Vacuum cleaner having self-cleaning function

Abstract

A vacuum cleaner having a self-cleaning function, comprising: a dust cup (2), the dust cup (2) being provided with an air inlet, and the air inlet being fitted with an air inlet pipe (3); a main unit (1), the main unit (1) being internally provided with a suction assembly (10) and a control assembly, the main unit (1) being provided with an air outlet (4) and a suction port (11), the dust cup (2) being connected to the main unit (1), and the suction assembly (10) being connected to the control assembly; a filter element (7), mounted in the dust cup (2), a passage (12) being formed between the filter element (7) and the suction port (11) of the main unit (1), and external dust-laden air entering the dust cup (2) through the air inlet pipe (3), flowing through the filter element (7), then entering the main unit (1) and being discharged from the air outlet (4) of the main unit (1); and a dust-blowing cleaning mechanism, arranged in the passage (12) between the filter element (7) and the main unit (1), the dust-blowing cleaning mechanism blowing out cleaning air, and the cleaning air passing through the filter element (7) to blow off dust and impurities from the surface of the filter element (7). Blowing and dust removal functions are integrated in the passage (12) between the filter element (7) and the suction port (11), and, in coordination with a vibration function, the filter element (7) is cleaned without disassembling the filter element (7), thereby reducing the frequency of disassembly, cleaning and replacement of the filter element (7), and improving user experience.

Description

A vacuum cleaner with self-cleaning function Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of vacuum cleaner technology, specifically a vacuum cleaner with a self-cleaning function. Background Technology

[0002] Vacuum cleaners come in various types, ranging from large to small, with designs such as straight, T-shaped, or L-shaped. Aside from robotic vacuum cleaners, most handheld vacuum cleaners are operated by holding the device in your hand. One type of handheld vacuum cleaner includes a handle and a main unit. The main unit houses a fan, with a dust cup at the fan's suction end. The main unit has suction and exhaust ports corresponding to the fan's suction and exhaust ends, all connected to the dust cup. The dust cup typically contains a filter, usually made of a porous material. When airflow passes through the dust cup, the filter traps solid debris, thus collecting it. Over time, dust accumulates on the filter surface, clogging the micropores and reducing suction power. Therefore, regular filter replacement is necessary, resulting in significant operating costs for users. Therefore, users can also clean the filter. When cleaning the filter, the dust cup needs to be removed from the vacuum cleaner main unit, and then the filter needs to be taken out of the dust cup. After cleaning, the filter and dust cup are put back into the vacuum cleaner main unit. This operation is extremely cumbersome, and users will contaminate their hands and the surrounding environment when cleaning the filter, which will affect the user experience. Technical issues

[0003] A vacuum cleaner capable of self-cleaning its filter is provided. Technical solutions

[0004] To address the aforementioned technical problems, the present invention provides a vacuum cleaner with a self-cleaning function.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0006] A vacuum cleaner with a self-cleaning function includes:

[0007] Dust cup, with an air inlet connected to an air inlet pipe;

[0008] The main unit includes a suction component and a control component. The main unit has an air outlet and a suction port. The dust cup is connected to the main unit, and the suction component is connected to the control component.

[0009] The filter element is installed inside the dust cup. A channel is formed between the filter element and the air inlet of the main unit. External dust enters the dust cup through the air inlet pipe, flows through the filter element, enters the main unit, and is discharged from the air outlet of the main unit.

[0010] The dust blowing cleaning mechanism is located in the channel between the filter element and the main unit. The dust blowing cleaning mechanism blows out cleaning air, which passes through the filter element and blows off the dust and impurities on the surface of the filter element.

[0011] As a further improvement, the channel formed between the filter element and the air intake of the main unit is a sealed space, and gas can only pass through the filter element.

[0012] As a further improvement, the channel formed between the filter element and the main unit's air intake has a gap, through which gas passes.

[0013] As a further improvement, the dust cup is provided with a filter cartridge support. The top of the filter cartridge support is connected to the main unit. The side wall of the filter cartridge support is provided with a filter screen. The filter element is located inside the filter cartridge support. External dust and gas pass through the filter screen and then through the filter element.

[0014] As a further improvement, the dust blowing cleaning mechanism includes a blower motor, the blower motor having an air duct that runs through both ends of the blower motor.

[0015] As a further improvement, the main unit is provided with a motor bracket, the blower motor is installed inside the motor bracket, and the motor bracket extends into the channel.

[0016] As a further improvement, the blower motor includes an inner shell and an outer shell, which are connected by a connecting rib, and an air duct is formed between the inner shell and the outer shell.

[0017] As a further improvement, the dust cup is equipped with a vibration cleaning mechanism, which is connected to the control component and drives the filter element to vibrate.

[0018] As a further improvement, the vibration cleaning mechanism includes a vibration motor and an eccentric wheel. The eccentric wheel is connected to the drive shaft of the vibration motor. The vibration motor drives the eccentric wheel to rotate and contact the filter element gap, causing the filter element to vibrate.

[0019] As a further improvement, the bottom surface of the filter element is provided with a bottom cover, and a support column is provided in the bottom cover. An eccentric wheel is located on the side of the support column. The vibration motor drives the eccentric wheel to rotate and periodically touch the support column, causing the filter element to vibrate; or the eccentric wheel directly touches the filter element periodically, causing the filter element to vibrate.

[0020] As a further improvement, the vibration cleaning mechanism includes a vibration cylinder and a top block. The top block is connected to the piston of the vibration cylinder. The vibration cylinder drives the top block to extend and retract, colliding with the filter element and thus causing the filter element to vibrate. Beneficial effects

[0021] A blower motor is installed directly in the channel between the filter element and the suction inlet. The blower motor blows air directly at the filter element, cleaning all directions of the filter element. The air blows from the inner surface of the filter element, and as the air passes outward, it blows off the dust adhering to the surface of the filter element. In addition, a vibration dust-shaking process is combined, which causes the filter element to vibrate, shaking off the dust adhering to the surface of the filter element. Combined with the blower dust-sweeping process, the dust on the surface of the filter element can be removed more thoroughly, preventing the dust shaken off by vibration from re-adhering to the surface of the filter element. This reduces the frequency of manual disassembly and cleaning of the filter element, as well as the frequency of filter element replacement, thereby reducing the cost of use and improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 is a cross-sectional structural diagram of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 3 is a partial exploded view of Embodiment 1 of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the vibration cleaning mechanism and the filter element in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the vibration motor and the filter element in Embodiment 2 of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the vibration cylinder and filter element in Embodiment 3 of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 7 is a three-dimensional structural schematic diagram of the blower motor of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the assembly structure of the filter element and the filter cartridge support in this invention;

[0030] Figure 9 is a schematic diagram of the exploded structure of Figure 8.

[0031] Figure label:

[0032] Main unit 1, dust cup 2, air inlet pipe 3, air outlet 4, cover plate 5, handle 6, filter element 7, blower motor 8, outer shell 81, inner shell 82, air duct 9, suction assembly 10, suction port 11, channel 12, filter cartridge bracket 13, motor bracket 14, filter screen 15, vibration motor 16, eccentric wheel 17, bottom cover 18, support column 19, vibration cylinder 20, top block 21. The best embodiment of the present invention

[0033] Example 1

[0034] Referring to Figures 1-3 and 7-9, a vacuum cleaner with a self-cleaning function includes a main unit 1, a dust cup 2, a filter element 6, and a dust blowing cleaning mechanism, wherein:

[0035] The main unit 1 contains a suction assembly 10 and a control assembly. The main unit 1 has an air outlet 4 and an air intake 11. The suction assembly 10 is connected to the control assembly. The suction assembly is typically a fan; when the fan is started, it draws in external air. The control assembly includes necessary PCB boards, wires, and a power module, which can be a battery, enabling wireless operation and control of the suction assembly's start / stop and operating power. The main unit's shape can be designed in different ways to meet different needs and user groups. For convenient control, control buttons can also be provided, connected to the control assembly, for starting and stopping the suction assembly.

[0036] The bottom surface of the dust cup 2 can be connected to a cover plate 5, which can be opened to empty the dust and impurities inside the dust cup. The dust cup 2 has an air inlet, to which an air inlet pipe 3 is connected. The upper end of the dust cup 2 is connected to the main unit 1, such as by a threaded or snap-fit ​​structure, or other installation and fixing methods. The lower end of the dust cup 2 is used to install the cover plate 5. One side of the cover plate 5 is hinged to one side of the bottom surface of the dust cup 2, allowing the cover plate 5 to rotate. A snap is provided on the other side of the dust cup to hold the cover plate in place, facilitating the opening and closing of the cover plate. Opening the cover plate allows the dust and impurities accumulated inside the dust cup to be discharged outwards. In this embodiment, the air inlet pipe is arranged vertically on the side wall of the dust cup. However, it is not limited to this structure; the air inlet pipe can also be extended to form a parallel or other angle with the dust cup.

[0037] The filter element 7 is installed inside the dust cup, and a channel 12 is formed between the filter element 7 and the air intake 11 of the main unit 1. After the air intake component in the main unit 1 is started and running, it draws air, creating a vacuum negative pressure environment in the channel 12. External dust enters the dust cup through the air inlet pipe, passes through the filter element and enters the channel 12. The filter element filters the dust, so that the dust and impurities in the dust are isolated and attached to the surface of the filter element. The filtered gas enters the main unit from the air intake and is discharged to the outside through the air outlet of the main unit.

[0038] A dust-blowing cleaning mechanism is located within channel 12. This mechanism includes a blower motor 8 with an air duct 9 running through both ends of the motor. The blower motor 8 is directly integrated into channel 12, allowing it to blow air directly onto the surface of the filter element 7. The air then blows outwards from the inner surface of the filter element 7, effectively cleaning all areas of the filter element and removing dust. The blower motor 8 operates only after the suction action is complete, avoiding interference. When the suction assembly is working, the air entering the filter element 7 flows upwards through the air duct 9 in the blower motor 8 after entering channel 12, eventually entering the main unit and exiting through the outlet. Direct airflow onto the filter element 7 provides superior cleaning. A separate blower button can be installed on the main unit, connected to the control component, and the blower motor can also be connected to the control component. Alternatively, a separate control board can be used to control the blower motor. The hairdryer motor is turned on or off by pressing the hairdryer button. This button can be located in various positions on the main unit for user convenience.

[0039] Furthermore, when used with handheld vacuum cleaners, a handle can be installed on the main unit, with the vacuuming and blower buttons located separately on the handle for easy operation. When used with other non-handheld vacuum cleaners, the handle is not required.

[0040] The filter element can be made of glass fiber, polypropylene, or other materials with filtration properties. These materials have a fine fibrous structure that can effectively capture airborne particles such as dust, pollen, and bacteria, thereby improving air purification.

[0041] The specific assembly of the filter element can be flexibly selected according to the actual application.

[0042] Furthermore, the specific structure of the filter element can be cylindrical, flat, arc-shaped, or other shapes. During assembly, it is only necessary to ensure that the filter element comes into contact with the dust entering the dust cup from the air inlet pipe, so that the dust entering the dust cup can pass through the filter element 7 before entering the channel 12 to achieve the filtering effect.

[0043] Method 1

[0044] The channel 12 formed between the filter element 7 and the air intake 11 of the main unit 1 is a sealed space. The air intake is located inside the channel 12, and gas can only pass through the filter element 7. That is, when in vacuum mode, external dust entering the dust cup can only pass through the filter element 7 into the channel 12, then through the air intake 11 into the main unit 1, and finally exit from the air outlet 4. During self-cleaning, the air blown by the blower motor 8 can only be blown from the inner surface of the filter element 7 and outwards. The sealing structure of the channel can be formed by directly attaching the filter element 7 to the main unit, or by using a connector to connect the filter element and the main unit.

[0045] By setting channel 12 as a sealed space, the air blown out by the blower motor has a better effect on cleaning the filter element, and the air is blown more concentratedly onto the surface of the filter element 7.

[0046] Or method two

[0047] The channel 12 formed between the filter element 7 and the air intake 11 of the main unit 1 has a gap, which can be located in different areas of the channel, allowing gas to pass through the gap and the filter element. In this structure, due to the gap, a small portion of the air blown by the blower motor 8 will flow out through the gap. Therefore, the air cannot be used to clean the filter element 7 to the maximum extent. However, this structure can still achieve cleaning of the filter element 7, although the effect is relatively weaker than that of the first method.

[0048] In addition, to facilitate the installation of the filter element 7, a filter cartridge support 13 is provided inside the dust cup 2. The top of the filter cartridge support 13 is connected to the main unit 1 and forms a seal. A filter screen 15 is provided on the side wall of the filter cartridge support 13. The filter element 7 is located inside the filter cartridge support 13, and there is a certain gap between the filter element 7 and the filter screen 15. External dust and gas enter the filter element 7 after passing through the filter screen 15. The bottom surface of the filter element 7 is not fixed; it is only secured by the connection between the top of the filter element 7 and the main unit 1. The filter screen 15 can be made of stainless steel mesh or other materials. The filter screen surrounds the filter element, which is located inside. The holes on the filter screen are larger than the holes on the filter element, forming a coarse filter. External dust and gas first pass through the filter screen, which blocks larger impurities. The internal filter element mainly filters smaller substances such as dust and impurities.

[0049] The lower end of the filter cartridge support 13 can extend to the bottom of the dust cup 2. The filter cartridge support 13 is hollow axially inside. During installation, the filter element can be assembled and connected to the main unit first, and then the filter cartridge support can be installed to house the filter element.

[0050] The main unit 1 is equipped with a motor bracket 14, and the blower motor 8 is installed inside the motor bracket 14. The motor bracket 14 extends into the channel 12 and can be integrally formed with the main unit 1. The motor bracket 14 can be cylindrical with openings on the side walls to facilitate airflow.

[0051] The blower motor 8 includes an inner shell 82 and an outer shell 81, which are connected by connecting ribs. An air duct 9 is formed between the inner shell 82 and the outer shell 81. The stator, rotor, fan blades, and other necessary components for operation are installed in the inner shell. The outer surface of the outer shell is tightly fitted to the inner wall of the motor bracket. A gap exists between the lower end of the blower motor and the bottom surface of the filter element to ensure normal gas flow and normal blowing.

[0052] During vacuuming, external dust enters the dust cup through the inlet pipe, then passes through the filter 15, enters the channel 12, enters the main unit 1 through the suction port 11, and is finally discharged from the exhaust port 4 of the main unit 1. After vacuuming stops, the blower motor 8 can be started to blow air. The air blows directly onto the surface of the filter element 7, or blows to other locations and bounces before blowing onto the filter element 7, cleaning the filter element surface. The air is blown from the inner surface of the filter element 7 outward, thus removing dust and impurities attached to the filter element surface and cleaning the filter element.

[0053] Example 2

[0054] Referring to Figures 1-5, based on Embodiment 1, the dust cup 2 is equipped with a vibration cleaning mechanism. This vibration cleaning mechanism is connected to the control component, and drives the filter element to vibrate. A separate vibration control button can be provided on the main unit or handle to start or stop the vibration cleaning mechanism.

[0055] The vibration cleaning mechanism includes a vibration motor 16 and an eccentric wheel 17. The eccentric wheel 17 is connected to the drive shaft of the vibration motor 16. The vibration motor 16 drives the eccentric wheel 17 to rotate, intermittently contacting the filter element 7 to cause it to vibrate. The bottom surface of the filter element 7 is provided with a bottom cover 18, and a support column 19 is provided in the bottom cover 18. The eccentric wheel 17 is located on the side of the support column 19. The bottom cover 18 is inside the filter cartridge support 13 but does not contact the inner wall of the support 13, having a certain gap to facilitate the swinging of the bottom cover 18. The vibration motor 16 drives the eccentric wheel 17 to rotate, periodically contacting the support column 19, causing the filter element 7 to vibrate. Both the eccentric wheel 17 and the support column 19 can be made of silicone or other elastic materials. Each time the eccentric wheel collides with the support column, it causes the bottom cover to swing slightly, thus causing the filter element as a whole to swing slightly. The range of this swing is selected according to the size of the product and the space available after the filter element is assembled; only the contact stroke between the eccentric wheel and the support column needs to be set.

[0056] Alternatively, the eccentric wheel may periodically collide with the filter element, causing it to vibrate. This could be by directly impacting the sidewall or the top edge of the filter element. Of course, using a support pillar to cause impact on the bottom cover of the filter element yields the best vibration effect, based on leverage and force transmission. Vibrations on the sidewall or top of the filter element, however, are less effective because the vibration point is closer to the fixed position at the top.

[0057] Based on the set periodic frequency, rapid interval collisions are achieved, forming a resonance-like effect, which can shake off the dust and impurities attached to the surface of the filter element.

[0058] When assembling the vibratory motor, it can be installed together with the blower motor in the motor bracket. However, during assembly, the available space must be considered, and a vibratory motor of appropriate size should be selected to avoid interference with the blower motor. For example, the blower motor can extend downwards to the middle of the filter element, while the support column is located at the bottom of the filter element. The eccentric wheel of the vibratory motor can then be located in the area below the lower end of the blower motor, thus avoiding mutual interference.

[0059] Example 3

[0060] Referring to Figures 1-3 and 6, based on Embodiment 1, the vibration cleaning mechanism can also have another structure, including a vibration cylinder 20 and a top block 21. The top block 21 is connected to the piston of the vibration cylinder 20. The vibration cylinder drives the top block to extend and retract, colliding with the filter element and thus causing the filter element to vibrate. The rapid extension and retraction of the cylinder causes the top block to collide with the filter element at a frequency, achieving a resonance effect and playing a role in shaking off dust.

[0061] The vibration cylinder is set horizontally, driving the top block to collide with the filter element from a horizontal direction, which can be from the side wall of the filter element or other positions; or the vibration cylinder is set vertically, driving the top block to collide with the filter element from a vertical direction, and impacting the bottom cover 18 on the bottom surface of the filter element 7 to achieve vibration.

[0062] The vibratory cylinder can be installed inside the motor bracket, as long as it does not interfere with the blower motor.

[0063] The blower motor, vibratory motor, or vibratory cylinder can all share the power module within the main unit. The names "blower motor," "vibratory motor," or "vibratory cylinder" here are for ease of distinction only and do not refer to specific models of motors or cylinders.

[0064] This invention allows the filter to perform a self-cleaning operation after each vacuuming cycle. Alternatively, it can be performed after several vacuuming cycles, depending on the user's preference.

[0065] In practical use, when self-cleaning of filter element 7 is required, the blower motor 8 can be activated separately. The blower motor 8 is directly installed in the channel 12 between filter element 7 and air inlet 11, blowing air towards filter element 7. The air flows from the inner surface of filter element 7 to the outside, blowing off dust and impurities adhering to its surface. Alternatively, the vibration cleaning mechanism can be activated first, causing the filter element to vibrate and shake off surface dust and impurities. Then, the blower motor can be activated to blow away the dust, preventing it from re-adhering to the filter element surface and thus achieving a self-cleaning effect. This eliminates the need for frequent filter element removal for cleaning or replacement, saving on operating costs and improving the user experience.

[0066] It should be noted that the above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. However, any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A vacuum cleaner with a self-cleaning function, characterized in that, include: Dust cup, with an air inlet connected to an air inlet pipe; The main unit includes a suction component and a control component. The main unit has an air outlet and a suction port. The dust cup is connected to the main unit, and the suction component is connected to the control component. The filter element is installed inside the dust cup. A channel is formed between the filter element and the air inlet of the main unit. External dust enters the dust cup through the air inlet pipe, flows through the filter element, enters the main unit, and is discharged from the air outlet of the main unit. The dust blowing cleaning mechanism is located in the channel between the filter element and the main unit. The dust blowing cleaning mechanism blows out cleaning air, which passes through the filter element and blows off the dust and impurities on the surface of the filter element.

2. The vacuum cleaner with self-cleaning function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The channel formed between the filter element and the air intake of the main unit is a sealed space, and gas can only pass through the filter element.

3. The vacuum cleaner with self-cleaning function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The channel formed between the filter element and the air intake of the main unit has a gap, through which gas passes.

4. The vacuum cleaner with self-cleaning function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dust cup is equipped with a filter cartridge support. The top of the filter cartridge support is connected to the main unit. The side wall of the filter cartridge support is equipped with a filter screen. The filter element is located inside the filter cartridge support. External dust and gas pass through the filter screen and then through the filter element.

5. The vacuum cleaner with self-cleaning function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dust blowing cleaning mechanism includes a blower motor, and the blower motor has an air duct that runs through both ends of the blower motor.

6. The vacuum cleaner with self-cleaning function according to claim 5, characterized in that, The main unit is equipped with a motor bracket, and the blower motor is installed inside the motor bracket, which extends into the channel.

7. The vacuum cleaner with self-cleaning function according to claim 5, characterized in that, The blower motor includes an inner shell and an outer shell, which are connected by a connecting rib, and an air duct is formed between the inner shell and the outer shell.

8. The vacuum cleaner with self-cleaning function according to claim 1, characterized in that, The dust cup is equipped with a vibration cleaning mechanism, which is connected to the control component and drives the filter element to vibrate.

9. The vacuum cleaner with self-cleaning function according to claim 8, characterized in that, The vibration cleaning mechanism includes a vibration motor and an eccentric wheel. The eccentric wheel is connected to the drive shaft of the vibration motor. The vibration motor drives the eccentric wheel to rotate and contact the filter element gap, causing the filter element to vibrate.

10. The vacuum cleaner with self-cleaning function according to claim 9, characterized in that, The bottom surface of the filter element is provided with a bottom cover, and a support column is provided in the bottom cover. An eccentric wheel is located on the side of the support column. The vibration motor drives the eccentric wheel to rotate and periodically touch the support column, causing the filter element to vibrate; or the eccentric wheel directly touches the filter element periodically, causing the filter element to vibrate.

11. The vacuum cleaner with self-cleaning function according to claim 8, characterized in that, The vibration cleaning mechanism includes a vibration cylinder and a top block. The top block is connected to the piston of the vibration cylinder. The vibration cylinder drives the top block to extend and retract, colliding with the filter element and thus causing the filter element to vibrate.

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