Cleaning unit for a suction nozzle or a cleaning robot

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cleaning units for underground surfaces either compromise on marginal cleaning or energy efficiency, particularly for battery-operated devices, where good edge cleaning and efficient energy use are mutually exclusive.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning unit with at least two rotatable working bodies directly connected to an electric motor, eliminating the need for a gearbox, allowing both working bodies to rotate in parallel and facilitating easier brush exchange and improved cleaning performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If a single working body is directly driven by the motor, then energy efficiency is improved, but edge cleaning capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy efficiencyVSAvoidedge cleaning capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The single working body is segmented into two separate working bodies (first working body and second working body), each directly driven by the motor. This segmentation allows each working body to independently clean different areas, with the second working body specifically addressing edge cleaning needs while maintaining the energy efficiency benefits of direct drive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a gearbox is used to drive the working body, then edge cleaning capability is improved, but energy efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveedge cleaning capabilityVSAvoidenergy efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The drive system is segmented into two independent direct-drive paths from the motor to each working body, eliminating the need for a gearbox. This segmentation allows the system to achieve edge cleaning capability through the arrangement and configuration of the two working bodies rather than through mechanical advantage from a gearbox, thereby maintaining high energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of repair

If brush working body is made detachable for easy exchange, then maintenance ease is improved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrush exchange easeVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each working body is designed as a detachable module that can be independently removed and replaced. The first working body and second working body are both configured with detachable connections to the motor, allowing users to exchange brushes without disassembling the entire device. This modular segmentation simplifies maintenance while keeping the structural complexity localized to the connection interfaces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This design enhances energy efficiency, prolongs battery life in battery-operated devices, reduces operating speed for better acoustic properties, and simplifies brush exchange, resulting in improved cleaning performance and longer device lifespan.

Implementation Method 1

The motor is designed as an electric motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4176788B1Cleaning unit for a suction nozzle or a cleaning robot
Publication Date: 2025.02.12 VORWERK & CO INTERHOLDING GMBH
  • EP4176788B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4176788B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4176788B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a cleaning unit (1) for a device (2) for cleaning a surface, comprising at least one motor (3) and at least one first working element (4), wherein the first working element (4) is connectable to the motor (3) such that the first working element (4) can be directly rotated by the motor (3). A cleaning unit (1) for a device (2) for cleaning a surface, in which both good edge cleaning with simplified brush changes and simultaneously increased energy efficiency are ensured, is realized by providing at least one second working element (5), and by connecting the second working element (5) to the motor (3) such that the second working element (5) can be directly rotated by the motor (3). The invention further relates to a suction nozzle and a cleaning device.