29 and enables
electrical connection between the second spring arm 72 and the
second terminal 28 via contact arm 29. Accordingly, flow of
electricity is enabled through electrical circuit between spring
27, contact arm 29, and terminals 26, 28 and the motor of the
central vacuum cleaning system. The motor of the central vacuum
cleaning system is thereby activated, also activating device 1. As
the action of the arm magnet 96 retains the magnet 96 in abutment
with the second bracket end plate 84, the arm magnet 96 retains the
lever 58 in the activated position 102 and the switch mechanism 23
in the activated configuration 100, thus impeding accidental
deactivation. At the same time, in activated configuration 100,
abutment of magnet 96 with second bracket end plate 84 prevents
further movement of lever 58 in direction D1 beyond activated
position 102.
[0033] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, probe 18, docking station rear
wall 52 and ledge 112, exterior lever arm 86 and lever 58,
receptacle 50, and probe flange 110 are configured, and notably
sized, shaped, and positioned, such that whenever the probe 18 is
parked in the docking station 20 with the probe end 64 in the
receptacle 50 and the probe flange 110 resting on the ledge 112,
the probe 18 abuts against the exterior arm 86 and pushes arm 86 of
lever 58, if not already in the deactivated position 104, in
direction D2 into the deactivated position 104. As the probe 18,
when parked in docking station 20, abuts against the exterior lever
arm 86 of lever 58 in deactivated position 104, the probe 18
retains the lever in the deactivated position 104 and the switch
mechanism 23 in the deactivated configuration 106. Thus, and
conveniently, whenever the probe 18 is parked in the docking
station 20, the probe 18 automatically, by causing rotation of
lever 58 in direction D2, places the switch mechanism 23 into the
deactivated configuration 106 and prevents rotation of the lever 58
in direction D1, thus preventing placement of the switch mechanism
23 in the activated configuration 100. Accordingly, whenever the
probe 18 is parked in the docking station 20, the device 1 is
automatically deactivated and activation, either intentional or
accidental, of the device 1 is prevented. To activate the device 1,
by placing switch mechanism 23 in activated configuration 100, the
probe 18 must first be removed from docking station 20.
[0034] In use, the auxiliary vacuum device 1 is mounted externally
on the wall 6 on the mounting plate 5 of a central vacuum cleaning
system which provides a piping network (not shown) extending to
strategic cleaning points throughout the premises. The system
includes an electrically powered vacuum generating unit connected
to the network and operable upon demand by the actuation of the
device 1 which is location specific within the premises. For
example in domestic premises where there is likely to be a heavy
cleaning burden, e.g. the main entrance, laundry room or the
garage, an inlet would be provided as would a device dedicated to
that location.
[0035] To commence vacuuming, the user must first remove probe 18
from docking station 20, as explained above. Once the probe 18 is
removed from docking station 20, a user may switch the switch
mechanism 23 from the deactivated configuration 106, to the
activated configuration 100, by simply pivotally moving lever 58,
typically exterior lever arm 86, in direction D1, typically towards
user and away from docking station wall 52 and wall 6 until the
lever 58 is in the activated position 102. As the exterior outer
lever arm 86 is moved in direction D1, interior lever arm 88 is
moved towards contact arm 29 and second end plate 84 until arm
magnet 96 abuts second end plate 84 and second spring arm 72
contacts contact arm 29, thus establishing electrical connection
and enabling the flow of electricity in the device 1 to activate
the motor of the central vacuum cleaning system and the device
1.
[0036] To terminate vacuuming, when the probe 18 is removed from
the docking station 20 and the switch mechanism 23 is in the
activated configuration 100, the user simply pivotally moves lever
58, typically exterior lever arm 86, in direction D2, typically
away from user and towards docking station wall 52 and wall 6 until
the lever 58 is in the deactivated position 104. As the exterior
outer lever arm 86 is moved in direction D2, interior lever arm 88
is moved away from contact arm 29 and second end plate 84 until
magnet 96 abuts first end plate 82, thus breaking the electrical
connection and disabling the flow of electricity. Alternatively, a
user may, at any time, simply insert the probe 18 into the docking
station 20, which also causes the lever 58 to move in direction D2
as just described and places the switch mechanism 23 and device 1
in the deactivated configuration 106. This dual possibility for
cutting power is a valuable safety feature which can be triggered
speedily when needed. Further, the automatic deactivation of the
device 1 by parking of probe 18 in docking station 20, as well as
switching between activated and deactivated configurations 100, 106
is provided by the same simple means, namely action of the lever
58.
[0037] Referring now to FIG. 4, therein is shown a variant of the
device 1'. Device 1' is identical to device 1 in most respects, and
notably with regard to switching mechanism 23, probe 18, and
docking station 20. However, housing 10' of device 1' has a
cleaning tool chamber 220 formed in, or otherwise extending
inwardly from, front cover 230' and disposed adjacent switching
mechanism 23 and docking station 20. The cleaning tool chamber 220
provides convenient storage of cleaning tools 200 for attachment to
probe 18. Optional pivotally mounted door 222 may be opened and
closed to open or close access to chamber 220 and accessories
200.
[0038] It will be understood that the device 1, 1' may be deployed
ab initio in the installation of a central vacuum cleaning system
or may be retrofitted to an existing system with suitable
modifications at the inlets thereof. It will further be appreciated
that the device per se may be enclosed within a cabinet in order to
confer an aesthetic quality thereto.
[0039] Although the present invention has been described with a
certain degree of particularity, it is to be understood that the
disclosure has been made by way of example only and that the
present invention is not limited to the features of the embodiments
described and illustrated herein, but includes all variations and
modifications within the scope and spirit of the invention as
hereinafter claimed.
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