A street vacuum cleaner with a changeable diameter crevice nozzle

The street vacuum cleaner with a changeable diameter crevice nozzle addresses the inefficiencies and safety concerns of existing models by incorporating advanced features like active noise control and intelligent suction, resulting in improved cleaning efficiency and operator comfort.

WO2025114743A1PCT designated stage expired Publication Date: 2025-06-05VAFAEINIA MEHDI +2
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Patent Information

Application Number
PCT/IB2023/061934
Authority / Receiving Office
WO · WO
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2023-11-27
Publication Date
2025-06-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing street vacuum cleaners face challenges such as high dust volumes during manual sweeping, low cleaning speed, health risks from dust inhalation, inability to collect dense waste, and difficulty in maintaining and repairing the apparatus.

Method used

A street vacuum cleaner with a changeable diameter crevice nozzle, featuring a polyhedral shell with multiple doors for easy maintenance, an angle detection sensor for smooth turning, active noise control technology, intelligent suction control, and a SIM card for communication and dispatching systems.

Benefits of technology

The solution enables efficient cleaning of urban roads with reduced dust, increased operator comfort, and improved maintenance accessibility, while also allowing for adjustable suction power and noise reduction, enhancing overall cleaning efficiency and operator safety.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

A street vacuum cleaner with a changeable diameter crevice nozzle. The present invention relates to an urban and household vacuum cleaners, comprising of: active noise control, a crevice nozzle with a changeable diameter, an output shaft from the drive motor, a snow brush, and a polyhedral shell with a seat and a steering wheel. This apparatus allows the operator to sit on a chair, stand on the device's steps, and walk with the device. An enhanced feature of this apparatus could be a dispatching system that acquires data from individual vacuum cleaners, including their precise location and cleaning status. This apparatus introduces new benefit; it allows for the activation of various apparatuses such as water pumps, sprayers, and winches by utilizing the output shaft from the drive motor.
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Description

A street vacuum cleaner with a changeable diameter crevice nozzle

[0001] The current invention is related to cleaning machines for urban roads and the use of cleaning instruments for roads and urban environments.Technical Field

[0002] This invention is related to the technical field of mechanical engineering, various forms of urban and household vacuum cleaners, and cleaning vacuum cleaners. A47L5 / 00Background Art

[0003] Since last decades, some machines were immerged which similar to domestic vacuum cleaners but larger and stronger. There are different categories like sweeper, vacuum, polisher and so on. Cleaning machines are used in different applications like residential, industrial, and commercial. In the meantime, modern- day vacuum cleaners serve as a time-efficient and convenient solution to most cleaning tasks. The demand for all-sized innovative cleaning apparatuses is soaring, encouraging manufacturers to develop products featuring the latest technology.

[0004] Patent document W02016030377A1 describes a street or industrial vacuum cleaner on a chassis that is self-propelled using at least one drive motor and includes a guide element, which is preferably in the form of a handlebar with at least one handle, a hand grip, and means or elements for attachment to the vacuum cleaner's chassis, said attachment means or elements allowing the user to steer the vacuum cleaner by transmitting motions applied to the hand grip preferably with a return spring and at least a switch for detecting the sliding part's position, the switch being able to cause the street vacuum cleaner drive motor to switch off or reverse if the sliding part is in the retracted position. The movable part can move between a first position known as an extended position and a second position known as a retracted position.

[0005] The vacuum cleaner described in patent document W02018095809A1 is an urban or industrial vacuum cleaner with two motorized rear wheels, at least onefront wheel that can pivot to steer the vacuum cleaner, and a handlebar for steering the vacuum cleaner. The motor in the vacuum cleaner drives the front wheel's pivoting. The vacuum cleaner also has two sensors that are set up to produce signals depending on which way the handlebar is moved. The motor is triggered in one of two rotational directions based on the signals produced by each sensor, respectively.Summary of Invention

[0006] A street vacuum cleaner with a changeable diameter crevice nozzle is for an innovative street vacuum cleaner designed to tackle the problem of cleaning denser garbage from streets more efficiently. This apparatus has features such as a crevice nozzle with a changeable diameter. They aim to reduce cleaning time, provide ease of use for operators, and ensure cleaner streets. The key components of the apparatus include suction section means, a polyhedral shell with a seat and steering wheel, an angle detection sensor, an output shaft for secondary apparatuses, active noise control technology, intelligent suction control mechanism, a crevice nozzle with a changeable diameter, and a SIM card for communication purposes. The suction section means effectively filter and separate waste from the air, with features such as handle and hose, trash can, filters, and connecting pipes. It offers suction through the hose pipe as well as the bottom of the sweeper. An anti-sticking system prevents clogging of the filter. The polyhedral shell provides a multifaceted design with easy access to internal equipment for maintenance and repairs. The angle detection sensor assists in smooth turning of the apparatus. The output shaft from the drive motor allows for the connection of secondary apparatuses such as a water pump or sprayer. The apparatus incorporates active noise control technology to minimize noise pollution during operation. This makes it suitable for use in residential areas and noise-sensitive locations. An intelligent suction control mechanism adjusts the suction power based on waste detection, optimizing the apparatus's operating time and efficiency. The crevice nozzle is designed with a changeable diameter, allowing the operator to adjust it for different types of waste. The apparatus includes a SIM card for communication between the apparatus, operator, and owner through a dedicated application. The application provides valuableinformation about the apparatus's status, battery life, replacement recommendations, and bin capacity. It also features a machine lock and anti-theft system, including location tracking via GPS. An optional dispatching system collects data on individual vacuum cleaners, including their location and cleaning status. This data helps optimize cleaning routes and assign specific areas to each vacuum cleaner, enhancing operational efficiency. In the gasoline engine- operated model, a robust generator is included as a secondary apparatus, producing alternating current (AC) power for external consumers. This apparatus provides many benefits for improving cleaning and increasing cleaning speed in urban environments and passages. Also, this apparatus can be used in all passages, streets and urban and rural contexts, all commercial centers, airports, railway and subway stations, as well as educational, and military centers.Technical Problem

[0007] Garbage removal and cleaning of roads and streets using the usual methods, which is the same as sweeping by a sweeper, has disadvantages and problems such as:

[0008] High volume of dust in manual sweeping, low speed of cleaning, thread of sweeper’s health (breath of dust), though condition for pick up some trashes, exhausting 8 hours continuous sweeping, thread of sharp trash, thread of acidic and microbial trash, high volume of trash after every festival and Carnival, and also conventional vacuum cleaners are not able to collect waste from industrial workshops due to their high density.

[0009] In order to reduce these problems, in recent years, various apparatuses have been designed and built for cleaning urban roads. Over time, these apparatuses have made more improvements by adding features. The things that have always been among the concerns of improving the quality of these apparatuses and many efforts have been made to improve them are: how to position the operator to use the apparatus, how to connect the filters and ease of installation and removal, the shell of the apparatus for better access to the inside of the apparatus and easier maintenance and maintenance, using the wind output for purposes such as cooling and using it as filter and blower cleaning and things like that.

[0010] Despite all the efforts that have been made to solve the problems with these apparatuses, there are still many problems. Existing apparatuses do not allow the operator to sit, stand, and walk simultaneously. Moreover, the shells have been designed so that different doors cannot be installed on them, resulting in difficulty accessing the internal equipment and difficulty maintaining and repairing them. One of the other problems with these apparatuses that has not been solved so far is the inability to easily move the apparatus to the top of the truck and the lack of convenience in emptying the trash can. Also, for heavy wastes whose suction is problematic, if the operator does not pay attention to their suction, it may remain suspended in the pipe path after suction. This may lead to blockage of the path.

[0011] This proposed embodiment is intended to provide a city sweeper that can be used by an operator to increase the speed, ease to use, and efficiency of cleaning city streets. Among the components of this apparatus are suction section means, multifaceted shells, seats, and steering wheels. The operator has the ability to sit on a chair, stand on the steps of the machine and walk with the machine to clean the passages with the help of the machine. Additionally, the apparatus has a multifaceted shell with multiple doors installed to allow for easy maintenance and use of different features. Creating an output shaft from the drive motor to start secondary apparatuses.Solution to Problem

[0012] For the given problem, a street vacuum cleaner with a changeable diameter crevice nozzle [Figure 1] has been designed, which can be used by an operator to clean urban roads in a shorter, easier and cleaner time, and to transport it. This apparatus is composed of various parts and systems, which include suction section means, polyhedral shell "1" along with seat and steering wheel, angle detection sensor, output shaft from drive motor "2" for starting secondary apparatuses, active noise control technology, intelligent suction control mechanism, a crevice nozzle with a changeable diameter "3", a SIM card for communication between the apparatus, the operator, and the owner through a dedicated application, a dispatching system for acquiring data from individual vacuum cleaners, including their precise location and cleaning status, LCDscreens, and a robust generator as a secondary apparatus for producing alternating current (AC) power.

[0013] Suction Section Means includes the air entering the suction pipe to the air leaving the suction. This section includes the fan and the suction chamber, filtration and separation of waste from the air by emptying the waste in the bucket and exiting the air from the suction. The flow path in this system comprises handle and hose, trash can, flat screen filter, cylindrical filter, connecting pipes, housing inlet, impeller, fan outlet, engine cooling and manifold feeding and air discharge to the outside environment. In this apparatus, suction is possible both through the hose pipe and through the bottom of the sweeper (with the help of a sweeper). This apparatus includes an Anti-sticking system in the filter section to prevent the sticking of plastic and leaves and also it has a filter shaker and reverse airflow for the cleaning filter.

[0014] The designed shell is a polyhedral shell "1" [Figure 2] on which a seat is installed and the steering wheel is in front of it. In this machine, the operator can sit on a chair, stand on the machine steps, and walk with the machine. This geometric shell is designed multifaceted, with different doors installed on it. Multiple doors provide easy access to internal equipment and convenience for repairs and maintenance. In addition, it allows the use of various apparatus capabilities due to its versatility.

[0015] The handle is equipped with an angle detection sensor, which for when the apparatus wants to turn to the sides, by detecting the rotation angle of the steering wheel and by PWM, drive motors are fed with a different speed to turn around, and this makes bypassing easy.

[0016] An output shaft "2" [Figure 3] is taken from the drive motor and when the fan engagement is taken from the drive motor by the electric clutch, it starts working and by default the winch is closed on it, and it can even be used to start the water pump, sprayer, and apparatuses of this form can be used from the output shaft "2". This secondary apparatus can be separately connected to the sweeper output and its shaft, or it can be a part of the apparatus itself, which is used when needed by releasing the electric clutch connected to the fan.

[0017] A snow brush that clears snow from the passways is a mechanism that is attached to the system. The fan and its output air are used to drive the pneumatic hydro-turbine and power the snow brush.

[0018] When a piece of debris gets stuck in any part of the suction system, it will block the path, create a vacuum, and immediately rupture the trash bin. The vacuum breaker check valves are used with the suction system to prevent them from rupturing. The vacuum breaker check valves open at very low positive pressure and would take the air into the tank. By using this system, possible damage to the vacuum cleaner is avoided.

[0019] The proposed apparatus is comprising a cleaning apparatus with integrated active noise control technology [Figure 4], By implementing this feature, the apparatus effectively minimizes the emitted sound during operation, resulting in a quieter and more pleasant environment for both the operator and the nearby community. The Active Noise Control system receives a reference signal from the tachometer (read the motor round) and a load speaker to cancel out noise and dampen unwanted noise from the engine, motor, and other rotating parts. With an error signal from the microphone and feedback, it corrects the canceling noise. The inclusion of active noise control ensures cleaning performance without contributing to unnecessary noise pollution. Consequently, this technologically advanced system is highly suitable for deployment in residential areas, busy streets, and other noise-sensitive locations.

[0020] Another described feature of the present apparatus involves a power-saving functionality implemented through a series of intelligent suction adjustments. In the power-saving mode, the vacuum cleaner's fan operates at the lowest suction mode. However, when waste within the tube is detected using infrared sensors, the suction mode is automatically adjusted to a medium level. Additionally, another sensor is utilized to identify a significant quantity or heavy waste, prompting the system to switch to the maximum suction power mode. This intelligent suction control mechanism serves to optimize the apparatus's operating time, enhancing its efficiency apparatuses.

[0021] This apparatus has a crevice nozzle with a changeable diameter "3", which the operator can adjust for bulky or small and dense waste [Figure 5]. This nozzleconsists of a flexible nozzle shoe "4", two linear motors "5", two L rod clevis ends "6", two connecting rods "7", two double-ended hinge rods (with one degree of freedom) "8", and a structure ring "9". When linear motors "5" run and L rod clevis ends "6" come out, the connecting rods "7" turn the double-ended hinge rods "8" inward, and the flexible nozzle shoe "4" crumples, and the inlet of it gets smaller.

[0022] The disclosed urban vacuum cleaner comprises a SIM card that facilitates communication between the apparatus, the operator, and the owner through a dedicated application (App). The application provides valuable information regarding the apparatus's battery charge status, battery life, recommended replacement times for parts, and bin capacity. Furthermore, the application incorporates a machine lock and anti-theft system. This system extends beyond simply locking the wheels; leveraging the capabilities of the SIM card, it also enables location tracking and reporting via GPS, thereby notifying any change in location and providing real-time location updates.

[0023] An enhanced feature of this apparatus could be a dispatching system that acquires data from individual vacuum cleaners, including their precise location and cleaning status. This data can be leveraged to optimize the routes taken by the vacuum cleaners and assign them to specific areas requiring cleaning. The dispatching system is also capable of transmitting real-time updates to each vacuum cleaner, furnishing them with instructions regarding the designated destinations and tasks to be accomplished. As a result, operational efficiency is improved, and the time required for cleaning a particular area is reduced. Additionally, the vacuum cleaners feature LCD screens that display pertinent information such as the ongoing task, upcoming tasks, as well as any alerts or notifications.

[0024] Included as an additional feature in the gasoline engine-operated model is an optional secondary apparatus, which comprises a robust generator. This generator is capable of producing alternating current (AC) power, serving external consumers and ensuring its versatility for a wide range of applications. For instance, it can be employed in constructing urban pathways, municipal gardening, rescue operations, carnivals, disinfection of municipal waste bins, and other similar scenarios.Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0025] This apparatus has created benefits for the operator and the consumer that are new and did not exist in previous inventions. These benefits include:

[0026] - Unlike previous inventions, this apparatus introduces new benefits for both the operator and the consumer. It allows for the activation of various apparatuses such as water pumps, sprayers, and winches by utilizing the output shaft from the drive motor.

[0027] - By using this nozzle, if the waste is bulky, the nozzle is at its maximum cross-sectional area, and if the waste is dense and more pressure is needed to suction them, the cross-sectional area of the nozzle is reduced to increase the suction pressure. In fact, in similar apparatuses, this is possible by changing the nozzle, but in this invention, the nozzle has the ability to change the cross section.

[0028] - Versatility in Operation: The operator has the freedom to sit, stand, or walk while operating the apparatus, providing flexibility and comfort during use.

[0029] - Easy Maintenance and Access: The geometric shell design of the apparatus facilitates easy access to internal components, simplifying maintenance tasks and allowing for optional uses.Brief Description of DrawingsFig.1

[0030] [Figure.1] (A) an isometric view of a street vacuum cleaner, (B) behind isometric view of a street vacuum cleaner.Fig.2

[0031] [Figure.2] (A) an isometric view of polyhedral shell, (B) exploded view of polyhedral shell.Fig.3

[0032] [Figure.3] (A) An output shaft (B) An isolated view of output shaft, and other engaged parts.Fig.4

[0033] [Figure.4] Active Noise Control technology block diagram.Fig.5

[0034] [Figure.5] (A) Isometric view and (B) bottom view of Crevice nozzle with a changeable diameter.Description of Embodiments

[0035] As shown in [Figure.1] the apparatus includes the following parts and equipment:1 - Polyhedral shell 2- output shaft from drive motor 3- crevice nozzle with a changeable diameter

[0036] As shown in [Figure.2] (A) is an isometric view of polyhedral shell, and (B) is an exploded view of polyhedral shell. This multifaceted geometric shell is shown, with different doors installed on it.

[0037] As shown in [Figure.3] (A) An output shaft protruding from the inner shell of the apparatus, (B) An isolated view of output shaft, power generator, power transition system, fan and dynamo.

[0038] As shown in [Figure 4], the Active Noise Control system receives a reference signal from the tachometer (read the motor round) and a load speaker to cancel out noise and dampen unwanted noise from the engine, motor, and other rotating parts. With an error signal from the microphone and feedback, it corrects the canceling noise.

[0039] The relationship between parts of Crevice nozzle with a changeable diameter is shown in [Figure.5].

[0040] 4- flexible nozzle shoe 5- linear motor 6- L rod clevis end7- connecting rod 8- double-ended hinge rod 9- structure ringExamples

[0041] The apparatus requires an operator to operate it. The operator has multiple options for maneuvering the apparatus. They can either clean roads and streets while sitting on a chair attached to the machine, standing on the steps of the machine, or simply walk alongside it. Once the operator turns on the motor, the suction mechanism activates, allowing the operator to start collecting waste. The angle detection sensor, which is installed on the handle, plays a crucial role in theoperation. It enables the apparatus's drive motors to receive variable revolutions through Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). This feature facilitates easy and fast maneuvering of the apparatus. The drive motor is equipped with an output shaft that serves multiple purposes. When the fan is not engaged in the suction process, the output shaft can be utilized to power other secondary apparatuses. For example, it can start the water pump, sprayer, winch, and similar auxiliary equipment. By pressing a button and adjusting the nozzle cross-section, the user can prepare the nozzle for bulky or dense waste. By leveraging the diverse capabilities of the apparatus, the operator can efficiently clean various types of surfaces, including roads, streets, and passages in urban and rural areas. Additionally, its versatility allows for application in a wide range of locations such as commercial centers, airports, railway and subway stations, as well as educational, research, and military centers. This implementation method empowers the operator to utilize the apparatus's features effectively, ensuring thorough cleaning while offering flexibility and ease of use.Industrial Applicability

[0042] The proposed urban vacuum cleaner is an apparatus that can be used in all passages, streets and urban and rural contexts, all commercial centers, airports, railway and subway stations, as well as educational, research and military centers.

Claims

Claims

1. An apparatus for cleaning urban passages, comprising of: active noise control, wherein a load speaker cancels out noise and dampens unwanted noise from the rotating part; a crevice nozzle with a changeable diameter, wherein the diameter of the flexible nozzle shoe is changeable; an output shaft from the drive motor, wherein start secondary devices; a snow brush, wherein it is powered by a fan; and a polyhedral shell with a seat and a steering wheel, wherein it is designed to be multifaceted; and

2. The active noise control of claim 1 , wherein the integrated active noise control system is adapted to receive a reference signal from the tachometer and a load speaker to facilitate noise cancellation and dampening of undesirable sound originating from the engine, motor, and rotating components; and utilizing an error signal from the microphone and employing feedback mechanisms, the active noise control system effectively counters and mitigates the generated noise.

3. Crevice nozzle with a changeable diameter of claim 1 , wherein the adjustable nozzle comprises a flexible nozzle shoe, two linear motors, two L rod clevis ends, two connecting rods, two double-ended hinge rods with one degree of freedom, and a structure ring. Activation of the linear motors causes the extension of L rod clevis ends, subsequently rotating the connecting rods, inwardly manipulating the double-ended hinge rods, resulting in the compression of the flexible nozzle shoe and a reduction in its inlet diameter to accommodate varying sizes of waste.

4. Output shaft of claim 1 , wherein the output shaft derived from the drive motor engages secondary devices such as a winch, a water pump, a sprayer, and generator; and the engagement of the electric clutch with the drive motor activates the secondary devices connected to the output shaft, enabling the initiation of their functionalities.

5. Snow brush of claim 1 , wherein the output air produced by the fan drives a pneumatic hydro-turbine used to power a snow brush.

6. The polyhedral shell with the seat and steering wheel according to claim 1 ,(A) It allows the operator to sit on a chair, stand on the device's steps, and walk with the device;(B) It embeds different doors on the shell for easy maintenance and facilitates the use of different functions of the device due to its versatility.

Citation Information

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