Vacuum cleaner head discharge system
By introducing an exhaust actuator system into a vacuum cleaner, the opening and closing of the exhaust component is automatically controlled by the rotation of the agitator element and the relative movement of the magnetic field generator. This solves the problem of exhaust component control when cleaning different surfaces, improving cleaning efficiency and flexibility.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202480052715.3
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-08-22
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-07
- Publication Date
- 2026-03-20
AI Technical Summary
Existing vacuum cleaners cause nozzle damage when opening the exhaust valve when cleaning hard surfaces, and when cleaning carpet surfaces, the high agitator rotation speed is required, causing the exhaust valve to automatically close.
An exhaust actuator system is employed, comprising a first component and a second component, which automatically controls the opening and closing of the exhaust component of the suction chamber by utilizing the rotation of an agitator element and the relative movement of a magnetic field generator, and selectively operates the exhaust closure actuator according to the type of cleaned surface.
It automatically opens the exhaust valve when cleaning hard floors to reduce nozzle loss, and automatically closes the exhaust valve when cleaning carpets to improve cleaning efficiency and flexibility.
Smart Images
Figure CN121712434A_ABST
Abstract
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] It is known to provide a vacuum cleaner comprising a cleaner head having one or more selectively openable exhausts for allowing larger debris to enter the suction chamber. Typically, it is desirable to open the exhausts when operating the cleaner head on a hard surface, otherwise larger debris tends to accumulate at the front of the cleaner head, which cannot pass underneath the cleaner head via the relatively small gap between the underside of the cleaner head and the floor. However, it is less desirable to open the exhausts on a carpeted surface, as a high suction head is typically required to adequately clean a carpeted surface. SUMMARY
[0002] The present invention provides a cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner, the cleaner head comprising: a housing defining a suction chamber, wherein the housing comprises a suction chamber exhaust having an exhaust closure and an exhaust closure actuator, an agitator element mounted for rotation about an axis; and an exhaust actuator system comprising a first member and a second member, the first member being movably mounted relative to the housing and configured to selectively operate the exhaust closure actuator, the second member being attached to the agitator element and constrained to rotate with the agitator element, wherein: the first member comprises a magnetic field generator and the second member comprises a metal member; or the first member comprises a metal member and the second member comprises a magnetic field generator, wherein the exhaust actuator system is configured such that, in use, as the agitator element rotates, relative movement between the first and second members moves the first member relative to the housing to operate the exhaust closure actuator.
[0003] The present invention is advantageous in that rotation of the agitator element can be used to cause automatic opening of the suction chamber exhaust. This is beneficial when cleaning hard floors which do not require a high agitator element rotation speed, such that the suction chamber exhaust can be automatically opened when the vacuum cleaner is used to clean a hard floor.
[0004] Optionally, the second member is movably attached to the agitator element and configured such that, when the agitator element rotates at a speed equal to or above a predetermined threshold, the second member moves relative to the agitator element to a position in which relative movement between the first and second members no longer causes the first member to move relative to the housing. This is beneficial when cleaning a floor which is carpeted, which requires a high agitator element rotation speed, such that the suction chamber exhaust is automatically closed when the vacuum cleaner is used to clean a carpeted floor.
[0005] The second member is optionally biased radially towards the axis of rotation of the agitator element to hold the second member in proximity to the first member at lower rotational speeds.
[0006] The first member can be biased towards the rest position and / or the vent closure actuator can be biased towards the closed position, such that when the agitator element is at rest, or when relative movement between the first and second members no longer causes the first member to move relative to the motor shaft or housing, the vent closure actuator is caused to close.
[0007] Optionally, the magnetic field generator comprises a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. The metal member optionally comprises a disc or a ring.
[0008] The first member can comprise an actuator arm to facilitate actuation of the vent closure actuator.
[0009] In one example, the first member is operatively engaged with a wire and a pulley mechanism to effect operation of the vent closure actuator. For example, the pulley can be operatively engaged with the first member and wherein the wire is operatively engaged with the vent closure actuator, wherein in use, movement of the first member relative to the housing causes the wire to wind around the pulley to pull the vent closure actuator towards the pulley and open the vent closure.
[0010] In one example, the first member is operatively engaged with a rack and pinion mechanism to effect operation of the vent closure actuator. For example, the rack can be operatively engaged with the vent closure actuator and wherein the pinion is operatively engaged with the first member, wherein in use, movement of the first member relative to the housing causes the pinion to rotate and act on the rack to open the vent closure. Optionally, the first member comprises gear teeth that operatively engage the pinion.
[0011] In another aspect, the present invention provides a vacuum cleaner comprising a cleaner head as described above. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0012] Figure 1 A schematic isometric view of a vacuum cleaner is shown;
[0013] Figure 2 A schematic isometric view of a cleaner head of a vacuum cleaner is shown;
[0014] Figure 3 An alternative schematic isometric view of a cleaner head is shown;
[0015] Figure 4 A schematic partial isometric view of the interior of a cleaner head is shown; and
[0016] Figure 5 A schematic isometric view of a vent actuator system is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] Figure 1A handheld vacuum cleaner 10 is shown, comprising a body 12, a lever 14, and a vacuum cleaner head 20. The body 12 includes a separation system in the form of a cyclone separator, a motor and impeller (not visible) arranged to draw air through the separation system, and a power source 13 in the form of a battery for powering the motor. The lever 14 is attached to the body 12 at one end via an adapter 17 and to the vacuum cleaner head 20 at the other end via an adapter 15. The lever 14 provides fluid communication between the vacuum cleaner head 20 and the separation system and supports the vacuum cleaner head 20 during use.
[0018] Reference Figure 2 The vacuum cleaner head 20 includes an adapter 21 that is releasably attached to an adapter 15 on the lever 14. A spring-loaded button 22 is operated to secure the vacuum cleaner head 20 to the lever 14. If it is necessary to remove the vacuum cleaner head 20 from the lever 14 (e.g., to replace the vacuum cleaner head 20 with an alternative vacuum cleaner head), the button 22 is pressed to allow the vacuum cleaner head 20 to be released from the lever 14.
[0019] The vacuum cleaner head 20 includes a housing 23 defining a suction chamber (not shown) and an outlet 24 that provides fluid communication between the suction chamber and the separation system via an adapter 21 and a lever 14. An agitator element 27 (such as a brush bar) surrounds a motor shaft 52. Figure 5 The rotation axis on the axis is rotatably mounted on the end supports 25, 26 (see...) Figure 4 The suction chamber between the two.
[0020] The housing 23 includes a cover 29 and a base plate 30. For example... Figure 4 As best shown, the base plate 30 includes an opening 31 that defines a main inlet to the suction chamber. An agitator element 27 is configured and mounted relative to the opening 31 such that, in use, at least a portion of the agitator element 27 contacts the floor to be cleaned via the opening 31 to agitate dust and debris on the floor. The vacuum cleaner head 20 can also operate in conjunction with the stationary agitator element 27, allowing the suction head to draw dust and debris into the suction chamber independently.
[0021] The base plate 30 includes two suction chamber discharge components 32 and 33, each including a discharge opening 34 and 35 and a selectively openable discharge closure 36 and 37. When the discharge closures 36 and 37 are in the open position (see [reference]... Figure 3 The discharge openings 34 and 35 provide inlets to the suction chamber, through which larger debris that cannot be contained between the bottom of the base plate 30 and the ground can pass.
[0022] The discharge closure actuator 38 is operably attached to the discharge closure 36, 37. The discharge closure actuator 38 is configured to open and / or close the discharge closure 36, 37. In alternative examples, individual discharge closures 36, 37 can be provided with their own discharge closure actuator.
[0023] In the example shown in Figure 4 Two suction chamber discharge pieces 32, 33 are shown in the example. However, it will be appreciated that only one suction chamber discharge piece or more than two suction chamber discharge pieces can be provided. Alternatively or additionally, one or more suction chamber discharge pieces can be provided in the housing 23 on the opposite side of the suction chamber discharge pieces 32, 33 shown in Figure 4 With reference to Figure 2 and Figure 3 The discharge piece 36 is shown in its closed configuration in Figure 2 and in its open configuration in Figure 3
[0024] Figure 5 A schematic view of an example discharge actuator system 50 is shown. The discharge actuator system 50 comprises a first member 51 which is movably attached to a motor mount 52. The first member 51 is configured to selectively operate the discharge closure actuator 38, as will be described in more detail below.
[0025] Two second members 53 are attached to the agitator element 27 and are constrained to rotate therewith. In this example, the two second members 53 comprise magnetic field generators in the form of permanent magnets. Each second member 53 is located in a recess 54 formed within the agitator element 27. The slots 52 each comprise a stop 55 located at a radially inward position against which the second members 53 are biased by a resilient member 56, which in this example comprises a spring. Thus, the second members 53 are biased radially towards the axis of rotation of the agitator element 27. In alternative examples, the second members 53 can be mounted within a carrier which is configured to attach to the end of the brush bar 27 and rotate therewith in use.
[0026] In this example, the first member 51 comprises a steel ring which is fixedly attached to an actuator member 57 comprising an actuator arm 58. In another example, the first member 51 can be integrally formed with the actuator member 57.
[0027] The actuator arm 58 comprises a gear tooth 59 which operably engages teeth of a pinion 60 which is operably engaged with teeth of an associated rack 61 which is attached to the discharge closure actuator 38. The discharge closure actuator 38 is biased towards the closed position by a resilient member 62, such as a spring. An end stop 63 is provided to limit the movement of the discharge closure actuator 38.
[0028] In use, when the agitator element 27 is rotating at a speed below a predetermined threshold (e.g. 2000 RPM), the relative movement between the first member 51 and the second member 53 causes the first member 51 to move relative to the motor mount 52 due to Lenz's law.
[0029] As shown in Figure 5 clockwise rotation of the pinion gear 60 (arrow C) causes the rack 61 to move upwards (arrow D) thereby causing the drain closure actuator 38 to open against the action of the resilient member 62. Thus, the relative movement between the first member 51 and the second member 53 causes operation of the drain closure actuator 38 to open the drain closures 36, 37.
[0030] When the agitator element 27 is rotating at a speed equal to or above a predetermined threshold (e.g. 3000 RPM), the centrifugal force acting on the second member 53 causes the second member 53 to move radially outwards relative to the axis of rotation of the agitator element 27 against the bias of the resilient member 56. Thus, the relative movement between the first member 51 and the second member 53 no longer causes Lenz's law and no longer causes the first member 51 to move relative to the motor mount 52. As a result, no opening force is applied to the drain closure actuator 38 via the actuator arm 58 and the rack and pinion mechanism 61, 60. Thus, the drain closure actuator 38 is closed under the action of the resilient member 62, thereby causing the drain closures 36, 37 to close.
[0031] If desired, an override mechanism or separate actuator mechanism can be provided to open the drain 32, 33 when the agitator element 27 is rotating at a speed equal to or above the predetermined threshold. For example, the user can choose to manually operate the drain 32, 33 to enable large items to enter the suction chamber regardless of the rotational speed of the agitator element 27.
[0032] In an alternative example, the first member 51 can be biased towards a rest position such that when the relative movement between the first member 51 and the second member 53 no longer causes the first member 51 to move relative to the motor mount 52, or when there is no relative movement between the first member 51 and the second member 53, the first member 51 returns to its rest position, thereby causing the drain closure actuator 38 to move to a closed position via the rack and pinion mechanism 61, 60. In addition to, or as an alternative to, biasing the drain closure actuator 38 to a closed position, biasing the first member 51 to a rest position can be provided.
[0033] It is not essential that the first member 51 comprise steel, and the first member 51 can instead comprise any suitable magnetically permeable metal member. The first member 51 can be in the form of a ring or disc, or a plurality of first members 51 attached to the actuator member 57 can be used instead of a continuous first member 51.
[0034] It will be appreciated that the arrangements described above in relation to Figure 5 the first member 51 can comprise a magnetic field generator, and the second member 53 can comprise any suitable metal member. It is not essential that two second members 53 are used, but instead only one or more than two second members 53 can be used. The magnetic field generator, whether it be the first member 51 or the second member 53, can comprise a permanent magnet or an electromagnet.
[0035] In alternative examples, the first member 51 can be movably attached to the motor shaft instead of the motor mount 52. In another alternative example, the first member 51 can be movably attached to the housing. For example, as Figure 4 shown, the first member can be mounted on the housing 20 within the suction chamber close to one end of the agitator element 27. In this example, the second member 53 is located at the end of the agitator element 27 close to the first member 51.
[0036] Figure 4 A portion of an alternative drain actuator system is shown. In this example, the first member comprises a metal ring 71 located within a carrier 72 which is movably mounted to the inner wall of the housing 20, specifically to the inner wall of the end support 25 of the base plate 30. A wire 73 is fixed at one end to the carrier 72 and at its other end to the drain closure actuator 38. The wire 73 and carrier 72 comprise a wire and pulley mechanism 70.
[0037] In use, when the agitator element 27 is rotated at a speed below a predetermined threshold, the relative movement between the first member 71 and the second member (located at the end of the agitator element 27) causes the first member 71 to move relative to the housing 20, causing the wire 73 to wind on the carrier 72 and pull the drain closure actuator 38 in the direction of the carrier 72. This in turn causes the drain closure actuator 38 to open the drain closures 36, 37 as the cam slot 74 moves along the pin 75. The drain closure actuator 38 is biased to the closed position by a spring 76.
Claims
1. A vacuum cleaner head for a vacuum cleaner, the vacuum cleaner head comprising: A housing defining a suction chamber, wherein the housing includes a suction chamber discharge member having a discharge closure member and a discharge closure member actuator. Agitator element, the agitator element being mounted to rotate about an axis; and An exhaust actuator system includes a first component and a second component, the first component being movably mounted relative to the housing and configured to selectively operate the exhaust closure actuator, and the second component being attached to the agitator element and constrained to rotate therewith, wherein: The first component includes a magnetic field generator, and the second component includes a metal component; or The first component includes a metal component, and the second component includes a magnetic field generator. The emission actuator system is configured such that, in use, when the agitator element rotates, the relative movement between the first member and the second member causes the first member to move relative to the housing to operate the emission closure actuator.
2. The vacuum cleaner head of claim 1, wherein the second member is movably attached to the agitator element and configured such that when the agitator element rotates at a speed at or above a predetermined threshold, the relative movement of the second member relative to the agitator element between the first member and the second member no longer causes the first member to move relative to the housing.
3. The vacuum cleaner head according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second member is radially offset toward the axis of rotation of the agitator element.
4. The vacuum cleaner head according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first member is biased toward a rest position.
5. The vacuum cleaner head according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the discharge closure actuator is biased toward the closed position.
6. The vacuum cleaner head according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the magnetic field generator comprises a permanent magnet or an electromagnet.
7. The vacuum cleaner head according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the metal component comprises a disc or a ring.
8. The vacuum cleaner head according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first component includes an actuator arm.
9. A vacuum cleaner head according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first member is operatively engaged with a cord and pulley mechanism, wherein the pulley is operatively engaged with the first member, and wherein the cord is operatively engaged with the discharge closure actuator, wherein in use, movement of the first member relative to the housing causes the cord to wind around the pulley to pull the discharge closure actuator toward the pulley, thereby opening the discharge closure.
10. A vacuum cleaner head according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first member is operatively engaged with a rack and pinion mechanism, wherein the rack is operatively engaged with the discharge closure actuator, and wherein the pinion is operatively engaged with the first member, wherein in use, movement of the first member relative to the housing causes the pinion to rotate and act on the rack to open the discharge closure.
11. The vacuum cleaner head of claim 10, wherein the first component includes gear teeth that operatively engage the pinion.
12. A vacuum cleaner, comprising a vacuum cleaner head according to any one of the preceding claims.