HOSE END TRIGGER SWITCH

Abstract

A vacuum cleaner includes a container and a power head coupled to the container. The power head includes a suction source configured to generate a working airflow, and an exhaust outlet configured to exhaust the working airflow. The vacuum cleaner also includes a suction inlet which provides entrance of the working airflow. The suction inlet is provided on at least one of the power head or the container. The vacuum cleaner also includes a suction hose removably coupled to the suction inlet and configured to conduct the working airflow. The suction hose has a tube, an end housing coupled to the tube, a trigger mounted on the end housing, and a trigger switch configured to be actuated by the trigger. The end housing defines a distal free end of the suction hose.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention relates to vacuum cleaners and more particularly to a vacuum cleaner including a hose.

SUMMARY

In one embodiment, the invention provides a vacuum cleaner including a container and a power head coupled to the container. The power head includes a suction source configured to generate a suction airflow and a blower outlet configured to exhaust the suction airflow. The vacuum cleaner also includes a suction inlet which provides entrance of the working airflow and through which the working airflow is generated. The suction inlet is provided on at least one of the power head or the container. The vacuum cleaner includes a suction hose removably coupled to the suction inlet and configured to conduct the suction airflow. The suction hose has a tube, an end housing coupled to the tube, a trigger mounted on the end housing and a trigger switch configured to be actuated by the trigger. The end housing defines a distal and free end of the suction hose.

In another embodiment, the invention provides a vacuum cleaner including a container and a power head coupled to the container. The power head includes a suction source configured to generate a suction airflow, and a blower outlet configured to exhaust the suction airflow. The vacuum cleaner also includes a suction inlet which provides entrance of the working airflow and through which the working airflow is generated. The suction inlet is provided on at least one of the power head or the container. The vacuum cleaner includes a suction hose coupled to the suction inlet and configured to conduct the suction airflow. The suction hose has a tube, an end housing coupled to the tube, a trigger pivotably coupled to the end housing and a trigger switch configured to be actuated by the trigger. The end housing has an annular wall and a bracket extending from the annular wall. The trigger is configured as a lever and has a first end pivotably mounted on the bracket and a second end opposite the first end and spaced from the annular wall. The trigger switch is positioned between the first end and the second end of the trigger.

In yet another embodiment, the invention provides a vacuum cleaner including a container and a power head coupled to the container. The power head includes a suction source configured to generate a working airflow, a blower outlet configured to exhaust the working airflow, a power head housing which houses the suction source, and a power head switching device arranged on the housing. The vacuum cleaner also includes a suction inlet which provides entrance of the working airflow. The suction inlet is provided on at least one of the power head or the container. The vacuum cleaner includes a suction hose coupled to the suction inlet and configured to conduct the working airflow. The vacuum cleaner includes a controller. The suction hose has a tube, an end housing coupled to the tube, a trigger coupled to the end housing, and a trigger switch configured to be actuated by the trigger. The controller is configured to receive a first signal from the power head switching device, receive a second signal from the trigger switch, operate the suction source in a first condition in response to the first signal from the power head switching device, and operate the suction source in a second condition in response to the second signal from the trigger switch.

Other aspects of the invention will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum cleaner in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 with a lid removed.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a power head of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of a suction hose of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an end housing of the suction hose of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a trigger of the suction hose of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a suction hose in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a trigger of the suction hose of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a suction hose in accordance with another embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a schematic view of the vacuum cleaner of FIG. 1 with a suction inlet positioned on a power head of the vacuum cleaner.

FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a vacuum cleaner having a suction inlet positioned on a container of the vacuum cleaner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

FIG. 1 illustrates a vacuum cleaner 10 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The vacuum 10 includes a container 14, a power head 18, a base 22, and a housing 26. The container 14 is configured to collect and store debris. The power head 18 includes a suction inlet 30, a blower outlet 31, an exhaust vent 32, multiple battery bays 34, a handle 38, a latching assembly 46, a suction source 50, and a power head switching device 54. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 11, the suction inlet 30 is positioned on the power head 18. In other embodiments, as shown in FIG. 12, the suction inlet 30 may be positioned on the container 14. The latching assembly 46 may be actuated to selectively couple the container 14 to the power head 18. The suction source 50 is powered by a power supply 55 (FIG. 7)). Specifically, the suction source 50 is powered by batteries attached to the vacuum 10 in the battery bays 34 and operates to generate a suction airflow within the vacuum 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the power head 18 includes at least two battery bays 34. In other embodiments, the power head 18 may include only one battery bay. In another embodiments, the suction source 50 may directly receive power from a cord connected to an external power source. In some embodiments, the power supply 55 includes rechargeable batteries removably coupled to the battery bays (one battery per each bay).

In the illustrated embodiment, the switching device 54 may be actuated to energize the suction source 50 such that when the switching device 54 is in an ON position, power is provided from the batteries to power the suction source 50. When the switch 54 is in an OFF position, power is not provided to the suction source 50. The switching device 54 may be actuated to change a condition of vacuum cleaner 10. The condition may be an ON/OFF condition, a predetermined suction motor speed, a low or idle mode, a high or maximum power mode, or a maximum run-time mode.

With further reference to FIG. 1, the base 22 includes caster wheels 58, where one or more of the caster wheels 58 include a caster brake 62 for braking the caster wheels 58 and preventing movement of the base 22. The base 22 further includes a foot pedal 66 to selectively detach the base 22 from the collector 14. In another embodiment, the container 14 may be formed with the base 22 as one piece. In yet another embodiment, the base 22 may include non-slip feet or other supporting members to keep the base in a stable orientation. In another embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 10 may not include a base.

As illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the power head 18 further includes a diffuser 70, a duct 78, and a cap 82. The suction source 50 includes a filter assembly 86, a fan 88, and a suction motor 90. The suction source 50 is operable to generate a suction airflow through the inlet 28 to draw debris and airflow into the container 14. When the motor 90 is switched on, the working airflow is generated by the fan 88 which is driven by the motor 90. The duct 78 is fluidly connected to the diffuser 70 and to the blower outlet 31 for housing the working airflow. The duct 78 includes an outlet 98 for exhausting the working airflow. The outlet 98 of the duct 78 aligns with the exhaust vent 32 of the power head 18. When the cap 82 is coupled to or covers the blower outlet 31, the working airflow bypasses the blower outlet 31 and flows through the duct 78 and out of the outlet 98. When the cap 82 is removed from the blower outlet 31, the working airflow exhausts through the blower outlet 31 and through the outlet 98.

Referring back to FIG. 1, a suction hose 42 is coupled to the suction inlet 30 such that the suction airflow is generated through the suction hose 42. In some embodiments, the suction hose 42 may be permanently coupled to the suction inlet 30. In the illustrated embodiment, the suction hose 42 is detachably and selectively coupled to the suction inlet 30. The suction inlet 30 and blower outlet 31 are both circular such that the blower outlet 31 can selectively receive the suction hose 42 that attaches to the suction inlet 30. That is, the suction hose can be disconnected from the suction inlet 30 and attached to the blower outlet 31. The suction hose 42 may be attached to the blower outlet 31 so that the vacuum cleaner can be used as a blower.

The function of the suction source 50 will now be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3. The motor 90 includes a shaft 106, electrical connections, and a motor housing 114. The electrical connections are disposed on the motor housing 114 for receiving power for the motor 90. The motor 90 drives the shaft 106 and the shaft 106 may be coupled to the fan 88 such that rotation of the shaft 106 corresponds to rotation of the fan 88 for generating the working airflow.

The filter assembly 86 includes a filter housing 118 that supports a filter 122. In the illustrated embodiment, the vacuum cleaner 10 is configured such that the suction airflow generated by the suction source is received by the container 14 through the suction inlet 30 and is sucked through the filter assembly 86. In some embodiments, the vacuum cleaner 10 may be used to pull a debris laden suction airflow in through the suction inlet 30 and deposit debris separated from the suction airflow into the container 14. Some debris that is not separated from the airflow may be caught by the filter 122.

With reference to FIGS. 1, 4 and 5, the suction hose 42 includes a proximal end 204 coupled to the power head 18 and a distal end 208, or free end, opposite the proximal end 204. In the illustrated embodiment, the proximal end 204 of the suction hose 42 is selectively coupled to the suction inlet 30 or the blower outlet 31. The airflow flows through the suction hose 42 from the distal end 208 to the proximal end 204. In other words, the airflow and debris enter the suction hose 42 through the distal end 208 and exit the suction hose 42 through the proximal end 204. The suction hose 42 includes a tube 212 coupled to an end housing 216. The tube 212 has a flexible outer wall 220 defining a tube cavity through which the suction airflow is conducted. The end housing 216 is formed from material that is more rigid than the material of the flexible outer wall 220.

The suction hose 42 includes a hose end trigger 228 coupled to the end housing 216. In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger 228 is mounted to the end housing 216. In other embodiments, the trigger 228 can be embedded in the end housing 216. The trigger 228 is movably coupled to the end housing 216. The trigger 228 is pivotable relative to the end housing 216. The trigger 228 is configured to actuate a hose end trigger switch 232. The trigger 228 may actuate the trigger switch 232 by pushing and/or pulling the trigger 228. In other embodiments, the trigger 228 and trigger switch 232 may be replaced with another actuator such as a button, knob, toggle, or virtual control.

With reference to FIGS. 4 and 6, the trigger 228 includes an actuation portion 229 and a coupling portion 230 extending from the actuation portion 229. The coupling portion 230 is in the form of two projections extending from the actuation portion 229. The coupling portion 230 includes a through opening 231 which is configured to receive a pin. The actuation portion 229 is configured to be pressed by a user to actuate the trigger switch 232. The actuation portion 229 is elongated along a longitudinal axis and is substantially straight. The longitudinal axis of the actuation portion is substantially parallel to a central axis of the end housing 216. The actuation portion 229 has a curved cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis such that the trigger 228 is ergonomic.

In the illustrated embodiment, the actuation portion 229 physically presses on the trigger switch 232 when a user presses on the trigger 228. In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger switch 232 biases the trigger 228 into an unpressed position, away from the end housing 216. The trigger switch 232 may include a biasing member such that the trigger switch 232 and the trigger 228 are biased into a non-actuated position. Additionally, another spring could be used between the trigger and the end housing 216 to bias the trigger into the non-actuated position. The trigger 228 includes a first end coupled to the end housing 216 and a second end opposite the first end and spaced from the end housing 216. The trigger 228 contacts the trigger switch 232 between the first end and the second end of the trigger 228. The trigger 228 contacts the trigger switch 232 adjacent the first end of the trigger 228.

Referring to FIGS. 4 and 5, the end housing 216 has an annular wall 236 defining an end housing cavity 240 through which the suction airflow is conducted. The annular wall 236 extends around and is centered on the central axis of the end housing 216. The end housing cavity 240 is fluidly connected to the tube cavity. The end housing 216 defines a suction opening 244 and an attachment opening 248 positioned opposite the suction opening 244 and receiving the tube 212. The end housing cavity 240 fluidly connects the suction opening 244 to the attachment opening 248. The tube 212 fluidly connects the suction opening 244 of the hose 42 to the suction inlet 30 or to the blower outlet 31. The suction opening 244 has a diameter which is smaller than the diameter of the attachment opening 248. The end housing 216 includes a plurality of recesses 252 configured to receive bosses 256 mounted on the tube 212 such that the tube 212 is secured to the end housing 216.

The trigger switch 232 is partially accommodated in the annular wall 236 of the end housing 216. In some embodiments, the trigger switch 232 is mounted on the annular wall 236 of the end housing 216. The trigger switch 232 extends out of the end housing 216 such that the trigger switch 232 can be actuated by the trigger 228.

The end housing 216 includes a bracket 260 extending from the annular wall 236. The bracket 260 includes a through opening 264 configured to receive the pin. The coupling portion 230 of the trigger 228 is configured to receive the bracket 260 of the end housing 216. To couple the trigger 228 to the end housing 216, the coupling portion 230 of the trigger 228 is placed over the bracket 260 of the end housing and the pin inserted into the through openings 231, 264 of the trigger 228 and the bracket 260. Accordingly, the trigger 228 is pivotable about the pin and relative to the end housing 216. In the illustrated embodiment, the trigger 228 is pivotable about an axis that is perpendicular to the central axis of the end housing 216.

In some embodiments, the trigger 228 may include pins which correspond to openings on the bracket 260. In some embodiments, the bracket 260 may include pins which correspond to openings on the trigger 228. In the illustrated embodiment, the bracket 260 acts as a fulcrum, and the trigger 228 acts as a lever. In some embodiments, the trigger 228 may be integral with the end housing 216 and may be cantilevered. In some embodiments, the bracket 260 may cover a portion of the trigger 228.

The trigger switch 232 may be actuated to energize the suction source 50 such that power is provided from the battery to power the suction source 50. The trigger switch 232 may also be actuated to deenergize the suction source 50 such that power is not provided to the suction source 50. The trigger switch 232 may be actuated to change a condition of vacuum cleaner 10. The condition may be an ON/OFF condition, a predetermined suction motor speed, a low power or idle mode, a high or maximum power mode, or a maximum run-time mode. The trigger switch 232 can change the condition of the vacuum cleaner in response to a combination or duration of presses of the trigger 228. For example, a long press may change the condition of the vacuum cleaner to the maximum power mode, and a short press may change the condition of the vacuum cleaner to the maximum run-time mode. As another example, two successive presses may place the vacuum cleaner in an ON condition, and a single press may place the vacuum cleaner in an OFF condition. It should be understood that any combination and/or duration of presses of the trigger 228 can be assigned to cause any condition of the vacuum cleaner 10.

A controller 300 for the vacuum cleaner 10 is illustrated in FIG. 7. The controller 300 is electrically and/or communicatively connected to a variety of modules or components of the vacuum cleaner 10. For example, the illustrated controller 300 is connected to the trigger 228 (via the trigger switch 232), the power head switching device 54, the suction motor 90, and the power supply 55. The controller 300 includes combinations of software and hardware that are operable to, among other things, control the operation of the vacuum cleaner 10, receive input from the trigger switch 232 and the power head switching device 54, and control the suction motor 90. The controller 300 includes a plurality of electrical and electronic components that provide power, operational control, and protection to the components and modules within the controller 300 and/or vacuum cleaner 10.

For example, the controller 300 includes, among other things, a processing unit 304 (e.g., a microprocessor, an electronic processor, an electronic controller, a microcontroller, or another suitable programmable device), a memory 308, input units, and output units. The processing unit 304 and the memory 308, as well as the various modules connected to the controller 300 are connected by one or more control and/or data buses. The use of one or more control and/or data buses for the interconnection between and communication among the various modules and components would be known to a person skilled in the art in view of the embodiments described herein.

The memory 308 is a non-transitory computer readable medium and includes, for example, a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area and the data storage area can include combinations of different types of memory, such as a ROM, a RAM (e.g., DRAM, SDRAM, etc.), EEPROM, flash memory, a hard disk, an SD card, or other suitable magnetic, optical, physical, or electronic memory devices. The processing unit 304 is connected to the memory 308 and executes software instructions that are capable of being stored in a RAM of the memory 308 (e.g., during execution), a ROM of the memory 308 (e.g., on a generally permanent basis), or another non-transitory computer readable medium such as another memory or a disc. Software included in the implementation of the vacuum cleaner 10 can be stored in the memory 308 of the controller 300. The software includes, for example, firmware, one or more applications, program data, filters, rules, one or more program modules, and other executable instructions. The electronic processor is configured to retrieve from the memory 308 and execute, among other things, instructions related to the control processes and methods described herein. In other embodiments, the controller 300 includes additional, fewer, or different components.

The controller 300 also controls the vacuum cleaner 10 in response to a user's actuation of the power head switching device 54 which outputs a signal to the controller 300. In response to the signal from the power head switching device 54, the controller 300 may determine how much power from the power supply 55 is supplied to the motor 280. In response to the signal from the power head switching device 54, the controller 300 may operate the suction motor 90 in a first condition of the vacuum cleaner 10. The switching device 54 may be actuated such that the controller 300 operates the suction motor 90 in a second condition of the vacuum cleaner 10 which is different from the first condition. The condition may be an ON/OFF condition, a predetermined suction motor speed, a low power mode, an idle mode, a high or maximum power mode, or a maximum run-time mode.

The controller 300 controls the vacuum cleaner 10 in response to a user's actuation of the trigger 228. Depression of the trigger 228 actuates a trigger switch 232 which outputs a signal to the controller 300. The trigger switch 232 can be communicatively connected to the controller 300 via a wired connection or a wireless connection (e.g., Bluetooth™, Wi-Fi™). In some embodiments, the wired connection may include wires running on an exterior of the hose end housing 216 and the exterior of the tube 212. The wires may be secured to the tube 212 via clips or other securing means. In some embodiments, the wired connection may include wires extending through the tube cavity 224 of the tube 212. In some embodiments, the wired connection may include wires extending through the end housing cavity 240 of the end housing 216. In some embodiments, the wired connection may include wires extending through or embedded in material of the flexible outer wall 220 of the tube 212. In some embodiments, the wired connection may include wires extending through or embedded in the annular wall 236 of the end housing 216.

In response to the signal from the trigger switch 232, the controller 300 may determines how much power from the power supply 55 is supplied to the suction motor 90. In response to the signal from the trigger switch 232, the controller 300 may energize the suction motor 90. The trigger switch 232 may also be actuated to deenergize the suction source 50 such that power is not provided to the suction source 50. The trigger switch 232 may be actuated to change a condition of vacuum cleaner 10. In response to the signal from the power head switching device 54, the controller 300 may operate the suction motor 90 in a third condition of the vacuum cleaner 10. The switching device 54 may be actuated such that the controller 300 operates the suction motor 90 in a fourth condition of the vacuum cleaner 10 which is different from the third condition. The condition may be an ON/OFF condition, a predetermined suction motor speed, a low power mode, an idle mode, a high or maximum power mode, or a maximum run-time mode. The signal sent by the trigger switch 232 can vary depending on the combination or duration of the presses of the trigger 228. The signal sent by the trigger switch 232 can also vary depending on a direction in which the trigger 228 is pivoted.

As a result, the controller 300 is configured to operate the vacuum cleaner 10 based on signals from the trigger switch 232 and/or based on signals from the switching device 54. For example, if a user initially switches the vacuum cleaner 10 on using the switching device 54, the user then may turn the vacuum cleaner 10 off by actuating the trigger switch 232. Likewise, if a user initially switches the vacuum cleaner 10 on using the trigger switch 232, the user then may turn the vacuum off by actuating the trigger switch 232. Additionally, the user may switch the vacuum cleaner ON/OFF using only the trigger 228, or the user may switch the vacuum cleaner 10 ON/OFF using the switching device 54.

In some embodiments, the switching device 54 may be positioned in an idle position or in an OFF position. In the idle position, the vacuum cleaner 10 is operated in an idle mode. In the OFF position, the vacuum cleaner 10 is operated in an OFF mode where no power is delivered to the suction source 50 and where the trigger switch 232 is inoperable. In such embodiments, when the switching device 54 is in the OFF position, actuation of the trigger switch 232 does not affect alter operating conditions of the vacuum cleaner 10. In other words, in such embodiments, the trigger switch 232 is operational only when the switching device 54 is in the idle position.

In the idle mode, a relatively low amount of power or no power is delivered to the suction source 50 from the power supply 55. Once the vacuum cleaner 10 is in the idle mode, the trigger switch 232 may be actuated and held in an actuated position such that the vacuum cleaner 10 is operated in a normal power mode. In the normal power mode, more power is delivered to the suction source 50 form the power supply 55 than in the idle mode. When the trigger switch 232 is released, the vacuum cleaner 10 is returned to operating in the idle mode. The trigger switch 232 may be actuated by two short successive presses so that the vacuum cleaner may operate in a boost, or high, power mode. In the boost power mode, more power is delivered to the suction source 50 from the power supply 55 than in the normal power mode.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a suction hose 442 having another trigger 428. The suction hose 442 is similar to the suction hose 42 described above and includes a tube 412 coupled to an end housing 416. The trigger 428 is similar to the trigger 228 described above and includes an actuation portion 429 and a coupling portion 430 extending from the actuation portion 429. Unlike the trigger 228, the actuation portion 429 of the trigger 428 is hook-shaped. The coupling portion 430 is pivotably mounted to the end housing 416 and defines a proximal end 404 of the trigger 428. The trigger 428 has a distal end 408 opposite the proximal end 404. The actuation portion 430 defines a hook which in turn defines the distal end 408. In other words, the actuation portion is hook-shaped. The hook defined by the actuation portion 430 extends away from the end housing 416. The hook shape allows an operator to conveniently hang the suction hose 42 to any structure (e.g., a cross-beam, stud, nail, or the like) elevated above the floor surface such that the operator can simply reach and grab the end house 416 and unhook it from the structure rather than bending down to the ground to pick up the suction hose 42.

FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate a suction hose 542 having another trigger 528. The suction hose 542 is similar to the suction hoses 42, 442 described above and includes a tube 512 coupled to an end housing 516. The trigger 428 is similar to the trigger 228 described above and includes an actuation portion 529 and a coupling portion 530 extending from the actuation portion 529. Unlike the trigger 228, a distal end 508 of the trigger 528 is curved away from the end housing 516.

Although the invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, features of one embodiment may be used in combination with features of another embodiment. As such, in some embodiments, the collector, powerhead, base and housing may be different. Additionally, the hose end trigger switch can be used with vacuum cleaners not discussed herein.

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a container;a power head coupled to the container, the power head including a suction source configured to generate a working airflow through the suction inlet, andan exhaust outlet configured to exhaust the working airflow;a suction inlet which provides entrance of the working airflow, the suction inlet being provided on at least one of the power head or the container; anda suction hose removably coupled to the suction inlet and configured to conduct the working airflow, the suction hose having a tube, an end housing coupled to the tube, a trigger mounted on the end housing, and a trigger switch configured to be actuated by the trigger,wherein the end housing defines a distal and free end of the suction hose.

2. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, wherein the end housing has an annular wall, a suction opening, and an attachment opening positioned opposite the suction opening and receiving the tube, wherein the end housing includes a bracket extending from the annular wall and adjacent the attachment opening, and wherein the trigger is pivotally mounted to the bracket.

3. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, wherein the annular wall extends around a central axis of the end housing, and wherein the trigger is substantially straight and is elongated along a longitudinal axis which is substantially parallel to the central axis of the end housing.

4. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, wherein the trigger includes a hook-shaped actuating portion and a coupling portion extending from the actuating portion and coupled to the bracket.

5. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, further comprising a controller configured to receive a signal from the trigger switch and to operate the suction source in a condition based on the signal, wherein the condition is at least one of an ON condition, an OFF condition, or a predetermined suction motor speed mode.

6. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 5, wherein the trigger switch is coupled to the controller via wires coupled to the hose.

7. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 5, wherein the trigger switch is wirelessly coupled to the controller.

8. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a container;a power head coupled to the container, the power head including a suction source configured to generate a working airflow, andan exhaust outlet configured to exhaust the working airflow;a suction inlet which provides entrance of the working airflow, the suction inlet being provided on at least one of the power head or the container; anda suction hose coupled to the suction inlet and configured to conduct the working airflow, the suction hose having a tube, an end housing coupled to the tube, a trigger pivotably coupled to the end housing, and a trigger switch configured to be actuated by the trigger,wherein the end housing has an annular wall and a bracket extending from the annular wall, andwherein the trigger is configured as a lever and has a first end pivotably mounted on the bracket and a second end opposite the first end and spaced from the annular wall, andwherein the trigger switch is actuated by the trigger at a point located between the first end and the second end of the trigger.

9. The vacuum cleaner of claim 8, wherein the trigger is elongated along a longitudinal axis which is substantially parallel to a central axis of the end housing, and wherein the trigger is substantially straight from the first end to the second end.

10. The vacuum cleaner of claim 8, wherein the trigger includes a hook-shaped portion defining the second end.

11. The vacuum cleaner of claim 8, further comprising a controller configured to receive a signal from the trigger switch and configured to energize a suction motor of the suction source in response to the signal.

12. A vacuum cleaner comprising: a container;a power head coupled to the container, the power head including a suction source configured to generate a working airflow,an exhaust outlet configured to exhaust the working airflow;a power head housing which houses the suction source; anda power head switching device arranged on the housing;a suction inlet which provides entrance of the working airflow, the suction inlet being provided on at least one of the power head or the container;a suction hose coupled to the suction inlet and configured to conduct the working airflow, the suction hose having a tube, an end housing coupled to the tube, a trigger coupled to the end housing, and a trigger switch configured to be actuated by the trigger; anda controller configured to:receive a first signal from the power head switching device,receive a second signal from the trigger switch,operate the suction source in a first condition in response to the first signal from the power head switching device, andoperate the suction source in a second condition in response to the second signal from the trigger switch.

13. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 12, wherein first condition is an idle condition and the second condition is an ON condition.

14. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 12, wherein the controller is further configured to receive a third signal from the trigger switch and to operate the suction source in a third condition in response to the third signal from the trigger switch, and wherein the third condition is a maximum power mode.

15. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 12, wherein the trigger switch is coupled to the controller via wires coupled to the suction hose.

16. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 15, wherein the suction hose is removably coupled to the suction inlet.

17. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 12, wherein the trigger switch is wirelessly coupled to the controller.

18. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 17, wherein the suction hose is removably coupled to the suction inlet.

19. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 12, wherein the end housing defines a distal free end of the suction hose.

20. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 19, wherein the end housing has an annular wall and a bracket extending from the annular wall, and wherein the trigger is configured as a lever and has a first end pivotably mounted on the bracket and a second end opposite the first end and spaced from the annular wall.