Cleaning apparatus and vacuum cleaner

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vacuum cleaners require cumbersome disassembly and reassembly to switch between different cleaning members, making the process inconvenient and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

A cleaning apparatus with a rotatable cleaning assembly and a switching mechanism that allows for easy switching between first and second cleaning members by rotating the assembly to move one member to the cleaning position, utilizing a guide member, elastic pushing member, and operating member to create a movable space and apply forces for positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a fixing structure is used to secure cleaning members, then the cleaning members can be firmly fixed, but switching between cleaning members requires disassembly and reassembly which is troublesome

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSwitching operationVSAvoidFixing structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning assembly is made rotatable relative to the housing, allowing the cleaning members to be dynamically repositioned between a cleaning position and a storage position. This dynamic configuration eliminates the need for disassembly and reassembly, as users can simply rotate the assembly to switch between cleaning members.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cleaning assembly is segmented into multiple cleaning members arranged side by side, with each member independently positionable. This segmentation allows individual cleaning members to be selectively brought into the cleaning position while others remain in storage, enabling quick switching without affecting the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If multiple cleaning members are arranged side by side, then switching becomes convenient, but space is required for the movable space

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCleaning member switchingVSAvoidMovable space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning members are arranged in a lateral dimension side by side, rather than requiring sequential positioning in the same space. This dimensional arrangement allows multiple cleaning members to occupy compact space while remaining accessible through rotation, minimizing the required movable space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the cleaning assembly is made rotatable, then switching between cleaning members is easy, but a switching mechanism is required to create movable space

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveCleaning member switchingVSAvoidSwitching mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switching mechanism is merged with the rotatable cleaning assembly itself, where the rotation operation simultaneously achieves both the switching function and creates the necessary movable space. This integration eliminates the need for separate switching mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables convenient and efficient switching between cleaning members without the need for disassembly, improving user experience and reducing operational time.

Implementation Method 1

the first elastic pushing member is configured to apply pushing force to the first guide member so that the first guide member has a tendency of moving along a first direction and the cleaning assembly has a tendency of moving away from the blocking body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the operating member is configured to apply pulling force to the first guide member through the first pulling member so that the first guide member has a tendency of moving along a second direction opposite to the first direction, and the cleaning assembly has a tendency of moving towards the blocking body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTensile force: Tension

Data Source

PatentEP3987991B1Cleaning apparatus and vacuum cleaner
Publication Date: 2024.09.25 GREE ELECTRIC APPLIANCE INC OF ZHUHAI
  • EP3987991B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3987991B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3987991B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Some embodiments of the present invention provide a cleaning apparatus (10) and a vacuum cleaner (1). The vacuum cleaner (1) has the cleaning apparatus (10). The cleaning apparatus (10) includes a housing (100) and a cleaning assembly (200). The cleaning assembly (200) is rotatably provided at the housing (100). The cleaning assembly (200) includes a first cleaning member (210) and a second cleaning member (220) arranged in parallel to the first cleaning member (210). The cleaning assembly (200) can be operated to rotate so as to selectively move the first cleaning member (210) or the second cleaning member (220) to a cleaning position. When the floor cleaning member needs to be switched from the first cleaning member (210) to the second cleaning member (220), the cleaning assembly (200) can be operated to rotate to a certain angle to move the second cleaning member (220) to the cleaning position. The invention is convenient to operate.