Vacuum cleaner and self-cleaning method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a vacuum cleaner and a self-cleaning method thereof, and the vacuum cleaner comprises a machine body which is provided with a first air inlet, a second air inlet and an exhaust port which are respectively communicated with external air; the dust collection cup is supported on the machine body and comprises a dust collection chamber located inside, an air inlet and a dust cover configured to be selectively closed and opened; the suction motor is mounted on the machine body and is provided with a suction end and an exhaust end; wherein the vacuum cleaner is configured to be capable of performing a self-cleaning mode; in the dust collection mode, the suction motor can generate first working airflow, and the first working airflow enters from the first air inlet and sequentially passes through the dust collection chamber, the suction end and the exhaust end to reach the exhaust port. In the self-cleaning mode, the suction motor generates second working airflow, and the second working airflow is sucked in from the second air inlet and sequentially passes through the suction end and the exhaust end to reach the dust collection chamber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of dust collection equipment, and more particularly, to a vacuum cleaner and a self-cleaning method thereof. Background Art

[0002] After the vacuum cleaner has finished cleaning, the user often needs to manually clean the garbage in the dust cup. In the manual cleaning method, the user first needs to open the dust cover to release the garbage collected in the dust chamber, and then clean the inner wall of the dust chamber and the mesh filter by hand or with the help of tools to remove the dust adhering thereto.

[0003] In order to prevent users from touching garbage or dust, the prior art has proposed a method of automatically cleaning with the help of a vacuum cleaner base station used in conjunction with a vacuum cleaner. In the existing vacuum cleaner base stations, the first type of vacuum cleaner base station is equipped with a set of dust collection system including a dust collection motor and a dust storage container; after the vacuum cleaner is used, the vacuum cleaner is stored at the vacuum cleaner base station and the dust collection system is used to automatically transfer the dust in the dust collection cup of the vacuum cleaner to the dust storage container on the base station. While the dust is converted by the dust collection system, the inner wall of the dust collection chamber and the mesh filter are cleaned. The second type of vacuum cleaner base station only has a garbage collection container (such as a dust bag, etc.), and by arranging a passage on the base station that can be fluidly connected to the vacuum cleaner, the garbage collection container on the vacuum cleaner base station is connected in series to the working airflow passage of the vacuum cleaner and is specifically arranged downstream of the dust collection cup of the vacuum cleaner, so that the dust in the dust collection cup can be sucked into the garbage interception device located downstream by means of the suction motor of the vacuum cleaner. In the third type of vacuum cleaner base station, the dust cup is moved from the original upstream of the suction motor to the downstream of the suction motor, and the air exhausted by the suction motor is used to blow the dust collecting chamber of the dust cup to clean the inner wall and mesh filter of the dust collecting chamber.

[0004] The above three types have their own disadvantages. The first type of base station with its own dust collection system is relatively expensive, and its price limits the user's freedom of choice; the second type of vacuum cleaner base station has a complex structure because it needs to build a passage for fluid docking with the vacuum cleaner, and because when the dust is sucked from the dust cup into the garbage collection container, the exhaust path is lengthened and the air flow resistance becomes larger, there is a possibility that the dust in the dust cup cannot be completely sucked into the garbage collection container; the vacuum cleaner that cooperates with the third type of vacuum cleaner base station must be configured to be able to move the dust cup, which will require additional moving space on the vacuum cleaner, and the structure of the vacuum cleaner is limited. Summary of the invention

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the purpose of the present application is to provide a vacuum cleaner with convenient dust cleaning and a self-cleaning method thereof.

[0006] In a first aspect, the present application provides a vacuum cleaner, comprising: a body provided with a first air inlet, a second air inlet and an exhaust port that are respectively in communication with the outside air; a dust collection cup supported on the body and including a dust collection chamber inside, an air inlet and a dust cover configured to be selectively closed and opened; and a suction motor mounted on the body and having a suction end and an exhaust end; wherein the vacuum cleaner is configured to be capable of performing a dust suction mode and a self-cleaning mode; in the dust suction mode, the suction motor can generate a first working air flow, and the first working air flow enters from the first air inlet and sequentially passes through the dust collection chamber, the suction end, the exhaust end to reach the exhaust port; in the self-cleaning mode, the suction motor generates a second working air flow, and the second working air flow is sucked in from the second air inlet and sequentially passes through the suction end, the exhaust end to reach the dust collection chamber.

[0007] In the technical solution of the above first aspect, preferably, the vacuum cleaner comprises: a first air flow channel communicating the dust collection chamber with the suction end; a second air flow channel communicating between the exhaust end and the dust collection chamber; a third air flow channel communicating between the second air inlet and the suction end; an exhaust path formed between the exhaust end and the exhaust port; and a channel management device for managing the opening and closing of the first air flow channel, the second air flow channel, the third air flow channel and the exhaust path; wherein, in the dust suction mode, the channel management device is configured to cut off the second air flow channel and the third air flow channel, and at the same time penetrate the first air flow channel and the exhaust path; in the self-cleaning mode, the channel management device is configured to cut off the first air flow channel and the exhaust path, and at the same time penetrate the second air flow channel and the third air flow channel.

[0008] In the technical solution of the above first aspect, preferably, the vacuum cleaner further comprises: a filter, and both the first air flow channel and the second air flow channel pass through the filter.

[0009] In the technical solution of the above first aspect, preferably, when the first air flow channel is penetrated, the first working air flow can blow through the filter along a first direction; when the second air flow channel is penetrated, the second air flow can blow through the filter along a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0010] In the technical solution of the above first aspect, preferably, the second air flow channel passes through the air inlet.

[0011] In the technical solution of the first aspect above, preferably, the channel management device includes a first valve arranged on the first airflow channel, a second valve arranged on the second airflow channel, a third valve arranged in the third airflow channel, and a fourth valve arranged in the exhaust path.

[0012] In the technical solution of the first aspect above, preferably, at least a part of the first valve, the second valve, the third valve and the fourth valve are constructed to be able to operate in linkage.

[0013] In the technical solution of the first aspect above, preferably, the first valve, the second valve, the third valve and the fourth valve are integrated on a movable component that can move between a first position and a second position.

[0014] In the technical solution of the first aspect above, preferably, the movable component is a single component or an assembly composed of multiple components.

[0015] In the technical solution of the first aspect above, preferably, the vacuum cleaner further comprises: a self-cleaning mode switch, which is arranged on the body; when the self-cleaning mode switch is triggered, the vacuum cleaner operates according to the self-cleaning mode.

[0016] In a second aspect, the present application provides a self-cleaning method for a vacuum cleaner, wherein the vacuum cleaner comprises a dust cup and a suction motor, wherein the dust cup comprises a dust collecting chamber and a dust cover configured to be selectively closed and opened, and the suction motor comprises an intake end and an exhaust end; the self-cleaning method comprises: starting the suction motor and allowing external air to flow through the intake end, the exhaust end and toward the dust collecting chamber in sequence; and using the air flowing toward the dust collecting chamber to blow away the dust retained in the dust collecting chamber.

[0017] In the technical solution of the second aspect above, preferably, the self-cleaning method further comprises: opening the dust cover before starting the suction motor.

[0018] The above-mentioned vacuum cleaner and its self-cleaning method, by introducing the air exhausted from the suction motor into the dust collecting chamber, achieves the cleaning of the residual dust in the dust collecting chamber with the help of air; this solution is simple and easy to implement, and can achieve dust cleaning by relying solely on the vacuum cleaner itself, making it more convenient to use and improving the user experience.

[0019] The advantages of the preferred embodiments of the present application will be partially given in the following description, and partially become apparent from the following description, or be understood through the practice of the embodiments of the present application. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0020] Figure 1Schematic diagram of the structure of a vacuum cleaner provided by an embodiment of the present application; Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of a vacuum cleaner provided by an embodiment of the present application; Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the fluid passage of a vacuum cleaner in the dust suction mode provided by an embodiment of the present application; Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the fluid passage of a vacuum cleaner in the self - cleaning mode provided by an embodiment of the present application; Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the scene of cleaning dust of a vacuum cleaner in the self - cleaning mode provided by an embodiment of the present application; Figure 6 Flow chart of the self - cleaning method of a vacuum cleaner provided by an embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0021] The present application relates to a vacuum cleaner; after performing the dust suction work, the vacuum cleaner can clean the dust in the dust collection cup of the vacuum cleaner by the "blowing" method by restarting the suction motor again and selectively sending the clean air discharged from the suction motor into the dust collection cup, so as to complete the self - cleaning work of the dust collection cup. This solution can not only prevent the user's hands from touching the dust in the dust collection cup, but also does not require additional equipment (such as a base station with a built - in dust suction system), which is more convenient to use. The vacuum cleaner of this application can be either a portable handheld vacuum cleaner or other types of vacuum cleaners.

[0022] Figure 1 A schematic example of a vacuum cleaner 100 of the present application is shown. The vacuum cleaner 100 in this example is a portable handheld vacuum cleaner, which can be connected to accessories such as a suction tube and a suction head to achieve dust suction cleaning of different types of surfaces to be cleaned. The vacuum cleaner 100 mainly includes a body 1, a dust collection cup 2, a suction motor 3 and a power supply 4.

[0023] The suction motor 3 can generate a vacuum negative pressure to promote the flow of air; for example, it promotes the flow of dusty air to flow in from a dirty air inlet, enter the dust collection cup 2 and pass through the suction motor 3.

[0024] The power supply 4 is electrically connected to the suction motor 3 to supply power to the suction motor 3. The power supply 4 can include one or more rechargeable batteries. In other embodiments, the power supply can also be a power cord that can be connected to an external socket.

[0025] The body 1 is usually an assembly composed of multiple housing parts. In this application, the body 1 constructs a handle 11 for the user to hold. The body 1 is also provided with a first air inlet 12, a second air inlet 13, and an exhaust port 14 that are all in communication with the outside air.

[0026] The first air inlet 12 can be connected to a nozzle attachment (not shown in the figure) to enable the use of the nozzle attachment to send dust together with air into the vacuum cleaner 100. The second air inlet 13 is an opening away from the first air inlet 12, and it can directly send the clean air from the outside to the suction motor 3 without passing through the dust collection cup 2.

[0027] As Figure 2 shown, a dust collection chamber 21 is formed inside the dust collection cup 2. An air inlet 22 communicating with the dust collection chamber 21 is provided on the side wall of the dust collection cup 2, and the air inlet 22 is preferably arranged to introduce the air flow into the dust collection chamber 21 in a spiral air intake manner. A filter 23 is also provided in the upper inner part of the dust collection cup 2. In this example, a dust cover 24 that can be selectively closed and opened is provided at the lower end of the dust collection cup 2. In some preferred embodiments, the dust collection cup 2 is detachably connected to the body 1.

[0028] The suction motor 3 is fixedly installed inside the upper part of the body 1. The suction motor 3 is an assembly composed of a motor part and an impeller part. The suction motor 3 has a suction end 31 and an exhaust end 32. After the suction motor 3 is started, the impeller part rotates and generates a negative pressure at the suction end 31, thereby pushing the air flow from the suction end 31 to the exhaust end 32.

[0029] As Figures 3 - 4 shown, in the vacuum cleaner 100, the following several air flow channels are also constructed among the body 1, the dust collection cup 2, and the suction motor 3: The first air flow channel 41 is formed between the dust collection chamber 21 and the suction end 31 and directly connects the two in terms of air flow. When the first air flow channel 41 is unobstructed, the air flow can flow from the dust collection chamber 21 to the suction end 31; when the first air flow channel 41 is blocked, the air flow is prevented from flowing from the dust collection chamber 21 to the suction end 31.

[0030] The second air flow channel 42 is formed between the exhaust end 32 and the dust collection chamber 21 and directly connects the two in terms of air flow. When the second air flow channel 42 is unobstructed, the air flow can flow from the exhaust end 32 to the dust collection chamber 21; when the second air flow channel 42 is blocked, the air flow is prevented from flowing from the exhaust end 32 to the dust collection chamber 21.

[0031] The third air flow channel 43 is formed between the second air inlet 13 and the suction end 31 and directly connects the two in terms of air flow. When the third air flow channel 43 is unobstructed, outside air can directly flow from the second air inlet 13 to the suction end 31; when the third air flow channel 43 is blocked, outside air is prevented from entering the suction end 31 via the second air inlet 13.

[0032] An exhaust path 44 is formed between the exhaust end 32 and the exhaust port 14. When the exhaust path 44 is unobstructed, the air flowing out from the exhaust end 32 can be discharged to the outside atmosphere via the exhaust port 14; when the exhaust path 44 is blocked, the air flowing out from the exhaust end 32 is prevented from being discharged to the outside via the exhaust port 14.

[0033] In some embodiments, when the first air flow channel 41 is unobstructed, the air flow escaping from the dust collection chamber 21 is guided and can blow across the filter 23 along a first direction; when the second air flow channel 42 is unobstructed, the air flow discharged from the exhaust end 32 is guided and can blow across the filter 23 along a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0034] In some embodiments, the second air flow channel is configured to pass through the air inlet of the dust collection cup, that is, the air flow discharged from the exhaust end first passes through the air inlet and then enters the dust collection chamber.

[0035] In order to control the first air flow channel 41, the second air flow channel 42, the third air flow channel 43 and the exhaust path 44, a channel management device is further configured on the vacuum cleaner 100. Through the channel management device, the user can manage the connection and disconnection of these channels or paths.

[0036] As a device for managing the connection and disconnection of multiple channels, the channel management device may include a plurality of valves. These valves are arranged on the corresponding channels or paths. By operating these valves, the user can select the connection and disconnection of the corresponding channels or paths.

[0037] In the solution of the flow path management device composed of multiple valves, these valves can be either electronic valves or mechanical valves; if electronic valves are selected, they can be individually or jointly controlled through a control circuit; if mechanical valves are selected, the user can manually or with the aid of a controllable electric component (such as a motor) to control these valves. Based on this, the channel management device can be configured to change the states of multiple valves in response to the user's operation, or can be configured to automatically change the states of multiple valves in response to a switch.

[0038] In some embodiments, the valves for managing the connection and disconnection of different channels or paths can be operated in a linkage manner, so that the user only needs to operate once to simultaneously switch the states of these valves.

[0039] In some embodiments, these valves can be integrated on one or more movable components with transformable positions, and the user can operate these movable components to control the valves.

[0040] In some embodiments, these valves can be multiple single-pass valves or one or more multi-pass valves.

[0041] Continuing to refer to Figure 3 、 Figure 4 The channel management device of the present application includes a first valve 51, a second valve 52, a third valve 53, and a fourth valve 54. These valves are operable and are respectively used to control the opening and closing of the first air flow channel 41, the second air flow channel 42, the third air flow channel 43, and the exhaust path 44.

[0042] Based on the above structural settings, the vacuum cleaner 100 is configured to be able to selectively execute a dust suction mode and a self-cleaning mode.

[0043] As Figure 3 shown, when the dust suction mode is selected for execution, the fluid passages of the first air flow channel 41 and the exhaust path 44 are unblocked; at the same time, the second air flow channel 42 and the third air flow channel 43 are truncated. After the suction motor 3 is started, a first working air flow 600 will be generated. The first working air flow 600 will be introduced from the first air inlet 12 and sequentially pass through the air inlet 22, the dust collection chamber 21, the filter 23, the suction end 31, the exhaust end 32 to reach the exhaust port 14, and finally be discharged to the outside atmosphere through the exhaust port 14.

[0044] As Figure 4 shown, when the self-cleaning mode is selected for execution, the fluid passages of the first air flow channel 41 and the exhaust path 44 are selectively truncated; at the same time, the second air flow channel 42 and the third air flow channel 43 are selectively unblocked. After the suction motor 3 is started, a second working air flow 700 will be generated. The second working air flow 700 is introduced from the second air inlet 13 and sequentially passes through the suction end 31, the exhaust end 32, and the filter 23 to reach the dust collection chamber 21. When the dust cover 24 of the dust collection chamber 21 is opened, the large-volume dust 800 accumulated in the dust collection chamber 21 will first fall, and the garbage 801 adhering to the inner wall of the dust collection chamber 21 or the filter 23 will be blown by the second working air flow 700 and fall from the dust collection chamber 21 together with the second working air flow 700, thereby completing the dust cleaning work of the dust collection chamber 21. During this process, the dust 802 in the pipeline between the air inlet 22 and the first air inlet 12 will also be blown out by the second working air flow 700.

[0045] In some embodiments, in order to enable the user to select the self-cleaning mode for the vacuum cleaner 100 to operate, a self-cleaning mode switch (not shown in the figure) is further provided on the body 1; when the self-cleaning mode switch is triggered, the vacuum cleaner 100 will be able to operate according to the working parameter requirements of the self-cleaning mode. Of course, in some embodiments, the user can also perform the self-cleaning mode and the dust suction mode without separate operation, and they are completely automatically performed according to the operation results of the passage management device.

[0046] In the above manner, the user does not need to rely on the vacuum cleaner base station for the self-cleaning work of the vacuum cleaner; for example: it can be carried out as Figure 5 shown in the figure, start the vacuum cleaner 100 above any trash can 900 to make it work in the self-cleaning mode, and use the second working air flow 700 generated by the suction motor to blow away the dust in the dust collection cup 2, so as to realize the cleaning of the dust in the dust collection cup 2.

[0047] In some embodiments, the trash can can also be a special component supported on a vacuum cleaner storage rack. After the vacuum cleaner is used up, it can be stored on the vacuum cleaner storage rack; the user can clean the dust in the dust collection cup during the period when the vacuum cleaner stays on the vacuum cleaner storage rack. The cleaning includes: opening the dust cover to discharge dust; and starting the suction motor to run in the self-cleaning mode, so as to blow the dust that is not discharged in time when the dust cover is opened, and realize the dust treatment of the dust collection cup.

[0048] This application also claims to protect a self-cleaning method for a vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner targeted by the self-cleaning method is, for example, the above-mentioned vacuum cleaner 100, which includes a dust collection cup and a suction motor. The dust collection cup includes a dust collection chamber and a dust cover configured to be selectively closed and opened. The suction motor has a suction end and an exhaust end.

[0049] As Figure 6 shown, the self-cleaning method of the vacuum cleaner includes the following steps: S1. Start the suction motor and make the outside air flow through the suction end of the suction motor, the exhaust end of the suction motor and then flow to the dust collection chamber of the dust collection cup in sequence.

[0050] In this step S1, the outside air is limited to bypass the dust collection cup of the vacuum cleaner and is directly sucked into the suction end of the suction motor.

[0051] S2. Use the air flowing into the dust collection chamber to blow the dust staying in the dust collection chamber.

[0052] In this step S2, by utilizing the air flowing into the dust collection chamber, the stagnant dust located in the dust collection chamber, such as the dust adhering to the inner wall of the dust collection chamber, is blown up and then blown out of the dust collection chamber. This not only enables dust cleaning, but also during the process of air flow, it is beneficial to clean the inner wall of the dust collection chamber and the filter holes (for example, a filter is provided in the dust collection chamber of the vacuum cleaner).

[0053] Generally, before performing step S1, the dust cover needs to be opened before starting the suction motor. This step of opening the dust cover is usually completed manually. In some embodiments, the user can also not open the dust cover in advance, but use the air pressure flowing into the dust collection chamber to push open the dust cover or use other components to open the dust cover while starting the suction motor.

[0054] The vacuum cleaner configuration of the present application can empty and / or sort the dust in the dust collection cup by itself, so as to achieve the self-cleaning effect of the dust collection cup; it effectively avoids the user from contacting the dust and reduces the labor of the user.

[0055] The above shows and describes the basic principles, main features and advantages of the present application. Those skilled in the art should understand that the present application is not limited by the above embodiments. What is described in the above embodiments and the specification only illustrates the principles of the present application. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application, the present application will have various changes and improvements. The scope of protection required by the present application is defined by the appended claims, the specification and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner, characterized in that: include: The machine body is provided with a first air inlet, a second air inlet and an exhaust port respectively connected to the outside air; a dust cup supported on the body and including a dust collection chamber located inside, an air inlet in airflow communication with the dust collector, and a dust cover configured to be selectively closed and opened; as well as A suction motor, mounted on the machine body and having a suction end and an exhaust end; In which, the vacuum cleaner is configured to be able to execute a dust collection mode and a self-cleaning mode; in the dust collection mode, the suction motor is able to generate a first working airflow, the first working airflow enters from the first air inlet and passes through the dust collecting chamber, the suction end, the exhaust end in sequence to reach the exhaust port; in the self-cleaning mode, the suction motor generates a second working airflow, the second working airflow enters from the second air inlet and passes through the suction end and the exhaust end in sequence to reach the dust collecting chamber.

2. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 1, characterized in that Also includes: A first air flow channel connecting the dust collecting chamber and the air suction end; a second air flow channel connected between the exhaust end and the dust collecting chamber; a third air flow channel connected to the second air inlet and the air intake end; an exhaust path formed between the exhaust end and the exhaust port; as well as A channel management device, used to manage the opening and closing of the first airflow channel, the second airflow channel, the third airflow channel and the exhaust path; Wherein, in the dust collection mode, the channel management device is configured to cut off the second airflow channel and the third airflow channel, and simultaneously connect the first airflow channel and the exhaust path; in the self-cleaning mode, the channel management device is configured to cut off the first airflow channel and the exhaust path, and simultaneously connect the second airflow channel and the third airflow channel.

3. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, characterized in that Also includes: The first airflow channel and the second airflow channel both pass through the filter.

4. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 3, characterized in that When the first airflow channel is connected, the first working airflow can blow through the filter along a first direction; when the second airflow channel is connected, the second airflow can blow through the filter along a second direction opposite to the first direction.

5. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, characterized in that The second air flow channel passes through the air inlet.

6. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, characterized in that The channel management device includes a first valve arranged on the first air flow channel, a second valve arranged on the second air flow channel, a third valve arranged in the third air flow channel, and a fourth valve arranged in the exhaust path.

7. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 6, characterized in that At least a portion of the first valve, the second valve, the third valve and the fourth valve are configured to be operable in linkage.

8. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 7, characterized in that The first valve, the second valve, the third valve and the fourth valve are integrated on a movable component which can move between a first position and a second position.

9. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 8, characterized in that The movable component is a single component or an assembly composed of multiple components.

10. The vacuum cleaner according to claim 2, characterized in that Also includes: A self-cleaning mode switch is arranged on the machine body; when the self-cleaning mode switch is triggered, the vacuum cleaner operates in the self-cleaning mode.

11. A self-cleaning method for a vacuum cleaner, wherein the vacuum cleaner comprises a dust cup and a suction motor, wherein the dust cup comprises a dust collecting chamber and a dust cover configured to be selectively closed and opened, and the suction motor comprises a suction end and an exhaust end; wherein: The self-cleaning method comprises: starting the suction motor and allowing the outside air to flow through the air intake end, the air exhaust end and toward the dust collecting chamber in sequence; and using the air flowing toward the dust collecting chamber to blow away the dust retained in the dust collecting chamber.

12. The self-cleaning method according to claim 11, characterized in that: Also includes: Before starting the suction motor, open the dust cover.

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